Hello, everyone! I know this update is long overdue. I hope I haven't lost any of you guys…

All I have to say is…enjoy! This chapter is longer to make up for it. I think we are about halfway done! Let me know what you think.

PS- Hats off to the season finale of American Horror Story: Freak Show. If I'm not mistaken, a fantastic final performance from Jessica Lange. And an unexpected return of a very special guest (I don't want to spoil for anyone who hasn't seen it.) Let's just say that special guest reminded me why I started this story!

Chapter 6 The Mystery Buyer

Edward Mordrake

London Freak Show: Six months later…

…

"She can't always shield my voice from you, dear Edward. When she is gone, I am always here. Waiting. Waiting to tell you all the sad truths of life, and how you can do nothing to change them. You are weak, Edward. You will succumb to me. My will. Loved ones, not that you have many, do not last. We are attached, by fate and destiny."

"I'll have you when they are gone, Edward Mordrake. And that will be sooner than you think."

"Silence, you vile, corrupted curse on my soul."

"Do keep those thoughts dear, Edward. They delight me."

…

"Edward, you really should start sleeping more."

Edward startled and looked up from the poem he'd been working on to read at tonight's show. Lewis was leaning over him with a plate of fruit, looking into his baggy eyes. He chuckled with a grin that looked more like a grimace and set his quill aside. Lewis and Otto resumed their argument over the plate.

"It needs to be here!"

"Lewis, don't be-"

Edward flinched as a strawberry fell from the plate Otto and Lewis hoisted over his head and, conveniently, landed in the glass of champagne near his work. He snatched the poem he had been finishing up for the night's show just in the nick of time. All three men were silent for quite some time as the foam from the glass spilled over the table. Edward's ink and pen were covered in it.

Lewis won the plate from Otto once more and patted his Edward's shoulder. "It will make one hell of a spirit, my friend."

The young gentlemen dropped his finished poem on the dry end of the table and raised the glass with a smirk. "Cheers."

He, Lewis, and Otto had already taken off their coats and vests, only leaving them with white shirts. They were all breath-taken by the chilly January air as Amir, a large man from India that joined their circuit only a month past, stepped into the tent. Marina, a small woman from Spain that looked to be a child of ten years but was really a few years older than Emily, entered behind him. Edward and the others quickly snatched up their vests and coats, though they knew Marina would care little since she came from an entirely different cultural background.

Amir held open a large sac and offered it to them. "For you, my friends. As we agreed. From my home country. Take what you like."

Edward waited for Lewis and Otto to take theirs. As he waited, Marina passed a box to Edward. "Emily Beth?"

He hesitantly took it. "She and Minnie were sent to bring food for tonight's dinner. She will be along presently, my dear."

"Oh, I cannot stay." She gestured to the box. "Tarta de Santiago. For Emily. Please."

He smiled and nodded to show her he knew what she was trying to say. "She will be delighted, Marina. I will give it to her. Thank you."

Marina nodded and quickly left the tent. Edward looked after her, wondering what the hurry was. Amir held open the sac for Edward. "Now you, my good sir."

Edward grinned and reached for the one treat he'd been looking forward to for a long time. He flipped the lid on the box to be sure he had indeed retrieved the Gujia and grinned back at his newest friend. "Thank you."

Amir peered into the sac to see what was left and frowned. "You murder me, my fellow comrades."

They all laughed as Emily and Minnie entered the tent with several parcels and packages in their arms. Edward and the others immediately relieved them of the packages and set them on the table. Emily and Minnie untied their bonnets and were greeted by Edward and Lewis.

"Minnie." Lewis gave his wife a quick kiss and quickly untied her cloak for her. He and Minnie had decided to marry not long after the death of Matthew. Their relationship had changed little, but their simple wedding was a joy to them all. No one could make Minnie happier than Lewis could.

Emily rubbed her hands together against the cold and sighed as she smiled at Edward. He kissed her softly and gently began to untie her cloak for her. Edward had come to know and enjoy the company of many freaks in their circuit. They were practically family. But he and Emily Beth were nearly inseparable, if circumstances allowed. Emily recovered from her injuries and gradually rejoined the show as a dancer. Edward never dreamed of love, and was content to stay that way. But now, he knew he would be lost without her.

