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Anna nodded, feeling strangely bereft as she made her way down the stairs and out of the house. The feeling lingered long after she had settled in the carriage and it had taken her into town, only fading when the tea shop came into view. Once they were properly parked, the coachman helped her disembark and she went inside, requesting a private room for her and her friend.

While her reservation was being made, a hand reached for her and she turned, gasping when she found herself face to face with her friend.

“Edith!”

Edith grinned as she opened her arms wide to embrace Anna. The women giggled tearfully as they tried to speak but kept talking over each other in their excitement.

“I’m sorry. You go ahead.”

“No, no. It is my fault. You go ahead.”

They stared at each other for a moment, then they burst into another fit of giggles.

“The reservation is ready, Your Grace. If you’d follow me, I’ll lead you there,” the shop attendant informed her.

Anna nodded and took Edith by the hand, both of them following the attendant as she led them to a small room on the inside with a table set with wonderfully smelling tea and lovely pastries.

Once they had settled in their seats, Anna fixed her gaze on her friend, drinking in her full of a face she had missed for over a year.

“My goodness, I had nearly forgotten what London was like during the season. I certainly did not miss the hustle and bustle of mamas, eager to marry off their little lambs. But I have missed you greatly, that is why I had to return. Well, that and my father was not keen on me avoiding yet another season,” Edith sighed as she served them both some tea.

“I have missed you as well. It is truly wonderful, having you back. You look lovely — as though you spent the last few months relaxing and frolicking among fields of flowers,” Anna beamed as she served some pastries onto their plates.

“I did my best to relax. I certainly did frolic quite a bit — much to the frustration of my aunt because I was never where I was supposed to be when they sought for me. I mostly did everything and anything I could to keep my thoughts off him.”

At the mention of Cornelius, Anna noticed the change in her friend’s demeanor, and tried to change the subject.

“Well, you look breathtaking. I am certain you will have many suitors lined up for an audience with you at any event you attend,” Anna reassured sweetly.

Edith smiled, but it did not quite reach her eyes. Anna felt her heart sink, upset that her friend was upset. She was so happy to hear from her for the first time in months.

Edith had left to the countryside after Anna had gotten married, and they used to exchange letters every few weeks but after a while, Edith’s letters stopped. Anna’s hands had been full raising her twins so she had not the strength to think about her friend’s silence but now she wished that she had.

“How have you been, duchess?” Edith asked after a moment of silence. “What has that been like?”

“Oh, well… I’ve learned to adjust, mostly. Out of society’s focus, which I was stunned to realize I did not miss at all. My husband and I lived separately for a while, but he has only just returned home recently and we’re… peacefully coexisting. As well as you would expect, given that we spent the first year of our marriage living separate lives. But I am well. Even better, now that you are here.” Anna replied, lifting a crumpet to her lips.

Edith stared into her raised cup of tea and frowned for a moment before she set it down.

“You are a better friend than I ever deserved, Anna. Truly. I never thought I would get the chance to tell you as much.”

Anna immediately leaned forward to hold onto Edith’s hands.

“Whatever do you mean? Why wouldn’t you have —”

“I did not want to come back. I didn’t have the courage to face you after what I’d done. My trip to the countryside wasn’t just to put some distance between myself and Cornelius. It was because I was a coward who would rather have run than face what I did to you. I have lived in guilt for the past year, haunted by what my actions stole from you. Everything you went through was because I was too reckless and stubborn, in the name of love. I couldn’t — I could not even attend your wedding. I didn’t know how to muster the courage to watch you throw away your desire for a love match, all because of me —”

“Edith, my darling, it is all right —”

“No, it is not, Anna. I got you trapped in yet another scandal. I’m the one he wanted, but you were the one who was taken and threatened. I am — words cannot describe just how sorry I am. I truly am sorry, Anna. If I could fix it all, I would. I wish I could. I wish I could give you back everything that you had to give up because of me.” Edith shook her head, the tears in her eyes finally making their way down her face.

Anna was wrought with emotion, quickly picking up a napkin before she went to Edith’s side, gently dabbing at her tears.

“Edith, my dear friend, I wish you would not blame yourself so. In a way, I am to blame for what happened that night. I should have been more careful after I left your home. I should have insisted that the duke release me as soon as I realized the situation I was in. There were so many points where things went wrong, and you cannot hold the blame any longer, Edith. I have long since made peace with my life and my choices. And I am doing better for it. You shouldn’t stop yourself from living for my sake,” Anna told her softly.

“I really am sorry for everything that happened,” Edith whispered solemnly.

“I know, dear. I understand, and I forgive you. I never desired to hold it against you anyway.” Anna assured her, pulling her closer for a hug.