It was a foggy, misty morning with the sun just barely over the horizon when she arrived at the predetermined spot. Someone had set up a table with tea and treats and four chairs. Setting the scrapbook on the table, Jessica took a seat and waited.
And waited.
She glanced at her watch and saw it was only three minutes, but it seemed like an eternity.
Jessica wondered if it would be rude to pour herself a cup of tea while she waited.
"No. Not rude at all."
She jumped in her seat at the male voice that came from beside her. Jessica turned to see a man sitting next to her.
"The Great E, I presume?" she asked once she could speak.
"Edward, please. I've always hated that stage name." He picked up the teapot and offered to pour. She nodded.
The memory of a man visiting her as a child came to her suddenly. She had found him so handsome, with coppery hair and broad shoulders, and he spoke to her as if she were an equal. His name was Edward.
"Edward. I think I can remember that name."
But it couldn't be the same person, could it?
"Stranger things have happened," Edward murmured. He nodded as he added sugar to his own cup. "My wife will be here momentarily."
She glanced over at her table companion and realized she had seen him before.
"Aren't you…"
"Edward Anthony Masen, at your service." He made a mock bow from his seat. "A man who ran away to the circus, found the love of his life, and did everything necessary to protect her from all danger." The tone of his voice grew darker as he spoke, and she had no doubt he completely meant what he said.
A light shiver went down Jessica's spine.
"My husband will shit a brick."
"I certainly hope not." Edward looked properly horrified at the notion.