Emily shook her head and quickly straightened his coat as he took her cloak over his arm. "You're so warm," she said.

"And you are half frozen, dear heart. Come." He set her cloak aside as led her to the center of the tent with everyone else.

Amir spread his arms to them. "Ah! Edward and his new bride to be. Join us!"

Edward grinned and gave Emily the cake box. "Marina left this for you."

Emily Beth gasped. "Is it…?"

Her face lit up when she saw what it was. She closed it quickly when Otto called to her. "Emily Beth, do you have something you want to share with me?"

Emily hid it under her cloak. "No!"

Some of them smiled. Almost everyone knew that both Emily and Otto had a sweet tooth for chocolate. Bertha came in with a covered dish. "Breakfast is-"

Her smile diminished when she saw the spilled champagne on the table. "Whoever is responsible for this, clean it up."

Emily Beth and Minnie glanced at Edward and Lewis in suspicion. Lewis and Otto finally caved in and set to work on the mess. The manager came into the big tent to join them and tapped the half-filled glass of champagne with a spoon to get their attention. Edward looked to him, waiting for him to make his announcement. Since Emily's injury, the manager had little to say about the portions she chose for herself. He and Edward's relationship never changed, if anything it had improved a little. He remained altered by the events that led to Matthew's death, and was no longer as overbearing as he once was. As a result, Emily looked much better. While still small-framed, she had more energy about her. Her cheeks were no longer sunken in due to lack of proper nourishment. Edward put an arm around her shoulders and waited for him to speak.

The manager examined the glass. "Who has had champagne already?"

No one but Lewis, Otto, and Edward cracked a smile. The manager moved on. "You are all doing a fantastic job! The show goes on tonight, as usual. Except you, Emily and Edward, you've been reserved for the evening."

Edward frowned, briefly glancing at Emily and the manager with suspicion. It was not very often they came across a family who could afford a private audience with any of them. But when they did, the families paid dearly. And whoever was reserved didn't ask many questions. But, usually, the family would only request one freak. It was very peculiar that both he and Emily were wanted.

Emily sunk into his shoulder a little. Since the death of Matthew, she was wary of things like this. Edward turned to the manager. "By who?"

"An older gentleman and his wife that wishes to remain anonymous. He asked specifically for you at first, but I mentioned that you had a young bride to be. Then he asked for Emily. I thought it best if two of you go. I left the address with the carriage driver."

Edward and Emily remained standing as everyone else made a plate for breakfast. Lewis approached them. "Look on the bright side. At least you don't have to work."

Edward left Emily Beth to approach the manager. "Forgive me, sir. But what shall we do to entertain such a family?"

"They only requested an audience. Dinner, most likely."

"Nothing else? No music, no poems?"

The manager shook his head. "No. You both have it easy today. Just dinner, and they might ask you to play a song. I'm sure you can manage. They will have their own piano. And Edward? It is a wealthy family. You and Emily need your best attire."

Edward nodded and proceeded to take his leave. The manager thought of something and called to him. "Edward?"

The young gentleman turned around. "Yes?"

The manager put his hands in his coat pockets and stepped forward. "Have you and Emily set a date yet?"

Edward stared at the ground. "No. Not until I can give her a proper ring."

The manager nodded. "You'd best prepare to leave. The carriage arrives in an hour. And tell Emily not to fret. The gentleman assured me they meant well, and that you would both be home by nightfall."

…

A little later, Edward waited outside Emily's tent. He called out to her when he saw the carriage quickly approaching from the road.

"Emily!"

"I'll be out in a moment, Edward!"

Emily Beth slowly stepped out her tent, followed by Bertha and Minnie. Edward couldn't help but smile when he saw her, despite all the time he spent waiting outside. She looked so beautiful, and could fit in well in the aristocratic culture. Her crimson bell sleeve dress and long black cloak was very different from her usual choice of modest blues, whites, and tan. Bertha made one last adjustment to her formal black bonnet and stepped back.

She exhaled nervously and looked to him with wide, grey eyes. "Do I look alright?"

"You look lovely." Edward took her gloved hand in his and gently kissed it before offering his arm as an escort to the carriage.

Emily took his arm. "And you look handsome. It's been a while since we've seen you in your best attire."

