I don't want a lot for Christmas, there's just one thing I need

[austenianhorror]

*Tall and undeniably elegant, the tree dominates the room. Live fairies playfully roving within the inner branches like schools of luminescent fish, giving the evergreen an almost alien, restless quality. A dozen floating candles bob around the festive centrepiece, some having even traversed waywardly into the further reaches of the parlour. In the warm, wavering light, Victoria Higgs sits primly, half engulfed by an enormous, fir-green gown. Wine has loosened her posture and as a consequence her hands rest easily at her sides, brushing Regulus's legs. Tellingly, the adults have long left the newly-engaged couple to themselves, only their distant chatter emanating in from another room.

There's an expectant half-smile on Victoria's lips - it speaks of obligations, seasonal cheer and desire.*