"Grandmama!"

Katherine Whitesworth smiled wide as she turned in her high back chair by the fireplace to see her two favorite grandchildren come rushing in from the cold outside. As their small bodies leapt into her lap, the old duchess looked to see her daughter Elizabeth and her husband Henry Shawstone step in, their faces aglow with smiles covering slight apologetic winces. But Kathrine didn't mind. She smiled at them before turning to the children, their dark locks speckled with rapidly melting white specks.

"How many times must I tell you children, you will catch your death if you do not wear your winter hats."

Little Lottie Mae at the age of eight shook her head with mirth dancing in her eyes, her long curly hair bouncing very much like her mothers would when she was her age. Katherine couldn't help but reach out and tuck a lock behind the young girl's ear as she spoke animatedly.

"Oh, but how can one catch their death if they are too busy catching snow! Oh Grandmama, it's like magic! They fall like little fairies, so small but so pretty."

Katherine's second grandchild, Nicholas James, spoke up, his little voice just as excited as his big sister's. "Papa says it sticks and we have white Christmas!"

Lottie nodded smiling as she looked over at her parents who now entered the parlor, their winter clothing shed as well as their nervous looks. Elizabeth sat across from her mother, reaching out for her children as Henry came to sit next to his wife on the soft settee. Before Katherine released her grandchildren, Lottie and Nicholas reached up and kissed the Duchess on her cheek, giving the older woman bright smiles.

Elizabeth took Nicholas on her lap as Lottie set herself between her parents, Henry placing a fatherly hand around her shoulders. Katherine smiled at the picture she saw in front of her, a small tear escaping the corner of her eye.

Elizabeth's brows pinched as she looked at her mother. "Are you alright, mother? Do you need me to fetch Jane? Perhaps we should not have come."

The Duchess wiped at her single tear with a wave of nonchalance, a bright smile lighting up her face. "Never you mind dear. My joy tends to leak from time to time."

Nicholas looked up at his mother, his voice coming out in a loud whisper, his hand coming up to his mouth but hiding his words in the wrong direction. "She likes the snow too, mama."

The Shawstone parents laughed gently, the children smiling unknowingly as the Duchess nodded in agreement.

"Yes dear, that's precisely what it is." Katherine adjusted the blanket that was draped across her lap. "Now, do tell me, what is it you are most excited about this holiday season?"

"PRESENTS!" both children yelled gleefully as they clapped their hands.

All three adults laughed, nodding in agreement. Henry looked at Lottie, placing a loose strand of hair back into her twist despite it slowly falling apart.

"Presents are wonderful and all, but I am sure there was something you wanted to ask your grandmama for this year."

Nicholas piped up, his eyes wide. "A new rocking horse?"

Lottie giggled shaking her head. "No, I want a story!"

Katherine raised her gray brows, her mind already starting to swirl with sweet Christmas stories to tell the little children. Elizabeth shifted Nicholas to her other lap as he pouted, mumbling something about not wanting a silly old story. Gently, she brushed some unseen lint from his little suit, smiling sweetly at him.

"Well, there are plenty of stories of uncle Charlie and I that I'm sure grandmama would love to tell you."

But before Katherine could suggest such a story, Lottie shook her head. Hopping off the settee, the young girl made her way back to the Duchess, placing a small hand on her fire warmed knee, her big brown eyes with a hint of gold flickering in the firelight, full of wonder and yearning.

"I wish to hear the story of the Three Strangers."

The room fell quiet save for the crackling of the fire and the whipping winds outside. Elizabeth and Henry looked to Katherine with worry, little Nicholas unknown to their discomfort enlisted by the question. But the older woman wasn't as taken aback as she was pleased to be reminded of such a tale. Looking down at the girl before her, Katherine reached over and placed a slightly shaking hand over the little ones, patting it gently.

"You surprise me, child. How is it you know of that story?"

"Uncle Charlie said something about it last time he was with us. I overheard him telling mama that you promised to tell it someday. Can that day be today? Please?"

