Sometime later Robert Crawley inquired after the whereabouts of his middle daughter. No one seemed to know and she hadn't been seen for some time. Angrily he ordered a car, but with Perkins driving Rosamund and Edith presumably having taken the coupe, the only vehicle available was the estate truck. Grumbling, Robert crawled behind the wheel and sped off toward the train depot.

Edith arrived at the depot early and found a quiet place to wait inconspicuously. Eventually people began to gather and above their heads, she saw the one she was there for. I'll catch him just as he is ready to board…

Anthony confirmed his ticket, spoke with his man who was taking care of his luggage, and turned to find his car. Edith spied Rosamund approaching from behind him and the ensuing exchange might have been amusing for Edith, if it weren't endangering her own plans.

Anthony looked like a startled deer, his expression plainly disclosing his surprise when he turned to find Rosamund standing there. She was all smiles, greeting him warmly, a little too warmly if Anthony's reaction was anything to judge by. He stiffened at her attempt at an embrace and once the awkward moment passed and Rosamund took a step back, he did as well creating even more distance between them. Edith watched as her aunt looked nervously at her ticket, said something, and then turned to find where she should board. Anthony's relief at her departure was palatable, even from a distance.

With her aunt gone, Edith gathered her courage and approached Anthony. When he turned away from Rosamund's departing figure his eyes caught her moving towards him and he smiled uncomfortably. "Edith?" he said softly as she moved nearer. He looked alarmed to see her.

"I wanted to see you off…"

"You really shouldn't be here," he insisted.

"Perhaps. But I just had to come. I… I told Papa about us."

Anthony's eyes grew wide and he took a deep breath before exclaiming, "you did what?"

"Yes, I told him about our agreement and how in the end it won't matter. I told him I love you and there will never be anyone else for me."

"Oh Edith," he sighed.

"I… I hope you don't mind…"

"But I do. Not because you told him or that you think you love me but that you believe there could never be another …"

"I don't just think I love you, Anthony. I know I do. I wish you would believe that."

His features softened. "Edith, I have no right to… to your love. It is a beautiful gift but one I am not worthy of."

"Gifts are just that, don't you think…. Gifts. And I give my love freely to you. There is no deserving or not deserving, it simply is. I thought … the things you've said; I thought you felt the same for me."

"I… I do, God help me. But I still don't believe it is appropriate."

"But you are coming back?"

He nodded without conviction. "I said I would, although I think it foolish for me to let you entertain thoughts of me."

"Those thoughts come unbidden. I can no more stop them than I can cease to breathe." She stared into his bright blue eyes, saw the worry there, and saw something else that made her think perhaps he would not return as promised. "I wish I was going with you."

"Edith, you can't be serious!"

"But I am. I know you are used to things a certain way now, travelling and meeting new people, and … women. I wish …" Her heart was breaking. It seemed the more they talked the less certain she was of his return.

"I may be used to things being a certain way but that does not mean I am happy; you've shown me that."

"Then let me go with you, right now. Let me show you more… how we can be happy together."

"Edith, no… Your family… your reputation… I can't do that to you."

Unseen by either, Robert had approached and was standing quietly next to a pillar, listening and watching. It was clear his daughter was in agony but perhaps more surprising to him was the effect she was having on Anthony.

Edith was continuing the conversation. "But why? They are meaningless to me; well, perhaps not meaningless but certainly pale in comparison to the happiness I know we could have. "

Anthony stood there looking at her, miserable. But Robert could see his resolve was beginning to melt. He could also see that Anthony Strallan loved his daughter as much as she seemed to love him. Robert slid away from his spot at the pillar and disappeared into the station. He returned a few minutes later to find Edith and Anthony still in conversation, but Anthony had moved to step up on the train.

"Please, just a hug before you go," Edith asked Anthony.

Anthony glanced around, acutely aware of prying eyes. "Edith, I really don't think…"

Robert stepped closer, moving behind his daughter. Anthony looked across at him, "Robert."

"Anthony," Robert returned the greeting as he looked at his daughter, who was watching him warily. He tried to smile but he knew the gravity of what he was about to do and the smile just wouldn't come. "You really do love him, don't you?"

"Oh yes, Papa; so very much it hurts."

Robert looked up at Anthony. "And I believe you do love Edith, as well."

Anthony glanced from Robert to Edith and anxiously replied, "I do. I never thought… after Maude, I believed my life was essentially over. Edith has made me see that it isn't. But…"

"But if you leave her here today and don't come back, it will be," Robert finished for him.

"Yes," Anthony agreed. "I thought if I left that she might… forget me," he said sadly.

Robert took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "I came here to stop Edith from making a fool of herself. I am beginning to think it is I who has been the fool. Anthony if you truly love my daughter then, well…. Alright. But if you don't, please say so now."

"I'm sorry, Robert. But I do love her, more than I thought possible."

Robert nodded and held out his hand to his daughter. In it was a ticket. "Go, my darling girl. Go with him, if that is what you wish. I know Anthony will not mistreat you in any way," he said as he glanced a warning at his friend.

"Papa, do you really mean it?" She couldn't believe what she was hearing.

"If there is one thing your mother has taught me, it is that real love is rare and precious. You mustn't squander it. You and Anthony are in some ways a mismatch, but I believe in many others you are a perfect match. And what I've seen between the two of you today has convinced me. Go, settle things between you and know you will be welcomed at home, no matter the outcome."

Anthony looked at Robert with relief as he took Edith's hand and they climbed aboard the train. The last glimpse Robert had of his daughter that day was of her in Anthony Strallan's arms as the train pulled away. He knew he would have to explain things to Cora, but in his heart he knew he had done the right thing.


Part of me thinks this a natural ending but there is a part of me that wants to include the final showdown with Rosamund. Or is there a sequel?Something to ponder, I think.

As always, I am most grateful to those who left such uplifting remarks on the last chapter and over the whole story really. I love the Andith ship and all the shippers! Sail on!