Edward grinned and helped her into the carriage. He leaned his cane on his side and took one last look at their home before stepping in himself. In all his time there, he'd never ventured far. It was so simple to stay near the place where people accepted who he was, rather than intrude in the space of those who did not.

…

Edward stared warily out the carriage window as Emily Beth asked a thousand and one questions about various scenarios that may or may not occur.

She thought of another. "And at the table…?"

"You start with the outer silverware and progress your way to the inside," he answered.

"What if I can't finish all those courses?"

Edward couldn't help but laugh. Finally, she joined in. "I'm sorry, Edward! I just don't want to be seen as…"

"Improper," he finished. He took her hand when she smiled. "You are the perfect lady in your own natural way, my darling. They will be charmed by you instantly."

To keep her mind off of all the imaginary things that could go wrong, he looked out the window. "Ah, a cloudy day."

Emily Beth understood. "All the better, as the sun isn't in your eyes."

They hit a bump in the road that bounced Emily completely out her seat. Edward grimaced when his head hit the ceiling. He bent to retrieve his top hat, which had fallen into the floor. "Rough road," he frowned.

"It keeps the ride interesting," she replied.

"Cold weather."

"The best time of the year."

Edward grinned. "You are skilled at this game, my lovely."

They stopped their game to look at the large homes they had come upon, but continued to hold hands. Edward frowned when he noticed the all-too-familiar courthouse that marked the street of his old home. Emily noticed the look of resentment in his face. "Edward, what is it?"

He didn't answer. He glanced to the left, where he knew his old home of twenty-two years would be coming up soon. He was content just to look at it in passing, as he was sure he would never see it again. Emily looked on with him, sensing that this place was familiar to him. To his horror and surprise, the carriage came to a halt right outside the vast, beautiful mansion he formerly called home.

Edward's brow furrowed in disbelief. He rapped his cane on the ceiling of the carriage in a panic. "Driver? Why have we stopped?"

The driver hopped down from the driver's seat and opened the door for them, obviously offended by his tone. "This is your destination, Master Mordrake. The same address that was on the paper."

"The paper. Give it to me!" Edward snapped.

"Edward," Emily scolded quietly, appalled by his behavior.

The driver reached into his coat pocket and offered him the tiny slip of paper. Edward stepped out and took it from him. It was undeniably the same as the address of the very place that was before them now. Edward winced and turned to give the paper back to the driver. Emily Beth had already stepped out of the carriage.

"You've done your duty, sir. But I'm afraid there's been a mistake. We must go back immediately."

The driver objected softly. "Mr. Mordrake, I was given strict instructions to-"

Instructions. The manager!

"That horrible horrible man!" Edward burst. "He knew about this!"

He spoke to the driver through gritted teeth. "No more nonsense. You are to take us home immediately. Do you understand…"

Emily did not understand what was happening. "Edward! What on earth…?"

"This is my former home! I cannot be here!" he yelled back at her.

"Edward."

He was frozen by the familiar, firm voice of his father. Edward slowly turned to face the man he had resented so many months for sending him away. He found himself looking at possibly an older version of himself. His father, like him, was lean and tall. He was a handsome man, despite his greying hair.

"Hello Father," Edward spat.

He father used his cane to support himself as he approached, ducking his head as he did so. "I see you were not informed where you were going."

Edward was silent for a moment. "No, I was not."

Thomas Mordrake looked his son over a moment, then turned to the carriage driver and paid the tip. "You've done well, my good man. You may return for them at sunset."

"Yes sir."

And then Emily and Edward were left stranded in front of the Mordrake home, with Edward and his father staring into each other's eyes silently. The only disturbance was the occasional carriage taking a noble family here and there. Emily Beth held tight to Edward's arm and stared at the pavement.

At last, Thomas Mordrake extended a hand to Emily. "This must be your lovely fiancé."

Edward gave him a long hard look, offended by the speck of surprise in his eyes when he found no fault with Emily.

"Yes," Edward replied at last. He took Emily's hand and gently put it in his father's. "Emily Beth, this is my father. Father, Emily Beth."

Emily Beth daintily rested her hand in his father's. "It is a pleasure, Master Mordrake."

"The pleasure is mine," his father answered softly. "And under the circumstances, you may call me Thomas."