Katherine smiled as Elizabeth shook her head at her brother's loose conversation. Henry called for Lottie to come sit down, giving Katherine time to gather her thoughts. With a heavy sigh, heavy with what, she wasn't exactly sure, but trepidation was one of them.

Leaning back in her chair, the Duchess of Doverkane closed her eyes and let out a slow breath. But as she opened her eyes again, she smiled. She prepared herself to delve into the story she didn't think she would ever tell again. Serves Charlie right for not being here while she told it, he can wait a bit longer to hear it again if he's so insistent on it.

"Mother, there is no need if you do not wish to tell it. Perhaps we can wait until Charlie returns and he can tell it in the patched together way as he does," came Henry's voice, gentle and soft like a warm blanket in the winter, a reminder why she knew him to be such a good match for Elizabeth.

Katherine gave him a sweet smile. "You sweet man. I would be glad to tell it. Charlie can wait for next time." Turning her gaze to the children, she leaned forward and widened her eyes with a hit of mischief and mystery. "Now, dear children, be sure to pay close attention. You are old enough to understand some but not all will make sense until you are much older."

Lottie and Nicholas nodded in awe, completely transfixed on the woman whom they came to worship and project as a woman of great mystery and wisdom.

"One winter day in a small town in our great country, there were three strangers who were about to meet in the most unusual way. It was cold, just like today. Snow fell from the ground and the streets were busy with Christmas shoppers, their arms laden with parcels and packages."

The first man was one whom everyone knew was most surely well off. He wore only the best of clothes, his chain on his waistcoat shining gold as he walked the streets. A new hat sat atop his head, his hair the most luxurious color of gold. A hand reached up to twist the end of his mustache as his other hand clicked his crystal tipped cane across the sidewalk. He never made eye contact with anyone save to glower at them with his icy blue gaze for getting in his way or coming to close and pressing against his clothes."

He had just purchased the most beautiful dress for his wife. A dress that he knew she had always wanted with the finest fabric and shiniest beads. But as he left the dress shop, he ran into a young woman with dirt on her face and rags for clothes. The man sneered, his hands holding the dress box far from the dirty woman as he walked around her. But she held out her hands, cupped and shaking as she went after him."

'Please sir, spare a coin. Jus' a coin fer some bread.'"

The man shook his head, shoo-ing her off with his hand as he looked away. "Begone filth. No one can help you.'"

The woman sagged at his words, watching him saunter off with the fine dress for his wife. The woman looked around, her heart heavy with despair while her stomach grumbled with hunger. Her hair fell into her face despite the weak ribbon that kept most of her stringy brown hair off her neck. Yellowing teeth hid being cracked and bleeding lips, dry from the cold wind. Her boots had seen better days, her toes just a breath away from peeking through. Save for a measly wrap riddled with holes that laid around her shoulders, she had nothing else with her."

The weak woman watched as another man came from the same shop, but he looked exponentially kinder than the one before. He held a much smaller gift, his eyes glowing with pride as he gazed at it. He paused a moment to hold a door open for an elderly couple, tipping his hat at them before wishing them a Merry Christmas. With a slight smile still on his lips, he turned to go down the street but paused. Behind his round spectacles were kind hazel eyes that came to stop on the begging woman."

She tried to shirk away as he approached but he paused, his brows raised in kindness as he slowly approached. Reaching into his modest waistcoat he pulled out two coins, their surfaces shining in the light of the streetlamp. He took a step closer, apart of his dark hair falling into his face as he nodded to the woman."

Katherine held her hand out like she was handing someone something small.

"'Don't be afraid.' said the man, 'I mean no harm. You may have these.'"

The woman looked up at him tentatively, her dark brown eyes brimmed with tears of hope. Slowly she reached out, taking the warm coins from his gloved hand."

'Thank you,' she whispered, her eyes darting to the ground."

Satisfied, the kind man nodded, chuckling. 'Very good. A Merry Christmas to you. Lady Catherine keeps a warm meal free to those who need it at the Western Creek Church. Do take care.'"

The woman watched with wide eyes as he bowed to her looked to his gift then walked off, his strides confident and sure. As the man walked he saw a stout man with a blonde mustache and large dress box about to cross the road, completely oblivious to the carriage that was making its way swiftly down the cobblestoned street."

