I decided to come back to this story since it's been a few months since I updated. Thank you all for being so patient and continuing to read. I hope to have the next chapter up soon. xx

A few hours later, the door to Edith's bedroom quietly opened, and the young woman stepped out hesitantly, peering cautiously around the room, half expecting to find that Anthony had again disappeared. Upon spying the baronet lounging in one of leather chairs and seemingly lost in thought has he stared out the window, relief flooded through her. Relief and a few other feelings, the young woman reluctantly admitted to herself.

Sensing Edith's presence, Anthony turned from the window, "I hope you rested well" he remarked, taking a moment to study the young woman's features.

I... I did. I... I feel much... much better now" the redhead stammered awkwardly, feeling a bit bashful now that she found herself at the receiving end of the tall blond's expression of tenderness. She certainly hadn't expected to see such concern directed towards her after having behaved in such an appalling manner towards him a few hours ago.

"Anthony" she murmured timidly, "I apologize for my behavior earlier, for being so..."

The older gentleman silenced her with a wave of his hand, "please, there's no need for an apology, my actions were just as atrocious, perhaps even more so. The past few weeks have been a troublesome, worrisome time for all concerned. I'm tired, you're exhausted, we've both been on edge, and the shock of finally seeing each other after so long... well, I think, it's all been rather overwhelming, wouldn't you agree." Edith merely nodded.

The two sat quietly for several minutes, and even though during the past eighteen months, both had imagined what they would say to one another upon meeting again, the couple, now that calmer heads prevailed, felt extremely uncomfortable, uncertain as to how to proceed now that they found themselves in just such a situation. Gone was the easy rapport from their previous relationships when neither had felt the need to fill the lingering silences with words or idle chatter. When both had been content to simply bask in the sweet pleasure of being together.

"Edith" the baronet began, in an effort to break the lull that had settled over them, "we have much to discuss but we need to do so in a rational manner. We mustn't let our emotions dictate the conversation, so, I think, perhaps, it would be best to get a good night's sleep and start fresh in the morning."

"You're right, of course" the strawberry blonde agreed, "It's just" she paused, chewing at her bottom lip anxiously.

"Just, what?"

"I was just wondering if... if anyone else... well... if you've told my family that you've located me?"

"No" the tall blonde shook his head, "Martha Levinson is the last person I spoke with before setting sail and that was weeks ago. The only other member of your family that I've spoken to is your Aunt Rosamund."

Embarrassed, the strawberry blonde blushed, "That's how you knew about the library and found my... the letter."

"Yes" Anthony nodded, wincing as he recalled the fury with which Lady Painswick had delivered her reprimand, "After giving me a severe tongue lashing, she allowed me to search your flat in hopes I might find a clue as to your whereabouts."

"So, one one else is..." Edith's brow furrowed and the baronet saw the pain that flashed briefly across her face "no one else bothered..." she tried once more, her shoulders slumping wearily in disappointment. "No one knows I've relocated to Boston?"

Understanding Edith as well as he did, Anthony, his heart breaking at the defeated look in the young woman's eyes, realized that what she'd really been trying to ask was whether anyone else had bothered to search for her. "I promise, my sw..." the baronet caught himself before the endearment tumbled from his lips, "I haven't told a soul. And, I won't, not until you're ready."

Edith studied his face intently as though trying to decide whether or not she should believe him. Resisting the urge to glance away, the older gentleman looked his former fiancee' directly in the eye, now was as good a time as any, he decided, to start rebuilding the trust he'd destroyed. "Edith, I'm well aware, that based on my behavior in the past, you have every right to be skeptical but I give you my word, I've neither spoken nor written to anyone."

The strawberry blonde stepped towards him, "Thank you" she whispered, hesitantly extending a hand in his direction. Grasping her wrist, Anthony brought Edith's hand to his chest, giving her delicate fingers a tentative squeeze. "Thank you" she repeated, beginning to quietly sob has the months of loneliness and frustration burst forth and spilled down her cheeks, "for caring enough to look for me."

Having gathered his courage, the baronet reached up, his fingers brushing ever so lightly at Edith's tears when a knock at the door startled them both.