Anthony became a frequent visitor at Downton. At first, he and Edith would simply sit and chat. Sometimes he found himself in the middle of the battles between Robert and Matthew. Eventually he convinced Edith to go for walks. At first the conversations were light, covering topics such as new books or the happenings in the village or perhaps the latest in the newspapers. Slowly they turned to more serious topics.

Her family watched in awe as he drew her out, bringing first small smiles and later large grins to her face. After watching them interact one afternoon, Cora turned to Robert. "I was afraid it was too soon, that it was wrong to encourage them back together. But after seeing her in so much pain for those dreadful weeks after the accident and seeing how happy he makes her now, I am glad it has happened."

"As am I," Robert agreed as he watched the two strolling across the lawn outside the library window. "Perhaps it was too soon but I just couldn't bear watching her unhappiness any longer. She was so utterly miserable. She's too young and life is too short for her spend her days in such misery. Whether they remain as friends or they rekindle what was between them, I am glad to see her able to smile again."

Slowly, as the days turned into weeks, Edith began to talk to Anthony about her son and all that he meant to her. Until one day, as they rested on a bench under a large oak tree, she confessed. "His middle name was Anthony, you know. I wanted him to be your baby. When William came to my room, I closed my eyes and imagined it was you."

Anthony was stunned. "But I thought…all the reports were that you and Dunsmore were happy together. I thought perhaps you might have found happiness with him…the happiness I wished for you."

Edith took his hand in hers and he glanced down, warmed by the subtle intimacy. "He was caring and kind but he wasn't you. I didn't love him," she said. "It was a beneficial arrangement for both of us but whatever happiness I felt was because of Robbie."

Shocked, Anthony stood and began to pace. "You…you married him even though you didn't love him? But why? Surely there were younger men who…who would be better choices? But when I heard, I thought you loved him and so I thought…at least….I…" Just as suddenly, he stopped pacing and turned to her. "I wanted you to be happy," he said desperately.

"There were no younger men…none that interested me anyway. There is only one man that interested me in that way and he walked away from me. So I had to make a life without love, at least that kind of love. But I still wanted you…ached for you…dreamed of you."

Collapsing on the bench next to her, Anthony sighed. "As I have for you," he admitted. "I haven't known a moment's peace since that day. Was I really that wrong about it all?"

"You thought you were looking after my happiness. But you forgot that even though I was younger, I was quite grown and I knew my own heart and mind. I knew what I wanted, what would make me happy but you wouldn't believe that."

Looking at her sheepishly he asked, "Can you ever forgive me?"

"I did that day. I knew why you did it. I was miserable but I knew why. It took me quite a long while to stop being angry with you, but I never stopped loving you. And I never will."

Anthony looked away, deep in thought. Still staring in the distance, he was very quiet when he spoke again. "I have no right to ask, but in time, do you think…might we…try again?" He turned and looked at her beseechingly.

Oh how she wanted to believe he meant it, that he truly did want her. But as Edith searched her heart, that same numbness sat there like a stone. "I don't know that I am capable of …" she sighed. She wanted to go back, for things to be the same between them. But she wasn't the same and she recognized that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't be that girl that he loved. "I've changed," she said finally. "I don't think I am capable of …of caring again."

Seeing the sadness in her face, Anthony was unsure of how to respond. "Yes, of course… it is to be expected. But if I may be so bold, you are still innately the exquisitely lovely woman that so captured my heart…just not quite so naïve. Life has dealt you a bitter blow and of course, you see things in a different light." He knew he should stop there but he couldn't let go of hope, not again. "If you should have a change of heart … about me, I mean, then…well, I will be here for you. In any case, I intend to be here for you in any manner you will allow." He paused, somewhat shocked at his own boldness. But he knew he might never have the courage to speak so openly again and so he plowed on. "I love you, Edith. I was a fool to ever walk away from you. That day, when I happened onto your accident, it all came back to me, the anguish of leaving you and the endless nights of heartache that followed. I looked at your son and could only think how that could have been my son…our son, if I hadn't been so frightened. That is why I wept so shamelessly on the side of the road. I was loosing you all over again and so much had already been lost."

Anthony watched her for any signs of what she might be feeling. But she simply sat, staring off into nothingness. "Well, there…I've said it…told you what is in my heart. I shan't mention it again. We will continue on as we have done these last few weeks as friends. I promise not to burden you with it again."

Slowly Edith turned to him and he saw the tears that trickled down her cheeks. "Please…don't give up on me," she whispered. "I fear I will be lost if you do."

Carefully he put his arm around her and held her closer to him. "No, my darling girl, never. I can be patient until you sort things through. I know you need time; you've been hurt deeply and it will take time to heal. And when you are ready to speak of it again, I will be here."

I know, this one was short. But the next one will be a bit longer.

Again, I do appreciate all follows and reviews and especially the kind words. You guys are terrific!