Richard was somewhat aware of the barriers that were now between them but he didn't rightly care. He was quite wealthy in his own right, he was more than capable of taking care of her. He also didn't give two figs about what society thought about this personal life choices. He did his work well and it was very separate from his career.
Richard was clueless to her current thoughts, however, so he simply sat with her. "You speak as if we will never speak again, Miss Scrimgeour," he stated. Silly woman. Didn't she realize that his very happiness lay in continuing his friendship with her? "There will be no need to miss me for you'll always have my friendship, society be damned." His sisters would probably faint if they were to hear him.
graphics by Lady!