The day after New Years, Edith drove Anthony and the cousins to the station, while Tom followed with Bertie and Stewart, who would be driving the Rolls and Sir Anthony back to Locksley. Knowing the baronet's last days on earth were fast approaching, made the family's departure painful for all those present but for Edith, who knew this might very well be the last time she'd see Anthony alive, saying farewell was particularly difficult. Now, with goodbyes having been said, hugs given, and a multitude of tears shed, the forlorn little group stood on the platform awaiting the train's arrival. Catching Tom's eye, Bertie huddled the children together and the five of them stepped inside the station, allowing his wife and the baronet an opportunity to speak in private.
"I wish we didn't have to go" Edith mumbled dejectedly, clutching the tall blond's good hand and leading him past the waiting room and around the side of the building, away from public scrutiny.
"All good things must come to an end" the older gentleman attempted to smile.
"Yes, yes they do" the strawberry blonde sadly whispered. "And, especially where you and I are concerned, they always have."
Anthony immediately regretted his feeble attempt at humor, knowing full well Edith was referring to the promise of a garden party proposal that never occurred and their failed wedding.
"I was foolish, sweet one, and I'm sorry for the hurt I caused you" he said despairingly, "truly I am."
"And, I don't mean to make you feel wretched" the young woman looked away unable to deal with the pain etched on her former fiance's face, "but sometimes it's hard not to think of what might have been."
"I can certainly attest to that" the baronet muttered as the mournful whistle of an approaching locomotive sounded in the distance.
Slowly, Edith turned in Anthony's direction, their eyes meeting has all sense of time and place, along with the rest of the universe, melted away and only the two former would-be lovers remained. Their despair, longing, and regret, at that moment, on display for all the world to see. As smoldering brown eyes bore passionately into blue ones, the strawberry blonde took a hesitant step towards the older gentleman, an awkward attempt to communicate without words, her consuming need for physical contact with him. A longing to hold and comfort and to be held and comforted in return. Anthony, sensing the young woman's unspoken request mirrored the desires of his own heart, swung his good arm out to his side, an open invitation which the young woman eagerly accepted, rushing forward to be enveloped in the warmth of his embrace as she slid her arms inside his billowing overcoat and around his waist.
"Promise me that you'll take care of yourself, Anthony" the strawberry blonde pleaded, hugging him tightly. "I plan on returning in three weeks but, in the meantime, you can expect I'll be calling to check on you."
"I promise, sweet one. You needn't worry though, it's not as if you're leaving me to fend for myself. Lady Jarvis has already made arrangements for me to dine with them. My sister arrives next week for an extended visit. Tom will be dropping by frequently and young Sybbie and Master George have asked if they might come with him. Stewart, I daresay, will be keeping a close eye on me and I'm sure he won't hesitate to call if I misbehave" the baronet chuckled, his bright blue eyes containing just a hint of mischief inspite of his grief.
Has the train pulled into the depot, the engineer sounded a shrill warning, alerting passengers to it's arrival. Filing out of the waiting room along with the others who were preparing to board, Bertie made his way towards the couple as Tom and the children stood back.
After shaking Anthony's hand once again and thanking him for his hospitality, the Marquis turned to his wife "I'm afraid it's time, sweetheart."
"I know" the redhead nodded reluctantly, "I just need another minute."
"Of course. I'll go ahead and get Marigold settled."
The throng on the platform continued slowly dispersing until only the two of them remained and the conductor cried out a final "all aboard!"
"I have to go" Edith whimpered, pressing the baronet's hand to her cheek.
Pulling her to him once more, Anthony gripped the young woman tightly, clutching her slender frame to him as though trying to commit the feel of her body to memory.
"Be happy Edith" he murmured, leaning down to tenderly kiss away the tears spilling onto her cheek. "And, remember, my dearest darling, I love you. Always."
Standing on her tip toes to reach him, the redhead brushed her lips lightly near the tall blond's ear, whispering "Always, Anthony. Always."
Once he'd helped Edith up the steps and onto the train, the older gentleman, stepping back, watched as the engine built up steam and the cars began slowly chugging past. Catching one last glimpse of Marigold, Bertie, and Edith waving through their compartment window, Anthony tipped his hat. Watching as the locomotive gradually disappeared in the distance, the baronet was painfully aware that, this time, he was the one experiencing the pain and disappointment of having been left behind. That, now, due to unforeseen circumstances, he would suffer the same sorrow and anguish which the young woman had twice endured at his hand. It was, to put it mildly, an unsettling realization that left a bitter taste in his mouth and tortured his soul. His shoulders slumping in defeat, the baronet struck a violent blow to his chest, a futile attempt at staving off the tears forming in his eyes and the bitter loneliness rising within his heart.
My apologies for the delay in posting but it's taken me days to get to a place that I considered this chapter satisfactory. I know, I know, hard to believe considering it's brevity. Anyway, if you have time to comment, I'd certainly appreciate it. xx