Discuss everything with Edward

The hunting party had begun gathering near the edge of the woodland.

Gentlemen chatted over glasses of claret while servants loaded rifles, hampers and folding tables onto the waiting wagons.

You soon found Sir Edward standing beside his horse, adjusting the strap of his rifle case.

"There you are," he said as he noticed you approach. "I trust the afternoon has treated you well?"

"It has, sir. Though something happened that I believe you ought to know."

Edward studied your expression.

"Walk with me."

The two of you moved a short distance away from the others.

"What is it?"

You recounted Blackwood's unwelcome advances towards Emily, and the conversation with Martha and Emily that followed afterwards.

Edward listened without interruption.

When you had finished, he sighed quietly.

"I was afraid it might be something of that nature."

"You suspected him, sir?"

"Not him specifically."

He folded his arms.

"But men of our station have earned something of a reputation."

He looked towards the servants busy dismantling the field kitchen.

"There are gentlemen who forget that a maid is employed to serve the household, not to indulge their fantasies."

You remained silent.

"They mistake politeness for affection. They mistake obedience for consent. And because a servant cannot easily refuse without risking her position..."

He shook his head.

"...they convince themselves no harm has been done."

"It doesn't seem right."

"It isn't."

Edward's voice remained calm.

"I won't pretend such behaviour is uncommon. But neither should it be accepted simply because the offender possesses a title."

You hesitated before speaking.

"Emily asked me not to tell anyone."

Edward nodded.

"And you kept your promise."

"I have? I told you didn’t I? I've told no one else."

A faint smile crossed Edward's face.

"You told me because I am responsible for you. And because you believed I ought to know. That is not the same as gossip. I should hate to see the girl become the subject of idle whispers."

"So would I, sir."

Edward rested a hand briefly upon your shoulder.

"You handled the matter well. You protected her dignity."

A hunting horn echoed through the trees.

Several gentlemen began making their way towards their horses.

Edward glanced in their direction before looking back at you.

"Come. The day isn't over yet."

As you walked back towards the others, Edward spoke once more.

"For what it's worth... I hope Miss Carter never loses that gentle nature of hers. The world has a habit of trying to harden people like her."

He smiled faintly.

"It would be a shame if it succeeded.", you said.

Together, you rejoined the hunting party, leaving the conversation—and Emily's confidence—safely between the two of you.