Malcolm placed the plate down onto the table. “I know you are scared but that is a good thing.”
“Why is that?”
“It means you understand what you have to give up to be with Greydon.”
Enid shook her head. “Why am I the one that has to give up everything to be with him?” she asked.
“If you truly love him, it won’t seem like such a sacrifice.” Malcolm’s eyes held compassion as he said, “Your late husband was an awful man. There is no denying that, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try again with Rushcliffe.”
“What of Greydon? His reputation will suffer greatly for marrying me.”
Malcolm smirked. “I do not think Rushcliffe cares a whit about that.”
“He should.”
“But he cares more about you,” Malcolm said.
Enid leaned back in her seat as she pondered her brother’s words. Everyone was so quick to give her advice on how she should lead her life, but they didn’t understand everything that she had gone through to get to where she was today. She was stronger than she was yesterday, there was no denying that, but she was still petrified to make a misstep. She didn’t want to lose everything that she had worked so hard to achieve.
Malcolm reached for the plate and extended it towards her. “I know that look. You could use another biscuit.”
She laughed. “I could always use another biscuit,” she agreed as she reached for one.
As Malcolm lowered the plate to his lap, he said, “I am sorry for trying to force your hand.”
“I understand why you did.”
Malcolm gave her a chiding look. “Although, you can’t just keep kissing Rushcliffe without an understanding.”
“It was not planned,” she attempted. “It just happened.”
“Well, do not let it happen again until you have an understanding between the two of you,” her brother said firmly.
Enid knew her brother was only trying to help so she just smiled. “You worry entirely too much about me.”
“I have to because you deserve to be happy.”
“I am happy.”
Malcolm didn’t look convinced. “Very well, I shall leave you be.” He placed the plate down onto the table. “I will leave the biscuits for you.”
“I would appreciate that.”
“Just promise me one thing,” Malcolm said.
Enid gave him a skeptical look. “What is it?”
“Before you turn down Rushcliffe again, ask yourself what you are fighting for,” he advised.
Without a hint of hesitation, she replied, “I am fighting for Marigold.”
“And that is noble, but you, my dearest sister, deserve to be loved; to feel the same love you give.”
Enid felt her shoulders slump. “You make it sound so easy.”
“Loving Rosamond is the easiest thing I have ever done. It is like breathing to me,” Malcolm said. “It took some time for me to come to terms with that, but now… I can’t live without her.”
A part of her wanted to throw caution to the wind and run into Greydon’s arms. But a part of her, a very real part of her, couldn’t take the chance of rejection again.
