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They remained like that for a while, finding comfort in each other’s embrace. Anna felt disheartened, unaware that her friend had been carrying around such weight for a year. If she had known, she would have done more to stay in touch with her. She would have written to her more, even if Edith had not sent any replies back.

All that would have mattered was that Edith knew she was loved still and absolved of any blame.

Once Edith had calmed down significantly, Anna stroked her hair before pulling away.

“You are still my dear friend, Edith. I adore you greatly, and I do not blame you for anything that happened. I hope you understand that I have meant every word,” she stated firmly.

Edith nodded with a sniff, and Anna dabbed her cheeks once more. Once she seemed less distraught, Anna moved back to her seat and poured a fresh cup of tea for her and urged her to drink.

Once Edith had finished her tea, Anna asked gingerly,

“Have you been to any events of the season? Would you like me to accompany you to some of them?”

Edith shook her head slowly.

“I appreciate the kind offer, my dear. I have yet to muster up the courage to put myself on the market once again. Not after what happened last time I let myself love.”

Anna’s expression morphed into one of sympathy.

“Do you still have feelings for Cornelius?” she asked carefully.

Edith hesitated for a moment, then she nodded.

“After what happened, I realized that you were right. I did not know his brother was so cruel. I had already ruined your life and I did not want to drag my family into an even bigger mess, so I decided it was best to leave. I did not even say goodbye to him. I suppose he hates me now. I thought that taking some time away would help make things easier to come to terms with. But I… I thought about him the whole time I was away. I was worried for him. Cornelius is so incredibly soft-spoken and gentle. He is a good man, and I might never find anyone like him. I thought that I could try, but now that I have returned, I am not sure what course of action to take.”

Anna hesitated for a moment, then she said, “Do you think your mind will be made up if you speak to him? One last time?”

Edith looked up at her and nodded, raising her head properly.

“I would like that. I had thought of doing so but… after how I left him suddenly, I feared he would never wish to speak to me again.”

“You will never know if you do not try. He has been traveling for a while, but he just returned recently. If you wish to talk with him, you can.” Anna supplied.

“You do not think it is a bad idea?” Edith questioned hesitantly.

“Not in the slightest. If you would like some closure to move forward, I highly recommend that you obtain it. It might prove to be helpful for you both. You have my support, no matter what you choose.”

Edith smiled softly, reaching out to hold Anna’s hand.

“Thank you, Anna. For everything.”

Anna smiled back, squeezing her hand gently.

“It is my pleasure. It is my greatest wish that you are happy, my friend. I truly hope you know that.”

Edith nodded. “I do. And it makes me happy to no end.”

The rest of the afternoon passed with them talking about whatever they could and when it was finally time to part, Anna returned home feeling lighter than she had arrived.

On the way home, she said a little prayer that things would work out for her dear friend.

CHAPTER TWENTY

Anna had recently begun to treasure her mornings.

There was a particular feeling that accompanied her breakfast now, a comfort she had not expected to find in what had once felt like an obligation rather than a courtesy when it had begun. The dining hall was warm with early sun, the tea in her cup still far from growing cold as she took a bite of her eggs, and across the table, Hudson regarded her over the rim of his cup with an expression she still had not learned to name.

It was not quite fondness. It was not an expression she could put a name to at all. But it made her stomach flutter regardless, and she busied herself with her toast next rather than dwell upon it.