Edith has made a point of trying to avoid Maxim as much as possible. He was acting like a jerk the last time they interacted and she's not about to face that again. He might make her feel good but she isn't going to sink that low. Besides Rebecca has made a point of annoying Maxim as much as possible lately and will be throwing a party soon. Which has left me to busy planning it to even think about Maxim. He has sought me out occasionally but I've always been able to avoid him one way or another. Which in turn has driven him crazy, I can imagine.

I am overseeing the final preparations in the hallway one day when Maxim enters through the front door. He's been out more lately, going on walks in the forest for God knows how long. Today is no exception. Except for the constant flow of rain outside. It's the beginning of August but it might as well have been the middle of October for how much rain has fallen the last few weeks. 'Everyone out.' He orders as soon as he passes the threshold. 'Except for you, Edith.' I was about to leave the hallway but stopped in my tracks. This man frustrates me to no point. Can't he just leave me alone!? 'What can I do for you Mr de Winter?' I ask in my most polite voice. 'Cut the bullshit, Edith. You've been avoiding me.' Maxim says as he closes in. 'Yes, you're right. I have been avoiding you. I wonder why that is?' I busy myself with straightening some garland that was perfectly straight already. Anything to not have to look at him. 'Don't you use that tone on me. You know what happens when you do that.' He is trying to intimidate me but to be intimidated I would have to be afraid of him, which I am not. 'And what would happen Maxim? You think I'm going to crawl on my knees to you and ask for your forgiveness? There is nothing to forgive Maxim. I'm not some young weakling you can easily intimidate with your threads. Go play with one of the maids if that's what you're interested in.' I've closed in on him and since I'm almost the same height there's little room left between us. We stare into each other eyes and are both breathing heavily. Next thing I know he's kissing me and I'm grasping at his suit. He breaks the kiss, 'Not here. Let's go somewhere a little more private.' He says as he takes my hand and leads my upstairs. 'Maxim, we shouldn't be doing this.' 'I know we shouldn't, Edith but I desperately want to.. Can we please not think about the consequences right now?' He asks me as we reach his bedroom. There's no servant in the halls to tell on us or even notice us. They're all to busy preparing for the party. I know that once I go through his bedroom door there will be no way back. And that scares me. But I also know I won't be able to stay away. 'Edith?' We've stopped just outside his bedroom. 'What is it?' 'I don't know if I can do this.' I admit. His gaze softens and I almost can't bare it. But something in his gaze switches again. 'You don't have to make an decision. Just leave it to me.' I shallow and give him the slightest nod. And with that he opens the bedroom door