The world seemed to hang on a precipace with that pause, anxiously peering over the edge. A million different endings to this scene played through Jeremy's mind, images whipping through his mind like the wind at Sanditon's awful season closer. He almost felt frozen as he stood there, gloved fingers gentle on her own, hardly aware of anything other than what she might say.

His entire countenance lightened at her words, his eyes brightening and his soul lightening. He had been so many things for so many people, but Miss Sinclair - Sadie - he felt the most like himself around her. It had not been his intention to pursue her, to wish to entangle her life with his, and yet here he was, wishing, hoping, breathing this in like a need.

Jeremy beamed down at Sadie, "I'll speak to your uncle this evening." He assured her. He would do this as above board as he could. As he had approached his entire relationship with her. He shifted so her hands were held in both of his. She was so small, so delicate before him, so young. It struck him again how young she was. Just on the edge of adulthood. Would his eagerness scare her? Would she come to regret a choice too hastily made?

He met her gaze, earnest, "We don't have rush this, we can come up with a plan. Go as fast or slow as you wish. But I am yours, should you have me."