A/N:
May Contain spoilers. Edith's illusion of Michael starts to unravel and she has to deal, not only with some truths, but with the consequences of their relationship. Facing the prospect of her life changing forever who will she turn to?
"There you are." Rosamund turned round on her chair unsure how to broach the subject. "Well you don't look too bad. I thought you might be a little worse for wear."
"Why should I be?" Edith asked feeling unsettled by the look on her aunts face. She could feel her face burning and hoped she didn't notice.
"After only 2 hours sleep. " Edith's smile faulted for a second as Rosamund lowered her tone of voice. "My maid saw you come in. Aren't you going to tell me what kept you out until six in the morning?"
"Well we..." She trailed off. Her smile now gone as she looked to the floor. She had not thought she would have to explain her self. Her eyes met Rosamunds as her sharp tone pierced the silence.
"Please don't say you were talking and you lost track of time. Quite apart from the morality-or lack of it in this situation. You do realise you are taking a great risk? You're trusting this man with your name and your reputation."
Edith suddenly felt very angry. Why should she be judged? Why could her judgment not be enough? She almost spat out her words. "He wants to marry me, of course I trust him."
"As you trusted Sir Anthony Strallan?"
"That was rather unkind." Edith said feeling wounded. She refused the thoughts of Anthony that started to cloud her mind. She turned to Rosamund using a tone just as harsh. "Are you going to tell Mama?"
"No. You're a grown woman and I'm not a spy." Edith could have laughed if it were not for what she said next. "But your gambling with your future my dear. Be under no illusions. A lot may be changing but some things will stay the same."
Edith was feeling more angry then anything else. She knew she was trying to protect her but only for the sake of the family. "I'm not a bit sorry." Would she ever be able to convince her self of that?
"No you don't look sorry but you might find yourself feeling very sorry later."
With that Rosamund got up and left the room leaving Edith feeling very guilty and very unsure. He was going to marry her, he had said so. I can not possibly be jilted again could I? Some things will stay the same. She suddenly felt very sick and realised that she hadn't even considered the possibility of being pregnant. Dismissing the thoughts from her mind she rose from the sofa to return to her room. She couldn't possibly have fallen for the wrong man again, could she?