Anthony took a few minutes to reflect on Edith's words before he responded.

"So what you're most concerned with is not necessarily that I'll hurt your child but that, once again, I'll disappoint you."

"No" the strawberry blonde exclaimed angrily, "you're missing the point entirely!"

Tired and frustrated, she took a seat near the window, silently staring out at the pedestrians going about their day, seemingly without a care in the world while her circumstances grew more complicated with each passing moment. The young woman really hadn't expected anyone to search for her, particularly not Anthony and now that he was here, his presence seemed to threaten what little confidence she'd had in her decision to strike out on her own as well as throwing a wrench into what she'd considered to be a perfectly thought out plan.

Turning his back to her, the baronet shut his eyes, biting his tongue and forcibly fighting back the temptation to stoke the flames further with an angry response of his own. Once the older gentleman had calmed down and managed to get his temper in check, he eased towards the sofa, kneeling in front of Edith before gently extending his arm towards her. To his great surprise, this time, although she didn't look at him, neither did she pull away, instead, she grasped his hand in hers, giving it a small squeeze. Finding his courage bolstered by her actions, the tall blond forged ahead.

"Then please, Edith" he spoke so softly he scarcely heard the words himself, "please help me to understand what exactly it is that you most fear."

"Oh, Anthony" the strawberry blonde sighed, "you are the kindest, gentlest, most wonderful man I've ever met, and I've always felt that you'd make the most terrific father."

"If you truly feel that way, then I don't understand what you're afraid of."

Pursing her lips, Edith willed herself to look Anthony in the eye, "I'm afraid that my child will become as attached to you as I have" she mumbled. "And that, somewhere down the road, you'll suddenly decide you've made a terrible mistake in tying yourself to me and my bastard."

"Edith, don't" Anthony admonished.

"But it's true isn't it? Nothing can change the fact that the child I'm carrying is a bastard."

"Not if we were to marry..."

"There in lies the problem, even if we were married, I have so little faith in you at this point that I can't be certain that I'd ever again trust you to keep your word. Who's to say what might cause you to do another disappearing act. It could be anything. What if the first time this child calls you Papa, you find that instead of being happy, you're disgusted. Filled with resentment because the child isn't biologically yours."

"I would never feel that way."

"As much as I'd like to believe you, based on your past performances there's no way to be certain, is there? Eighteen years is very long time and this baby isn't your flesh and blood, Anthony. If you have second thoughts or any misgivings, if you feel harshly towards him or her, they'll sense it. I've been there, I know. Oh, I don't mean to say that I was ever unwanted" Edith's voice cracked as though she wasn't quite sure her statement was entirely true, "but often it seemed I was overlooked to the point of being forgotten. I mean, even now" she gave a resigned shrug of one shoulder, "it doesn't seem as though anyone besides you is overly concerned with my where abouts. And, I know Mama and Papa love me, just, perhaps, not as much as they love Mary and Sybil. I never want my child to feel second best to anyone. I won't allow it. So, I can't help but worry how my child would be affected if the only father they've ever known suddenly left without explanation. Although" she smiled sadly, "I certainly have an inkling of how devastating it can be. Perhaps now, you're better able to understand my reservations."

Oh, Anthony understood. Slowly, over the course of the conversation, the baronet had begun to realize that Edith had put a great deal more thought into her situation than he had. Her concerns were valid and she had every right to question his commitment towards her and her baby. One thing, he knew for certain, this child was certainly blessed to have a mother has strong and protective and loving as Edith. Now, if only she would allow him the occasion to prove that he could be just as good a father.

"Yes, I understand" he whispered, "and, if you'll only give me the opportunity, I'll do whatever it takes to earn your trust."

The young woman managed a weary smile, "I'm exhausted Anthony. I need to lie down for a bit. Will you be here when I wake up?"

It wasn't much, Anthony decided, nodding in response but they had to start somewhere, right?

"Promise?"

"I promise" the baronet replied firmly, in an effort to reassure her but his heart broke to see that Edith obviously had her doubts.