William Murdoch walked swiftly up the steps to Julia's house. He knocked, and after a few moments, she opened the door.
"William. How lovely to see you! I'm just on my way to work."
"Yes, I was hoping so. Perhaps we could walk together."
"That would be delightful. I'll just get my coat and hat."
Julia turned back inside and returned, all ready to go. She gave him her hand and they walked on together.
"How have you been? I'm sorry I've not been as attentive to you as you deserve, Julia. Work has been overwhelming as of late."
"I'm fine. I'm quite fine, actually. This feeling of freedom is delightful. James Gilles is really dead, William! We can finally move on, together." She smiled at him, revelling in their love that finally escaped from the strong grasp of the late James Gilles.
"Yes, Julia", he sighed. He simply couldn't keep his mind away from the poor inspector. "Only I feel like I can't move on, after what happened to Inspector Brackenreid. It feels wrong."
"William, there was no way that you could have known. I know that you'll find the men responsible."
As they arrived at the station, William kissed her on the cheek and bid her farewell. "I will see you this evening."
As sincere as he was, Julia sensed the distance that William had placed between them. How funny, she realized. It had taken herself so long to accept his love, and now it was he who was halting.