He kissed her hand and looked back at Edward. Emily Beth took his arm once more and waited. Edward sensed something off in his father's tone. He was solemn. Were Emily not there, the demon would have already found some dreadful way of revealing what his father was hiding. He knew his mother was missing, and looked to the window to see if she was peering out in her usual place, waiting for them to come inside. She was nowhere to be seen.

He cut his eyes to glance into his father's face once more. "My mother?"

His father lowered his eyes and licked his lips in the same way Edward did when he was trying to think of how to say something. Finally, he sighed and made eye contact with Edward. "Despite what you may assume, Edward, it is good to see you. And in such a good state. Please, come inside for tea. The both of you. We have much to talk about."

Edward glanced at Emily Beth with a grave expression, and ultimately decided to follow his father to the mansion. He gave his cape, top hat, and cane to an attendant. Emily did the same with her cloak and bonnet. He and Emily sat on the sofa opposite his father.

Emily Beth glanced around the Great Room as much as was appropriate. She was astounded by the beauty of the house, as everyone was. Edward, on the other hand, only glanced at what was once his favorite place by the piano. He would have thought they would have done away with it, after he left. But everything was still the same. Unchanged. Untouched. He looked to the multiple staircases leading up to their rooms, seeking out any sign of his mother.

He turned when he heard familiar footsteps in the hall, and stood when his old caretaker walked into the room with their tea. The muscles of his face strained from the smile that spread across his face at the sight of her. She was the only one who showed any resentment when they took him away, even begging his father to find another way.

Edward couldn't help but laugh a little as he said her name. "Hester?"

The aging woman gasped at the sight of him, quickly setting the tea on the table to be sure she did not drop it. "Edward? Oh, what a sight you are! Look at you! You are so strong and handsome, you are!"

He hugged her, despite any rule of formality it violated. He grinned over her shoulder at Emily Beth, who smiled back at him. He'd told her many times that this woman was like a mother to him when his own parents were not present.

He took her hand. "Hester, you must meet my fiancé, Emily Beth. Emily, this is Hester."

Hester gasped and took Emily's hands. "Oh! She's quite lovely, Edward. He will be a fine husband to you, dear."

His father interrupted their reunion. "Hester," he said softly. "You may tend to your other duties."

Edward grimaced as Hester started to go. She put a hand on his shoulder one last time. "Let him speak dear Edward," she whispered. And then she was gone.

He sat down on the sofa beside Emily Beth once more and took the last cup from the tray. There was a deafening moment of silence between the three of them. Finally, Thomas Mordrake spoke. "You look well, dear son. We feared…the worst when we heard of your escape from Bedlam. Your mother feared we would never find you."

Edward put his tea cup and saucer down on the table. "I'm sure it wasn't hard for you, the way you think. One only has to ask how a freak would make a living, if he is out on the streets."

He must have hit a nerve. His father winced, appalled by his abrupt manner, and set his cup aside as well. "Oh, come now, Edward. We are sorry to have sent you away to that dreadful place. Truly."

"It didn't seem that way," he replied softly.

His father's voice rose a bit. His temper was very much like Edward's. Limited. "We had very little choice, Edward! You were-"

"Do you really want to discuss this now?" Edward said quickly, struggling to keep his temper himself. He glanced at Emily Beth, who had finally set her saucer down as well and lowered her eyes.

Thomas sighed. "I'm sorry, my dear. This is no fit meeting for any bride to be and her in laws," he said to Emily Beth.

He stood and slowly turned to face Edward. "Your mother is very ill, my son. She won't last the month. She wanted to see you, but I'm not sure she could stand to see the same fire in your eyes I first saw when you stepped out of the carriage. I had to seek some sort of forgiveness in your heart, before I sent you to her."

His mother was dying. Edward peered into his father's grey blue eyes. When he saw he was telling the truth, he felt numb to the world for a brief moment. He stepped away from the couch and slowly paced the room, gradually leaning on a pillar to sort out the news.

A few moments later, he felt a gentle touch to his shoulder that he knew was Emily's. He turned and wrapped an arm around her shoulders to confirm that he knew what needed to be said. Finally, he glanced up to see that his father was standing just behind Emily Beth.

