A Small Place in Yorkshire

 Mary came walking into the room with a tray of refreshments. Cold as well as hot. 'I will just place this down and bring in some food.' Mary placed the tray down on the table situated between Harriett's and Julian's chairs, right in front of the fire. The cold drinks would not stay cold for long. Julian was still thinking of the owner of the singing. Maybe it was Mary singing as she made her way to the room. Yes, it must have been. Mary was making her way to the table with a tray full of sandwiches and cake. Julian thought he had never seen anything as nice and tempting. His stomach was agreeing with him. 'Thank you so much. You have a soft singing voice Mary. Very pleasant to hear after the unpleasantness of being outside.' Mary looked at Julian with confusion. 'I am sorry sir, but I wasn't singing.' She chuckled at the thought. 'I do not think you would be saying that my voice was pleasant if you heard it.' Harriett started to laugh at thi

  Harriett settled down in the chair, looked at Julian and smiled. 'You should really take your coat off. You will warm up much better without it on'. Julian had not even realised he was still wearing it. He was so eager to get inside for comfort. He could not even remember carrying his bag into the house. You get so used to some items like that that they become an extension of your body. His bag was at the side of his chair where he must have placed it when first arriving. Julian started to take his coat off and his body reminded him of just how much work it had actually done recently. Muscles were starting to talk and not responding to what he was telling them. He managed to take his coat off; Harriett saw that he had struggled as watched him intently. 'Just lay your coat next to the fire, it will dry quicker'. Julian laid his coat next to his chair, 'I had forgotten how much I had walked; my body is now telling me.' He smiled and looked over to Harriett. '

  The fire crackled loudly, but the wind outside could be heard over everything. It's screams sounded relentless and Julian was pleased that he was now sat indoors, in front a fire, resting and ready to welcome refreshments. From where he was sat he could hear the footsteps approaching him. He turned ready to find Harriett coming back into the room laden with refreshments and food, but no. No one entered the room and the footsteps had stopped at the back of his chair. Julian leaned over the back of the chair but could see no one. Nights like this will make you imagine everything and nothing. 'Mary will bring up some refreshments for us and I have asked her not to skimp on anything', Harriett exclaimed as she entered the room. Julian smiled up at her as she moved in front of him to join him in front of the fire in the chair opposite. 'Wonderful, it will be heartily received' Julian exclaimed smiling at Harriett. He was very much looking forward to the goods Mary woul

  Harriett ushered Julian to a large armchair situated near to the fire; 'Come, sit down and rest. Warm yourself. I will organise a hot beverage for you; I am sure you would welcome that!' 'Thank you,' uttered Julian. His voice sounded a little hoarse and he tried to clear his throat with light sporadic coughs. He had not spoken to anyone for a while and his voice felt unfamiliar to him, a strange sound to his ears. Julian eased himself down onto the chair as Harriett left the room, presumably to organise drinks and maybe food; Julian was hoping for a bite to eat. Hunger was beginning to rise. Those who looked on felt the same hunger, whether it was for food or other nourishment.........................

  Stepping inside gave warmth and relief to Julian. Warmth he felt from the heat within the house and finally relief for being able to rest. Inside everything looked as it should be; familiar surroundings, comfort, everything in it's place and the right people to welcome him in. 'Well, come on through and sit in front of the fire. You made it on a night like tonight; I think that is an achievement in itself!' Harriett Milner was such a welcome sight for Julian. He didn't respond, but just smiled, following her through to the sitting room to be greeted by a large fire fiercely glowing in a room considered by many too extensive for a usual sitting room. His gaze went to Harriett; oh how he had missed her. Her delicate frame and features would fool anyone into thinking that she had no power, but Julian knew that her power came from within and was a force to not be taken lightly........................

  The knocks on the door seemed to echo around even though the sound of the wind was increasing. Julian waited for the door to be answered, but no one came. He knocked again and stepped back. He could see a light glowing in a lower floor room and just hoped that they could hear him through the increasing sound of the wind. The mist was getting thicker and started to envelope around him. It seemed as though arms were caressing him, keeping him  safe from the wind. The door was finally answered. Julian stepped back up to the door. He smiled as he saw a familiar face.  'Julian! Oh my, you better come in! How lovely to see you!' Julian stepped over the threshold to greet the tenant of the house. Tired legs and feet were finally going to be able to rest. Those watching smiled as he entered................. 

  Anyone looking from the outside the house on this night would welcome the comfort and warmth of what the building could potentially offer. Mist is starting to encroach now and those looking for shelter had limited time to find it as the wind had decided to become stronger in it's force and intensity to match the strength of the mist. Boots came across the grass destroying the little footprints that had become before them, not even noticing them, intent on going forward. Tired legs belonged to them and were ready to rest and become still for a time.  Knocking on the door, Julian Swire, was hoping for a pleasant, restful welcome. He was unaware of those looking on and their idea of a welcome..........

  The wind howled like a banshee. Too many times had it done this and too many times had it been heard. It swayed around the building, the trees and all the objects it came near with infinite speed and accuracy; careful not to damage, but just unrest those in it's path and earshot. Outside was dark with the exception of a full moon glaring down and making natural light to those who ventured out, if they dare. The house stood still with its gables and turrets staying strong despite the screaming of the wind and it's speed. Little footprints appeared in the dewy grass forming as they were trodden. No person to be seen but footprints manifesting. Across the grass, onto gravel up to the main door. The door did not open but welcomed it's visitor silently and in stillness. Oh, a night like this is welcomed and loved by the many. A night like this is feared and repulsed by the few............................