What else is there?

The question hung between them like the sharp blade of a guillotine. How did he not know, even then, that it was duty, and duty alone, that kept them apart? The months of silence stretched on and on with Mother pestering her constantly to accept Edmund's suit. She hadn't had a choice in the matter, but he hadn't known that then. Maggie hadn't wanted to humiliate him further by admitting that he was simply too late.

But, now she was older. Her duty was done, her husband two months dead. Now, Maggie had nothing to lose but him, again. "I can't lose you again. It nearly killed me the first time." She admitted quietly, her gaze never leaving his own. How could he still not know? Even after the elevator and their letters? "Please, don't leave again. I was wrong to let you leave the first time."