Thank you for reading and reviewing. This is a short chapter to pave the way for Edith and Anthony to hopefully resolve some issues and began to deal with the matter at hand. Also, in chapter 10, please excuse my failure to acknowledge the use of a canon quotation.
Pulling the door shut behind him, Anthony drew in a deep breath trying to calm his frayed nerves. The tall blond wasn't sure what he'd expected upon being reunited with Edith but it certainly wasn't the shouting match filled with anger, hurt, resentment, and tears that had broken out between the two. But that's exactly what had happened. What on earth had he been thinking? That they'd just pick up like they did after the war. Declare their love for each other, sweep everything under the rug and continue on their merry little way of building a life together. Anthony thought back on his marriage to Maude. The couple had rarely argued and they'd certainly never had a major confrontation such as this. And, Anthony was beginning to realize there'd never been any real passion between he and his first wife, at least not like that which existed between he and Edith. He'd heard of the passion of youth. Dear lord, who would have thought he'd be some fifty odd years of age before experiencing it himself.
Although it pained him to admit it, the older gentleman knew he'd made a complete mess of the situation earlier. There was no denying it. Thinking back on his actions, Anthony shook his head, completely mortified by what had transpired. Edith was pregnant and the baronet knew from Maude's many miscarriages what an emotionally trying time it could be for a woman. Her hormones were most likely wreaking havoc on her fragile emotions and he'd only served to add to her anxiousness, worry, and fear. Anthony sighed, highly disappointed that he'd allowed himself to be overcome with anger. But with every word Edith had uttered about Michael Gregson, his judgement had clouded until the older gentleman, consumed by jealousy, lashed out viciously. So now, here he was racking his brain trying to figure out how to set things right with the woman he loved. He paused a moment, remembering how Edith had proclaimed that with him, for the first time in her life, she'd been happy. Had desired him, wanted to be his wife, the mother of his children. The baronet grimaced, he could neither change the past nor erase the wrongs which the young woman had suffered due to his foolishness but he could damn well make sure it didn't happen again. If, Anthony frowned, he could possibly convince her to see him so that he might have an opportunity to earn her trust. Perhaps, Jimmy might be of some help. Pacing the corridor, the tall blond took a moment to consider his options, and after deciding on his next course of action, headed downstairs in search of the young bellhop.
An hour later, up in her room, Edith was still beside herself. Embarrassed that Anthony, of all people, had uncovered her secret, angry that he'd expressed nothing but contempt towards her and the situation in which she found herself, and fearful that after their confrontation, the older gentleman would, once again, disappear from her life. The strawberry blonde didn't truly want Anthony to leave Boston, in fact, seeing him had been as much of a relief as a shock. And, although many of the hurtful accusations the young woman had flung about were true, Edith had only expressed them in hopes of inflicting, upon the baronet, a fraction of the pain she'd felt each time he'd had broken her heart. She'd known she was being petty but once the dam burst, Edith found herself unable to contain her bitterness and now, after her display, the only person who'd felt compelled to try to locate her was probably making plans to return to Yorkshire. She couldn't blame him. Anthony was probably packing his bags while wondering why he'd ever bothered to cross an ocean in search of her. All because her foolish pride had refused to allow her to admit that not only was she happy to see the blue eyed baronet but she was still desperately in love with him.
Miserable, exhausted, and lonely Edith lay across the bed, wiping the tears from her eyes when she heard a soft knock and forcing herself to rise, she tread wearily to the door.
"Jimmy, I'm really not feeling well" she began, peering out into the hall "could you..." the redhead inhaled sharply at the sight of Anthony, suitcases in tow, waiting in the corridor.