Chapter 2 - A Stolen Moment

In the weeks following Fred's departure, his thoughts often strayed to Victoria as university lectures and social events failed to hold his full attention. Her shy smile and gentle nature remained etched in his mind, becoming the small ray of sunshine brightening his days abroad.

Letters were exchanged between the friends, with David keeping Fred abreast of events back home. One missive brought news which caused Fred's heart to soar – Victoria had been granted a Sunday pass from her duties to attend service in the village. He hastened to purchase tickets, determined that fate had provided the opportunity he longed for to see his flower again.

Arriving unannounced at the manor late one Saturday, Fred hoped to surprise Victoria on the morrow. His friend greeted him warmly, delighting in Fred's eagerness to reunite with the maid. "I believe she's working in the west gardens at present if you wish to say hello," David suggested with a knowing look.

Fred hurried outside, rounding the edge of the manor until glimpsing Victoria upon her hands and knees, carefully weeding flowerbeds. Lost in concentration, she did not notice his approach until a familiar voice called her name. Startled, she sprang up in haste only to lose her footing on the uneven ground.

Swift as lightning, Fred rushed forward and caught Victoria in his arms before she hit the dirt. For a long moment they gazed at each other in surprise, her rapid breaths mingling with his as their hearts pounded in tandem. Unshed tears glistened in Victoria's eyes at beholding the man who had occupied her dreams since their parting, and in a sudden rush of feeling she buried her face against his chest.

Holding her close, Fred gently soothed Victoria until her tremors subsided. Reluctantly releasing her petite form, he took her hands in his and gazed earnestly into her misty eyes. "Please, say you are glad to see me returned safe and well."

"Oh Fred, of course I am!" Victoria whispered fervently. "Your letters have been my only joy these many weeks gone. Yet I dared not hope we might meet again so soon."

Seeing the sun sinking low in the sky, Fred grew desperate not to waste a moment of their precious time together. "Dearest Victoria, will you take a turn about the gardens with me? I find I have much I wish to say, and little time to say it."

She nodded shyly, permitting him to tuck her hand into the crook of his elbow as they strolled amongst roses, irises and memories mingling on the breeze. Taking courage from her gentle company, Fred opened his heart and confessed his deep feelings which had only strengthened over their separation. "You are constantly in my thoughts, Victoria. Your kindness and beauty outshine any other, and I find myself hoping that in time, you may come to care for me as I do you."

Pausing beneath an archway heavy with blossoms, Victoria lifted her face to his. "My heart has been yours since that first night, Fred. Though circumstance keeps us apart, know that you are my light pointing the way through any darkness."

On an impulse of joy, Fred leaned down to claim Victoria's lips in a tender kiss. Her soft sigh warmed his soul as they embraced under the fading sun, lost to the world save for each other. Yet all too soon, duty called them to separate once more, leaving in its wake the impossible dream of a future brighter than any vision of grandeur.,