"I've forgiven you both," he said to his father. He glanced down at Emily Beth, then into his father's eyes. "I have for a long time. I just needed you to understand-"

"What you've been through," his father finished. "I know."

Edward peered up the staircase. "I wish to see her," he said quietly.

His father nodded solemnly. Edward took Emily Beth's hands in his. "Emily, I need to-"

"Take as long as you need," she reassured him.

To their surprise, Thomas Mordrake called to an attendant nearby. "Henry, bring Hester here."

"Yes, sir."

His father smiled politely to Emily. "Emily Beth, this hasn't been the most favorable first meeting by any means. Would you like a tour of my house while you wait?"

He stepped aside for Hester to come through. "You previously met Hester."

Emily Beth's face lit up. "Why, yes! I would be delighted. Thank you, Mr. Mordrake."

Edward and Thomas looked after them as they disappeared into the hallways. The Demon's whispering slowly crept back into his world when Emily Beth had gone. For a moment, Edward allowed himself to listen.

As I said, Edward. Your father lies. She doesn't even have the month. She will see you, then die. As many others will.

"Silence!" Edward commanded it to stop as harshly as his thoughts would allow him. He couldn't let it get the better of him now. Not when he had a chance at peace with his family.

Thomas looked at him. "She will take care of her, son."

"I trust Hester," Edward replied. "I only hope she doesn't tell her about the time I fell from one of the upper shelves of the library because the ladder was broken."

He and his father gradually broke into quiet laughter at the memory. Thomas gestured to the staircase. "Come, I'll take you to your mother."

His father looked over his shoulder as they made their way up the staircase. "She really is quite lovely, Edward."

Edward's brow furrowed when he read between the lines. His father had been expecting him to bring home one freakish in appearance, like himself. Edward stepped ahead of him when they'd reached the top of the staircase.

"Did you expect less, dear father?" he said coolly.

His father put a hand on his shoulder to hold him back. At first, Edward expected that he had lit the flame for the start of another argument. But his father's grasp softened, then he let go with a kind look in his eyes. "I hoped for just as much."

He put a hand on the doorknob that led to the luxurious master bedroom. "I'll wait here," he said quietly.

Edward took a step into the room when his father opened the door. He found his mother feebly propped on the pillows of their bed. He knew her features well. Despite her frail state, her greying hair was still as neat as it could be. But her eyes were tired and her face was pale. Very unlike the lively woman who tried her best to get him to go to all the events his family hosted or attended, despite his afflictions.

Her eyes were closed again. Edward approached slowly, examining her face. Her brown, greying hair was in a side braid, which Edward was sure he had never seen before. He winced and knelt by her bedside. Her breathing was labored and haunting to the ear.

"Mother?"

She inhaled a shaky breath as she turned her head and opened her midnight blue eyes. "Edward…"

Edward managed a smile as she reached up and gently touched her fingers to his cheek. He quickly removed his gloves and took her hand in both of his. His mother's face crumpled.

"My dear son, I'm so deeply sorry," she croaked. "I…"

Edward nodded to show he knew what she was trying to say. He knew she was unable to speak much more. "It is alright, dear mother. I now know you had little choice."

She straightened her fingers so that she was caressing his cheek. "My wonder of a son, I do love you. You are the best thing I've ever done. I think now and all those things that used to matter so much are nothing compared to you…"

He took her hand in his and pressed it to his cheek. His face crumpled as he struggled to hold back tears for his mother. For the first time in his life, when she was stripped of all the formalities that once was her whole being before, he felt he knew her better than he ever did.

They sat in silence for a long while, both pairs of eyes brimming with tears. Suddenly, his mother went into a fit of coughing. Every breath drawn in was a struggle. Edward leaned forward in a panic.

She deserves it, Edward. No amount of regret could give penance for a mother that never loved her son. Your misplaced weeping brings such sweet sorrow.

Edward clamped his jaw to keep from yelling back at that horrid half-face. He turned to the maid in the corner. "Give her something! Please!"

The maid quickly uncovered a tray and offered his mother a cup, but his mother waved her off and leaned back against the pillows in exhaustion when the spell was over. His father heard the commotion inside and hurried in to check on her. Thomas slowly made his way to them and sat on the bedside with his wife. He took a wet cloth from the maid and gently dabbed her face as Edward held her hand. Edward watched them in astonishment. He'd never seen his father care for another himself because, truth be told, the man didn't have to.

