Midnight Rain:

Chapter 74: Our Duties:

Lady Mary opened the door as she heard a knock on the door, while she was trying to comfort Edwina. She opened the door to see James.

"Lord Hanover..."

"Lady Mary." James bowed his head to the woman who kept a tight-lipped expression. "I was hoping to speak with Miss Edwina." He said as Lady Mary sighed, glancing back at Edwina then back to James.

"Of course." Lady Mary sighed, stepping aside and opening the door more as Edwina stood up.

"Lord Hanover." Edwina sighed as James walked into the room as Lady Mary closed the door behind him.

He did not say anything, searching for the right words, bowing his head to her.

"I am quite certain this delay is rather... unexpected." Edwina sighed, keeping her hands locked in front of her.

"Indeed. But I must ask if it is, in fact, a delay and nothing more?" He asked, keeping his hands behind his back.

Edwina paused, trying to keep her composure as her heart was breaking on the inside. "I am considering what more there may be regarding our courtship and those involved with its... interference." Edwina sighed, swallowing harshly.

"I know you may think that we--" James went to say.

"Please. Tell me you did not come here to offer me more lies or half-truths, my lord. At least offer me that." She sighed as James nodded.

"I am intent upon this marriage. The very fact that we have arrived at this day with whatever interference there might have been should be proof enough."

"Indeed." Edwina sighed again. "Yet, I still wonder whether it is the marriage or me that you truly want." Edwina said as James sighed, looking guilty.

"It is both." He answered as she sighed, not wanting that answer. "Miss Edwina, I have never wavered in my intentions since the first moment of our meeting. It was clear to me then, as it is now, that what we share is greater than all else." He continued to try to explain.

"And what is it that you believe we share?" Edwina asked him with a slight scoff.

"Our places." James answered without hesitation. "Our roles. They align. I, as the earl. You, as the diamond. Neither by our own choice." He continued to explain as Edwina looked down. "We are yoked to each other in that respect. It is why I never gave up pursuing you, even when some thought me a fool to continue. It is why I was not swayed by the insults of the Sheffields or your lack of a dowry." He added as Edwina glanced at her mother.

"Because... you love me?" Edwina asked him.

He hesitated, closing his mouth that was opened slightly. He sighed, not finding the right words. "I understand you. I sympathize with you. In a certain light, I am you. We do not have the luxury of choice. We cannot escape our roles. But married... we may face these difficulties together." He tried to make it sound great, but Edwina did not want those words.

She wanted love.

"And what of my sister?" She asked him with tears in her eyes. "What role will she play between us in the future?" 

"The thorn easily removed from the blossoming flower of our lives. She shall have no place in our future." James sighed, hurting him to say such a thing, as Edwina's eyes widened. "Once we marry, she will return to India, as she wishes. And you and I will be free of her..."

"And that is what you now wish?" Edwina asked, seeing that it hurt him more to say that.

"That is what I now know. The great distance between us will only bring you and I closer. But that future is only possible if you decide today... to marry me."