With quick steps, the kind dark haired man rushed forward, hugging his gift to his chest as he reached out with his other hand to pull the larger man out of the way of the swift carriage." Katherine made the movement of pulling something back.

"The blonde man let out a shout, ignoring the man who practically saved his life and busied himself with yelling at a cab-driver who supposedly, 'nearly flattened' the man with his 'roaring speeds of crazed driving'."

The kind man shook his head as he gave the driver an apologetic look. Finally, the stout man resorted to mumbling angrily as he went up to the carriage. In payment for nearly killing him, he told the driver to take him home, the snow having started to fall rapidly. The driver compiled, his face stricken with sorrow and fear."

But the kind man reached out and handed the driver a few coins in payment for the rude man. The driver smiled and nodded in thanks before taking the man home."

Katherine raised her hand, a single finger in the air. "One night later the blond angry man found himself at the shop again, looking for a pair of shoes to do with his wife's new dress, the woman not at all happy with her large selection that she already had. Therefore he demanded the best shoes for the lowest of prices."

Outside the shop stood the woman, the two coins in her hand from the kind man yesterday. She looked into the bakery next door, her mouth watering with what she could get with the small amount she had. Though it wasn't much she hadn't eaten in days. But instead of saving her money she decided to spend it, and right away. Ignoring the glances of disgust and annoyance, the woman got herself a loaf of warm bread and a few cookies to save for later. However, they did not last the afternoon, having been scarfed down the moment she left the shop. A few hours later she found herself still as hungry as before."

The kind man appeared on the street looking around for his hat that he had lost while saving the man from the road. It was his only good hat and didn't want to bother getting a new one. But when he was just nearly about to give up, an old man stood up to him, his hands holding the kind man's hat. Looking up at the old man, the stranger smiled and nodded taking it from him and planting it on his head."

Katherine pretended to place something on her head. The children laughed.

"The kind gentleman thanked the old man but the old man reached out, stopping him from leaving. With a low but kind voice, the old man stoke."

'Conrad Davidson, would you be so kind as to come with me. I have something of importance that I am in need of showing you.'"

Conrad's hazel eyes widened at the old stranger knowing his name. 'Pardon me but-'"

'It will take but just a moment. Your new wife and child shan't miss you.'"

With that, the old man lead Conrad to the front of the woman's department store, telling him to wait a moment. The old man entered, his gentle eyes gazing about until he saw the blond man harassing a sales women for an expensive pair of shoes in a size that they clearly did not carry. With quiet steps, the old man went up to the angry shopper and placed a hand on his shoulder, his voice low but stern."

'Sir, let us leave this poor woman to do her job and help someone less troublesome.'"

The man turned his mouth agape. "Well I never-'"

The old man continued on without batting an eye, 'Gregory Page, your wife does not need another pair of expensive shoes. But you do need to come with me. You would be fairly unfortunate not to do so.'"

Then he left, knowing full well that Mr. Gregory would come along, his curiosity piqued far too easily with the use of his name and the threat of disappointment. The old man told Gregory to stay with Conrad, the strangers sharing a curt nod. Both men watched after the  strange man then crossed the street only to stop at a street lamp bordering a hedge at the edge of a small park. Crouching down the old man smiled as he reached out for the dirty young woman taking refuge in the cold leaves."

'Miss Penny Cobbler.'"

The woman's eyes widened no differently than the other two whose names left the old man's mouth. Penny eyed him wearily, her heart hammering in fear. But the moment the old man smiled, she suddenly felt at ease. She inched out of the bushes and placed her filthy hand in his calloused one. The old man's smile deepened as he helped her to stand. He need not say anything else for his eyes sparkled with trust and safety."

The old man patted her hand as he lead her across the street and to the men who stood obediently where the man told them to stand. She looked at them than to her strange friend. But he did not seem worried, so she let her fear fall away, one step at a time. As they came to the others, all three of the strangers stood there, their minds reeling with recognition at how they knew each other."