His mother looked to his father. "Thomas?"

His father hesitated a moment, as if making a final decision on a question she had already asked him. Finally, he sighed and took something small from his coat pocket. He pressed the mystery object into Edward's palm. He felt his mother take his other hand as he opened the hand that held the object.

There, in his palm, were his parents' wedding bands. And his grandparents' before them. These bands were priceless in value. There was no question that they belonged to the Mordrake family. Only…there had never been a Mordrake that did not eventually claim his title. These bands belonged to the next heir of the Mordrake family.

Edward took a shaky breath and offered them back to his parents. "I cannot take these from you. They belong to the heir."

"But you are our son," his mother whispered. "Please."

Edward glanced at his father, who nodded back at him. "It is our wish that you and Emily Beth have them, Edward."

He folded his fingers around the rings and carefully slid them into his coat pocket. "Thank you."

His mother managed to smile at him. "May I meet her?"

Edward nodded slowly. "Of course."

…

Emily Beth

Emily stood in the Great Room with Hester, struggling to stifle each laugh. Now didn't seem like the time for such laughter, but Hester turned out to be quite the humorous lady. Emily barely managed to take in the history of the home because, in her kindly manner, she would follow it up with the funniest of stories or sayings. Emily hoped that, if she lived to be an old age, she would be like Hester. The lady had no need to appear refined; her kindly manner would charm anyone.

Emily ducked her head and quieted yet another fit of laughing when Hester revealed the chip in Thomas Mordrake's tea cup after telling her the story behind it.

"Hester, you didn't!"

She and Hester stopped laughing when they found Edward standing at the foot of the staircase, grinning at them.

"Edward," she said.

He grinned and walked toward them. "Did you enjoy the tour, dear heart?"

"Of course," Emily Beth joked. "I would love to take the book on the top shelf of the library home to remember this place by."

Edward knowingly looked to Hester. "She told you."

"Of course. You know I did," Hester replied.

Edward smiled back at her. "You could charm anyone who enters here. I've missed you so, dear lady."

Both Emily Beth and Hester could tell he was troubled by the quiet tone of his voice. Hester cupped his face in her hands. "Do not fret for your mother, dear one. She is exhausted from the pain, and welcomes its end. You've made her last wish come true with your presence." She leaned in closer and whispered, "I think she's been waiting for you."

Edward's face crumpled as he briefly covered her hands with his. His eyes were red when he turned to face Emily. She could feel the heaviness of his sadness as she walked into his arms, and tried her best not to weep herself.

Finally, Edward pulled back and looked into her eyes. "She wishes to meet you before we depart, my love."

Emily Beth tilted her head back to meet Edward's gaze. A minute or so later, she found herself standing in front of the door to the Master Bedroom. Edward patted her hand when she unconsciously tightened her grip on his arm from sheer nervousness. Emily hated that she had to meet his mother like this, practically on her death bed. Mother-in-laws were supposed to have time to enjoy the companionship of their son's new wives. Not to only have one look at her and hope they will be good to their sons.

But, in reality, things were almost never how they were supposed to be.

Edward opened the door and escorted her inside. Thomas was sitting by his wife's bedside, holding her hand. When they entered, he stood up and away from the bed. Mrs. Mordrake opened her eyes and slowly turned to face them. Even in age and on her death bed, the woman was still pretty. Emily assumed that nearly all the Mordrakes were beautiful. But Edward was all his father. The only thing Emily found he shared with his mother was the bright softness in his gaze.

Edward stared to introduce them, but Emily put a hand on his arm to stop him. She quietly made her way to the bedside.

"Mrs. Mordrake?" she said softly. "I am Emily Beth."

Mrs. Mordrake was so frail that the smile that spread across her face seemed to take a lot of work.

"Abigail," she whispered.

She lifted her hand slightly off the bed. Emily Beth took it and gently squeezed in a few times, unable to speak for fear tears would come. When Emily opened her eyes again, Abigail was looking at her son.

"He's so strong," she whispered with a smile. "I haven't seen him without vacancy in his stare for a long time. I know you will be the best thing that ever happened to him, dearest."

