Catching Mr Ripper

August 31st Evening

Edmund spent the entirety of the day setting up the board and rereading the information that their investigation had found, which amounted to little more than nothing.
"Sir, Robert and I are heading home for the night. Is there anything you need before we go?" John asked.
"No. Go home, both of you, enjoy your evening" he managed a small smile as he watched the two men leave. Edmund let out a deep sigh, leaning back in his chair, running his fingers through his hair, the growing hunger in his stomach encouraged him to seek out food. He grabbed his coat and hat and left the empty office.
As Edmund was being led into the dining room of a reasonably priced restaurant he noticed Elizabeth across the room, feigning interest in a gentleman.
"My dinner guest is over there" Edmund smiled at the waiter before making his way towards her "Lizzie, I'm glad I've found you" Edmund smiled taking a seat at her table.
"Edmund" Elizabeth smiled. This time Edmund could see the sincerity in her eyes.
"Thank you for keeping her company whilst I was away" Edmund smiled at the young man, who took his leave with a deep sigh.
"He was sweet" Elizabeth smiled at him.
"Too bad" Edmund smiled.
"It's nice to see you again. Despite the current circumstances" she said taking a sip of her wine.
"I agree. I'm sorry we didn't leave things on good terms" he frowned.
"We left it on the best terms that we could. I don't blame you" she smiled softly at him.
"I'm glad" he smiled back as a waiter appeared at the table to take his order before he hurried away again.
"This is strange, isn't it?" Edmund asked, making them both chuckle.
"It is. We're just used to very different circumstances" she smirked.
"I can see you smirking" he smiled.
"I couldn't help it" she smirked again.
"We can't do it again. The first time was bad enough-"
"I wouldn't call it bad" she smirked.
"You know what I mean. If you father even saw me talking to you he would kill me" he sighed.
"My father doesn't control my life" Elizabeth shot at him.
"But he does control mine. Lizzie I could lose everything, one word from your father and I could lose everything" he said, taking a sip of his drink.
"You've already lost me. The man I loved would've risked everything to have me" Elizabeth frowned.
"We were young, Lizzie. Too young to know the damage that we were doing. We could never be together, because society would never allow it. I wish we could, but life isn't that simple. I would be risking everything to be with you" he frowned.
"So would I. I would ruin my father's name, my name, to be with you. I would give up everything I have to be with you. I would do so happily" She said, meeting his eyes across the table.
"Your food, madam, sir" the waiter smiled, placing a plate in front of them both before leaving them. Elizabeth picked up her fork first, her teeth scrapping it in anger.
"Don't do that" he scolded, their eyes meeting again.
"Don't scold me" she scolded back with a glare.
"Eat your food" he bit back, picking up his own fork, taking a bite of his food.
"How is your mother? I do miss Beatrice" She asked him, easing the tension in the air before taking another bite of her food.
"She's as expected. I wouldn't be surprised if she was trying to match me with someone as we talk" he smiled, making her smile too.
"You're lucky to have her. Your mother is an angel, you should let her help" Elizabeth told him, once again avoiding his gaze.
"I don't want to marry anyone else" He grumbled loudly, without thinking.
"We didn't have a choice then. We do now" she whispered, just loud enough for him to hear.
"Lizzie-"
"You call me that. You. Love doesn't just stop because of parents getting in the way or even life. God" she cursed sending heads turning in her direction in shock "You don't just give up. Not when it gets hard. Not when you're scared. Love doesn't just stop, Ed" Elizabeth frowned "Just because you gave up, doesn't mean that I did" she frowned meeting his eye again.
Edmund could see the pain in her eyes and he felt regret for everything bad that had happened between them.
"Lizzie-"
"Eat your dinner" Elizabeth cut him off before he could even begin.
"Yes ma'am" he whispered, hoping to encourage a smile that never came.