But before either of them could speak, the old man held up a hand, his gaze falling on each of them in turn. 'You no doubt wonder how it is I know your names and how I have come to find you and as to why I am gathering you here together,' the man smiled, chuckling lightly before he continued, 'three strangers, three stations in life, three lessons to learn. Come. I have something to show you.'"

All three strangers willingly followed the man, their eyes flitting to each other as if wondering who will be the first to object. But curiosity stayed their worries and soon enough the three of them found themselves in a carriage much like the one that nearly hit Gregory, the old man having already situated himself inside."

He looked at them in turn again before he spoke, his eyes devoid of the near humor they saw just moments before.

'Spare your questions and just listen. I will not afford you my name nor will I tell you how I know of yours. But be patient and listen and I just might tell you.' The gleam of humor returned as he smiled."

He was an old man, to be sure. He had a long white beard, long white hair and crinkly old eyes that were green and exceptionally kind."

Nicholas piped up, his voice sweet but loud. "Just like you grandmama."

Lottie took in a breath, "No Nicholas. Grandmama does not have a beard."

The young boy placed his hand on his hips, nearly jumping out of his mother's arms. "But she has cringle kind eyes."

Katherine smiled as Henry and Elizabeth calmed their children before she continued. "Thank you Nicholas, but I believe this man was much much older than I."

The two children's eyes widened as the boy's mouth made an 'O' shape.

"Now," Katherine returned to the story, sitting forward like an eager child, "the old man's carriage took off at an alarming pace, but he did not seem at all affected by it. Penny gripped the bench while Conrad and Gregory clutched to the side of the carriage, their bodies swaying with each jarring bump."

Suddenly the carriage came to a stop, nearly throwing Penny to the ground. But Gregory reached out, taking hold of her, setting her right. But she did not miss seeing him wipe his hands on his coat front. The old man stepped out and took Penny's hand, helping her down from the carriage, Conrad and Gregory following close behind."

The air was cold, Penny immediately started shivering. Conrad reached for his hat to not fly away again as Gregory let out a shout of discomfort. Looking around, the three strangers found themselves far away from the city. In fact, they were not entirely sure they were in London at all."

The ground crunched under them were day's worth of snow stood piling up. It was fairly dark save for a few flickering lights of the last remaining street lamps. The area was desolate of any sort of luxury, every home looking like box houses or tents made from tossed sheets and tied posts. Not a soul was in sight as the old man let the to the first hut, if it could be called such a humble home for even a hut had a door and a roof."

The old man entered the hut and the three strangers followed. Penny gasped, her heart dropping at what she saw. Looking back at the two other men she tried to keep her emotions at bay but she was finding it difficult. They looked sullen, the kind man's brows pinched as he held his hat to his chest. The stout man looked more disgusting than anything else, his nose scrunched as he looked around. The old man stood where the remains of a fireplace once stood, his hands clasped behind his back."

'It is hard to believe this is, or was once a home to a family of four, their lives just starting out new and fresh. But without the use of patience and conservation all can be lost,' he snapped his fingers making his three guests jump, 'just like that. Friends are not for show nor for making profit. Husbands and wives are allies, not enemies. Money is earned, not taken. And children are to be loved not used or exploited for means of gain."

The old man looked at the stout man making Penny turn to see him. His face no longer showed disgust but was now white as a sheet, beads of sweat dotting his brow. Penny's eyes widened as he looked up into her eyes, sorrow pooling in his bright blue eyes. The old man nodded once to the sobered man as he went on."

'This was once your life.'"

The old man then turned to the kind one, who now looked to his green eyes with utter fear. 'This is where you will go if you continue on as you do.' He stepped forward and placed a hand on the young man shoulder, looking into his eyes as he hung his head. 'There is a time and a place to help those around you but not at your expense. Nor the expense of your family's.'"

Then the turned to Penny, his wise green eyes kind as he stepped forward, his hand motioning to the area around him. 'Your husband loved you, as did your children. You have learned from your mistakes but dear sweet Penny, do not wallow in your pity.'"

