What a pleasant surprise! I thought I heard the doorbell but I wasn't certain. I thought I better check, especially on a night like this when it's so wet and windy----I wouldn't like to think I had left anyone standing on the doorstep to catch their death. Come in! Come in! Quickly! Let me shut this door and keep out the draught. Oh dear, let me take your coat! I'll hang it up so that it may dry a little. Is that snow I can see on it? Winter's grip is certainly tenacious this year! Give me your scarf, I'll hang that up too, we'll put your gloves by the hearth to dry them out. But come in by the fire and get yourself warm, you must be frozen! Give me your hands...oh, they're like two blocks of ice! The wind out there would cut a person in two.
You need to call a tow service? I'm not the least bit surprised your mobile isn't working. We don't get very good reception this far from the city. And I'm terribly afraid the lines were knocked out by the storm. But perhaps they'll be reconnected soon, then of course you can use the telephone.
Can I get you a drink while you wait? Let me see, I should have a rather fine malt here in my cabinet, I'm sure of it. Ah yes, here it is! A little dusty. Now, I shall pour and we shall get comfortable and forget about the the snow outside. Sit down! No, take my seat, it's nearer the fire. Move it closer if you need to. Don't be shy, we don't stand on ceremony here. Let me fix your drink. You just relax. Tell me, where did you abandon your car? Is it far from here? Near a frozen lake...oh I know exactly the place. The snow has a habit of drifting up there. How fortunate you decided to leave it. You'd be under six feet of snow come the morning. People are often lost that way in these parts.
There you are...whoops, I see your hands are cold still, have you got the glass now? I would hate to waste such a fine drink on my old carpets. Me? A drink such as that would be wasted on me, but I urge you to enjoy it. That's it. Ahhhh, you approve? I thought you might. As soon as I saw you I thought you had good taste. It's the way you dress, you see. I can tell at once. The cut of your jacket, the style of your skirt. It isn't often these days that you see one so young exhibiting so much grace. Are you on your way somewhere? A Valentine's dinner? I imagine you must have been heading for the inn at the end of the old highway. There's nowhere else in the area to eat. I should know. They lost a great deal of business when the bypass came in. Now they only get wayward travellers and the odd romantic tryst.
And who were you going to meet? A loved one, I presume. Oh, how delightful. I can't remember the last time I saw a young lady blush. Shame seems to be such an old fashioned trait. Not that you should feel ashamed, I hasten to add! I didn't mean to imply it. Please don't be offended. I can see I've hurt your feelings. I won't say another word until you promise to forgive me. Ah, you're kind to an old soul. Thank you.
You're still shivering. Let me stoke the fire. There. I'm so used to the cold by now that it can be hard to remember other people are not so immune. What can you be, no more than twenty? You're twenty-three? I was close. I'm good at guessing ages. I won't ask you to guess mine. No one ever gets it right. Oh my dear, you make me smile! It's kind of you to say such a thing. I admit I am blessed with good skin which hides a good deal of my age. I put it down to a simple diet and plenty of exercise.
I can see you look a little distracted. No doubt you're thinking about your loved one at the inn. They'll be worrying about you and little wonder. Driving around in a storm like this? Even on Valentine's Day? You must have been very eager. I take it you haven't been together long. Not that I would dare criticize. It's not for me to say, it's only that so many relationships pall after a time. People grow comfortable in each others' presence. But to drive through a blizzard for dinner...that shows commitment. And not being from this area you weren't to know what the storms could be like. They blow in very quickly even at this time of year and with tremendous power. It always takes people by surprise.
Well, I can most certainly check the telephone again but I wouldn't hold out much hope. Without wanting to alarm you I can almost guarantee you won't be seeing your loved one tonight. But rest assured, you are welcome at my home. We like to be neighbourly in these parts.
Pardon me? You heard a noise? Goodness, it made you jump, didn't it? You've gone quite pale. I wouldn't be concerned though, it might only be a loose shutter. The wind plays havoc with the old house. I didn't hear anything myself, but then I'm half deaf these days, and didn't I nearly leave you standing outside because I couldn't hear the bell? What an old fool I am.
Not like a loose shutter? Some other sound eh? You've got me stumped, unless a window has blown open upstairs and knocked something over. Like a growl you say? I don't know how that could be when it is only you and I at home. Excuse me a moment and I'll check. No, no, there's no need for the both of us to go. I'll only be a minute or two. You just sit back and warm yourself by the fire. No doubt your blood feels like ice, and we can't have that. It won't do at all.
* * *
Well I had a thorough look around but there was nothing there. I'm sure it's just the wind in the eaves. These old houses really do make some funny noises, I can tell you. If you're not used to it some of them can give you quite a turn. But as long as you're with me you'll be quite safe. I checked the telephone again on my way past and my fears are confirmed. The line is still down. I see you've finished your drink. Are you feeling better for it? Perhaps you might like another? You might as well. It could be a long night. There you are. And if you don't mind me saying you're looking much healthier now. You've a delightful colour to your cheeks. The bloom of youth. It does my heart good to see it. There aren't a lot of young people in these parts and I do like a little vibrant company from time-to-time. It keeps me young.
And what do you do for a living? I take it you've come down from the city? With a face as pretty as yours you could be a model. Oh, how delightful, you're blushing again! Don't be embarrassed, it really is very fetching. A secretary, you say? I imagine your employee doesn't get a great deal of work done...hah, forgive my poor sense of humour. I only meant he must be distracted. You really do have a very charming figure. Such lovely big breasts and delightfully rounded hips. I can tell you aren't one of these girls starving themselves to death. So appalling.
But you're smiling now. A private joke, perhaps? Would you care to share? Oh no, I'm not easily shocked. Here, let me fill your glass again. You seem to have taken a liking to my malt. I'm glad. I don't often get to share it. That's it. Drink it down. What a delightful giggle you have. Oh I see, I get the joke, I understand why you would smile. You were meeting your employer for dinner! Humourous indeed. But why all the way out here? Unless...oh yes, it makes perfect sense. You wouldn't want people to know. It might get awkward at work. People might think he favours you. You'd be very unpopular in the lunch room. They might not consider you trustworthy. They might think you'd give away secrets about the things they say when you're lying on his desk with your legs in the air.
Forgive me, I go too far. I didn't mean to sound strident. It is quite your own business and I did ask. You have every reason to frown. I've never been known for my tact.
You heard another noise again? No, no. I assure you I checked. We are quite alone.
So tell me, is your employer married? Oh, just a wild guess. It seems a great deal of effort to come all this way just to avoid being seen. Perhaps there are rooms at the inn. Did he suggest if you had too much to drink you might stay the night? He could put it down to business expenses, and tell his wife he was out of town. He might just happen to have an overnight bag in the boot of his car, for emergencies. I know the type. Always prepared.
You're looking tired, my dear. I think I've talked enough. Why don't I show you to your room? You'll be very comfortable. Just this way. Bring your drink if you like.