He sighed deeply, wanting so much to cry. But he was a man for whom tears did not come so easily, so crying was out of the question.
However, there was no mistaking the pain in his heart.
Not only had he almost caused physical harm to the woman he loved so much, but he brought back painful memories as well.
He simply had to make amends, no matter what the cost. Reaching into his pocket he took out his wallet.
"Dr Crane, what are you doing?"
Niles handed Daphne a stack of bills. "Here you are, Daphne."
She stared at the money in surprise. "What's this?"
"To buy yourself a new dress."
"Oh, no Dr Crane. I couldn't."
She handed him back the money, but he gently pushed her hand away.
"Please, Daphne."
"No, Dr. Crane. I couldn't possibly-."
"Are you crazy, Daphne? Take the money!" Martin coaxed. "It's the best he can do after he ruined your dress, not to mention your day."
Once more Niles looked at the floor in remorse.
"Mr. Crane, leave Dr. Crane alone!" Daphne chided. "Can't you see that he feels bad enough?"
She turned to Niles and smiled "And he shouldn't feel badly at all. It was an accident. Are you all right, Dr. Crane?"
Niles heart soared with love for her.
This angel, this beautiful perfect, sweet and kind angel, whose morning he'd managed to ruin, was concerned about his feelings instead of her own humiliation and shame.
It just didn't seem possible.
And when he looked down, his heart beat faster; for he'd barely noticed that she'd taken a hold of his hand. At that moment, it took all the strength that Niles had to resist bringing her soft hand to his lips.
"I-I'm all right, Daphne. But you shouldn't be concerned with me. I'm hardly worth-."
Her fingertips went to his lips, causing him to shudder.
"Hush. Of course you're worth being concerned over."
He looked at her in astonishment, for she had read his mind once more.
"T-thank you, Daphne."
She covered his hand with hers and he felt his heart warm.
"Now, don't mind your brother or your father. I'll be just fine. And as for me dress-."
"Oh right." Niles said suddenly remembering. The money still in his hand, he held it out to her.
Daphne glanced at the money and then back at him.
"Dr Crane, really I can't accept that."
"Please, Daphne."
"But I'd feel terrible taking your money."
"And I'd feel terrible if you didn't."
She was silent for several seconds until finally she smiled. "Well... All right. This is very generous of you, Dr. Crane. Thank you... So much."
"Buy yourself any dress you'd like, Daphne."
"I will. Of course there are so many dresses out there that I might have a bit of trouble finding one I like. It's so hard finding one that looks good on me."
"That's nonsense, Daphne. You always look beautiful."
Mortified that he'd spoken out loud, he opened his mouth to make amends when he suddenly found himself wrapped in her warm embrace.
"That's so incredibly sweet, that I think I might cry." Daphne said, pulling Niles even closer.
"You should be crying, after what he did to your dress!" Martin said, shaking his head in disgust. "Damn shame."
But Niles paid no attention to his father's harsh words, focusing instead on his beating heart and the sweet kiss that Daphne placed on his cheek.
And with each passing moment, he found himself falling more and more in love.