Penny looked around the home that was stripped of all the things she had made to build her home through the memories still clung to it. She wiped at her escaping tears as she spoke. 'The fire happened because of me. I hung the clothes too close to the flames. With our house gone we had nothing left. James, my husband took our twin girls to a neighbor to stay as I sold whatever we had salvaged. I became angry and left them only to find them days later with a new mother and wife, living among the higher class. I was dead to them, as I should be.' Penny looked up to see the other men with near tears in their own eyes as she spoke directly to them. 'Cherish your family. Because not only did I lose them to someone else, I lost them all together. A year ago they all perished in a boating accident. All of them, drowned. I wasn't able to ask for forgiveness. To say goodbye.'"

The old man dried her tears as he looked at her with a soft smile. 'Cherish what you have. Make it last. Do not take for granted your blessings. You know this now child?'"

Penny nodded her heart suddenly feeling lighter than it ever has before."

Suddenly, the old man left her side and exited the house, the three strangers following behind with puzzled expressions. Finding the carriage where it was, they entered it again, the old man sitting where he had before. But this time he looked angry, his brows pinched and his jaw tight."

Gregory looked scared. After leaving Penny's home he made sure to be attentive toward her, giving her his coat as the kinder man gave her his gloves. But Gregory had a feeling he knew what was to come next, the old man all but drilling his hard emerald eyes into his face. The carriage took off again, just as quickly as before. Once it came to a stop, it was lighter out, probably just after dawn. Birds chirped and the smell of fresh flowers wafted into the carriage. Gregory paled again but kept his emotions level as he lead Penny out of the carriage, the young man following close behind."

The old man had led them to a very nice neighborhood and up to a very nice home. He entered it, again, no one in sight. The three strangers entered as well. Gregory let out a breath, his heart hammering in his chest. It was a beautiful home, white walls, and vaulted ceilings. Sparkling silver and crystal accents and chandeliers. Colorful rays of light seeped through stained glass windows. A wide set of dark wood stained stairs lead to the upper levels that floor more majestic than the last."

The old man's voice drew their attention to him though Gregory was already looking at him with apprehension and regret. The old man nodded, a clear look of pleasure on his face at the stout man's expression."

'Good, Gregory, you know of this place." He swept his hand across the way his eyes looking to the other two. 'Fame. Fortune. Family. What are they without gratitude and love? Greed gets you nowhere except drawn deeper into greed itself. Objects become important as the important things become mere objects of unimportance."

'This will be your fate, sweet Penny if you do not learn to take care of what is important and what is not. Prioritize what it is you should pursue in your life.' he looked to the other man, his eyes full of warning. "This as your past but your greed lead to the loss of that which you thought was most important."

The old man placed a hand on Gregory's shoulder as the man bowed his head in shame. 'The Page family was once known for its generosity and kindness, their name spoken with awe and reverence. Your selfish ways are taking a toll on your life and you know this. You have been without for so long you fear to become that way again. But there is no harm in helping those less fortunate than you or being kind to those who have not done you wrong or you have aided you without reward.'"

Gregory let out a breath as his hands went numb. 'We lost two of our children at birth two years apart. My wife was at her wit's end. I worked three different jobs and doted everything I had on her. Suddenly we were given help by a dying Lord and his childless linage. We were the sole inheritors of the land and money he had left behind. We were in shock. Coming from nothing to having more than everything. We forgot ourselves.' Gregory looked up, tears falling down his face. 'I have always known that I have been blessed but now I have the power to help those less fortunate than myself but I have been blind to it, my greed filling my mind. Sadly, my wife is worse than myself.'"

The old man nodded, patting his shoulder with a strong smile. 'Things are not all lost, as well as your charity.' And with that he took off again, the others knowing well what was to come next."

Katherine sat back, her smile seeming lost in memory.

"Conrad and everyone else in the fast-moving carriage was aware of whom was next. So when the carriage came to a sudden stop Penny and Gregory let Conrad out first, leading them to a quaint home in a modest neighborhood. Again, no one was around, just them. The young man led them into his home, a place that seemed nearly perfect. But from the back of the group, the old man's voice carried with an air of bordering sorrow."

