"It's one of the best things about the season," Elizabeth said in agreement. "Some people are driven out of their minds by the silence of winter, you know? But I find the calm soothing. Especially with the chaos of current events. I only wish they would let us out for an hour or two, it would be nice to take a walk in the fresh air and snow."
Despite her words, Elizabeth smiled in satisfaction. It was gratifying to know that she had not let her love for the cold and the composure of this time of year fade. Almost as pleasing as it was to see her new companion blushing as he introduced himself. She felt a twinge of guilt thinking that she had caught him off guard. When, in fact, she was oblivious instead to the notion that it was her feminine disposition that set his face aflame.
"Well, Gideon, it's nice to meet someone who appreciates the first grace of snow as much as I do. I am Elizabeth," she said with another smile, this one more pleasant and gracious than the last.