"Darcy is dead because of me, because of us."

"Julia..."

"Can you deny it?"

"No."

"I should rest," she whispered, trying to hold back the tears.

Attempting not to let his disappointment show but failing, Murdoch nodded a few times. "Some other time then."

She managed a slight smile and then even softer than before said, "Yes."

Murdoch also forced a smile and then they parted ways, heading in opposite directions. His malcontent now came out fully and he grimaced more with every step he took away from her. Then when he couldn't bear it any longer, he paused, trying to collect himself into a more orderly man. Little did he know, Julia had also stopped and was now staring longingly at him, through the darkness of the short alleyway. A carriage passed by obscuring her view of him and when the way was visible again she saw that he was no longer there.

With a heavy heart, she headed home to get some rest, even though she felt as restless as the tides. She hadn't wanted to leave things like that with him but so much tragedy had befallen them recently because of their impertinent actions and so she knew she deserved to suffer more. She knew she didn't deserve to be happy, even though she had narrowly avoided the noose, even though her whole body was crying out for a change, for a new beginning; to do all the things she had wanted to do yet with her life, many of which included William.

As if her thoughts were magic, she turned the corner and was stunned to find William fast approaching, in an agitated manner. Apparently he had doubled back around the intersecting street in order to intercept her. Few things ever riled him up quite like he was right now and she wondered at its origin.

"William?" she inquired, raising an eyebrow.

"Julia, I understand your feelings perfectly, I feel terrible as well, but we almost lost each other again! Who knows how much longer any of us have left in this world? We've been stalling for far too long and it's time to change that!" He abruptly got down on one knee and whipped out a familiar looking silver case, making her gasp. "I realize this is not the most opportune moment for this but I can't wait any longer! So Julia Ogden, will you marry me? Will you consent to be my wife?"

Unbidden, a huge smile crossed her features and she tried to find the right words for this momentous occasion but simply couldn't.

"Is that a yes?" he asked, also grinning.

"Yes!" she exclaimed, all of her past guilt evaporating into thin air. "Of course I'll marry you!"

He laughed happily, and jumped up to place the ring on her finger. Then they passionately kissed right there in the street for everyone to see. And neither of them gave a damn, their thoughts were solely on this one moment in time, nothing else. Certainly her guilt would find a way to creep back in at some point, but for the time being, Julia allowed herself a moment of pure, unadulterated bliss with the man she loved with all her heart.