. . . a more luxuriously low-key weekend would not have been possible, for this time, [and the first in quite some time], there were no set plans, travel or otherwise — only half-thoughts, whims & fancies, all fallen by the wayside, in favour of easy mornings and elegant dinners, the blustery romance of autumn at every turn and candlelight against dark windowpanes on early evenings, and later, ambling walks, leather boots and leaves, long cashmere scarves and very warm thoughts . . .
. . . such excitement for what lies ahead . . . always a little sentimental at New Year’s, and...