'You have everything anyone could ever wish for. You dream to give your brand new family a perfect life. But you have been lying. Deception and yearning for a perfect image has muddied your perception of family. Trust and honesty, Mr. Conrad, that is what makes a family.' The man turned to Penny and Gregory, nodding to the house around him. 'Penny had a home just like this but it slipped between her fingers. Gregory will have this life if he learns of his lessons. But Conrad, you must strive to fix your mistakes in order to keep what it is you have.'"

Conrad walked around his home as he spoke, his hands brushing various objects. 'I love my wife and my son but...but there are things, feelings that take hold of me that make it difficult to keep the happy facade that is clearly slipping.' He let out a breath before continuing. 'That present I had purchased that day I gave Penny those coins were not for my wife but for the daughter of my boss. Nothing has happened between us but something most definitely could. I have also gambled away our savings, leading to extra hours that has put a strain on our marriage already. But Shannon only thinks I am working extra hours because of lack of caseworkers. But I now know how dangerously the knife my life now balances on.'"

The old man clapped making them look to him. 'You all have surprised me. Your hearts have changed. Your minds now understand. I am proud. Come. My time is up.' And he took off to the carriage."

But as the three strangers sat down they looked at each other with kind smiles. They were no longer strangers, but friends forced by circumstance. The old man smiled with a knowing look, his beard twitching with hidden laughter."

Katherine sat forward the children now sitting on the floor in front of her, their eyes wide. Lottie scooted closer, her head shaking with confusion. "But grandmama, what happened to them? Did they go home and fix their heads?"

"What do you think?" The Duchess asked with a twinkle in her eye.

Lottie smiled, nodding. "Yes. I think they are happy. They learned. They will have happy homes now."

Nicholas nodded too. "Yes. Happy homes." He looked to his parents, pointing at them with his small finger. "Just like my home! Right mama?"

Elizabeth nodded as she snuggled into her husband's side. "Yes dear just like our home." Henry kissed his wife's temple.

The butler, Carrollton, came into the parlour, clearing his voice. "Lady Doverkane, your son is here."

Katherine nodded, her face lighting up. "Ah yes. Thank you, Carl. I will be there in a moment."

Lottie stood her eyes wide with worry. "You are coming back?"

Katherine looked at her daughter and son-in-law as she spoke, her hand resting on Lottie's head. "Forgive me as I leave you for a few moments. It was put together quite suddenly but I will be back shortly."

Elizabeth nodded, calling her children over where Henry occupied them so she could help her mother into her carriage. Charlie was at the door and nodded to his sister, their similar features nearly dubbing them twins. Katherine patted his cheek, her thin lips pulling into a smile.

"Thank you for coming, son. I would not ask this of you if it were not important."

Charlie Whitworth laughed kindly, his handsome face lighting up with love for his mother. "Come off it mother. Let us get you into that carriage."

Elizabeth kissed her mother's cheek. "Wish them a Merry Christmas for me."

Katherine nodded. "I will."

Charlie helped his mother into his carriage but kept her to herself as they drove off. Tears pricked her eyes as she tried to think of something to say but was thankful for the silence, giving her time to collect herself. The carriage came to a stop and the door opened, a familiar face greeting the older woman. Charlie stayed inside as his mother smiled at her friend like a girl at her first Season

"Penny, you don't look a day older."

Katherine nearly giggled, taking her old friend hand as she descended the carriage. "You are wicked to make an old woman blush, Gregory."

"Ah but he means it with the utmost truth. I stand as a witness." Conrad called as he walked over to join them, his cane crunching in the snow. "I, for one, am surprised we are still all here."

"Speak for yourself, sir," Katherine smiled, taking his arm as he neared them, each of her arms looped through her friends' arms, "we are destined to live forever."

"Good heavens Penny, how boring that will be."

They laughed as they made their way to the lone grave that sat under an old street lamp, a lamp that was never snuffed out under any circumstance. The three friends looked down at the headstone lightly dusted with sparkling snow. The name of their savior staring up at them with welcoming words.

Here lies Benjamin Stanton, the man who saved three strangers