…

Emily and Edward were completely silent as they rode home in the carriage. Edward had yet to make eye contact with her. He stared out the window, but his eyes followed nothing. Finally, Edward sniffled and rubbed the sleeve of his coat across his eyes. He grimaced, then his face went still.

Emily couldn't stand the pain in his face. Abigail was forced to close her eyes from exhaustion shortly after they met. Edward never really got to say goodbye to her. His father knew that goodbye would be hard for both of them, so Edward simply kissed her forehead.

Emily Beth would never forget their goodbyes to Thomas Mordrake. He walked them to the carriage and opened the door for them. He and Edward couldn't find words to say to each other. They both had the same look on their faces. Emily Beth gave Thomas a tight hug, which he eventually returned. When she glanced into the face of her soon to be father-in-law for the last time, he managed a grin. But his eyes were red like Edward's.

Edward's goodbye to his father was most difficult to watch. The two simply shared one last glanced that said everything that needed to be said. Finally, Edward stepped into the carriage behind Emily. Thomas Mordrake closed the door, and that was it. They were going home.

"Oh, Edward." Emily Beth switched over from her side of the carriage to sit by him. She gently hugged him from behind and rested her head between his shoulders. Edward relaxed a little, but never turned around. Finally, she felt his body shake as he wept quietly for the fate of Abigail.

Emily pulled back from him, but kept a hand on his shoulder. She frowned when his second face caught her eye. While Edward cried, it wore a ghastly smile. Edward raised his head a bit, still looking at nothing out the window.

Horrid thing, she thought. To plague a soul over the death of a loved one.

"It knew!" he said suddenly. "All night and early morning it spoke of nothing but death. The death of a loved one. And like a fool, I ignored it. My mother will die within a fortnight. And it knew."

He gasped, overcome by tears once more. Emily's heart broke for him as she watched his face crumple in shame of crying before her. She reached out to him and gently placed her hand on his cheek. "Edward, you couldn't have known. Not with all the terrible things it says to you every day that are false. Please do not blame yourself, dear."

He took her hand, kissed her fingers, and pressed it to his cheek. "Oh, Em."

Emily Beth noticed his other hand remained clenched on his knee. She reached for it without much thought. "Edward, what have you got?"

He glanced down at his hands with a blank stare, as if he'd forgotten he was holding the mystery object. Edward smiled and quickly tucked it inside his coat pocket. "Nothing."

Emily Beth smirked. She would have never done something so immodest two months before, and it still might be frowned upon if anyone on the street happened to glance through their carriage window. She quickly reached into his coat pocket and felt a small metal object.

Edward burst into breathless laughter and tried to wrestle her hand out of his coat pocket. She fought to hang on to whatever it was when he attempted to pry it from her fingers. He had much stronger hands than she did. Eventually, he let her have it. She couldn't help but smile at his wide grin. He had a handsome smile that, sadly, was not seen very often.

She playfully snatched the object from his pocket and opened her hand to see what it was. She gasped when she found two of the most beautiful wedding bands she had ever seen in the palm of her hand. One, the man's, was pure gold with a small symbol engraved into it. The other, the woman's, had the same symbol raised with more tiny diamonds than she thought could be on a wedding band. The most skilled on jewelers must have made it. Emily gasped and proceeded to return them to Edward.

He grinned and took only one from her, the man's. He put it back in his coat pocket, took hers, and helped her remove her glove. He gently slid the ring on her third finger and held her hand in his.

"It was her last wish that we have them. They were Mother and Father's. And before that, my grandparents'. They belong to the Mordrake family."

Emily Beth stared at the beautiful wedding ring. "Edward, I'm not sure I feel comfortable wearing something so treasured."

"Nor I. But it is what they wanted." He took both her hands in his. "I believe we may properly set a date now, my love."

Emily Beth gently cupped his face in her hands. "It appears your family has given us the greatest gift."

Edward grinned and tilted her chin up to his. Emily Beth melted into the kiss and rested her cheek on his chest the rest of the way home. He wrapped his cloak around her to keep her warm and held her. She could still feel his sadness for his mother as he inhaled and exhaled. The two remained silent as the sun set on that bittersweet day.