Edinburgh, United Kingdom
January 1852

With the train's whistle still ringing in her ears, Jane frantically pulled the shade of the carriage window open so that she could see where they were, and to her horror, they had indeed arrived at the train station. She allowed herself to hope that maybe Thomas had found a way to use the railway unseen and that they were traveling somewhere remote where Henry would never find them, but when Jane observed the tears gleaming in Harry's eyes, she knew that this hope was useless. Something had happened the night before, and Jane was more than likely about to experience the consequences without so much as a warning.

For that, Jane began to feel the rage boiling up within her. Why had Harry lied to her? And what exactly was to happen to her? She dare not even think her grandfather's cursed name, but Jane knew deep down that he was the cause of all this.

Just praying to herself that she was overreacting, Jane looked to Harry with urgency, her beating heart pounding so loudly in her ears that she could hardly formulate the words she wished to say.

"Harry." She said his name calmly, suppressing the feelings of anger and betrayal that had already begun to form within her. "Why are we here? Why aren't we at the docks?"

Harry bowed his head, his entire countenance seeming to shrink in the face of his guilt. He couldn't face her, not when he knew exactly what he had done. He should have told her before; maybe she would have understood. Henry needn't know he broke his vow. But it was too late for those sentiments. Harry had lied to Jane, and he had led her blindly to the place where she would leave him forever. He hated himself for it, and he could see that Jane was beginning to hate him for it as well.

"You're going home," Harry said quietly, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

Jane's heart dropped in her chest as she listened to the man she loved tell her that he was sending her away. Did he not want her anymore? Was that what this was about? Had she done something to make him betray her in this way?

Swallowing hard, Jane straightened her back and blinked away the tears that were brimming in her clear, blue eyes. "Harry, why are you doing this? I thought-" She cleared her throat and wiped beneath her eyes. "I thought you loved me. I thought you wanted to marry me. I don't- I don't understand why- why didn't you just tell me before that you were having second thoughts?"

Tears were streaming down Jane's cheeks now, but she dared not look away from Harry. He didn't respond for several moments, but when he looked up at her, Jane was aware of his tears as well. This only served to further confuse her. If he was so upset, why was he doing this?

"I do love you, Jane." Harry's voice cracked as he spoke, but he didn't stop to clear his voice. He needed to explain what little he could before their time was up. Henry had granted him that at least, just a little time to console Jane before she boarded the train home.

"Please never doubt that. I love you with my whole heart and soul, and I know that until I draw my last breath, I will never love another in the way that I love you. You are my everything, and you will always be. In that regard, please believe that nothing has changed."

Jane was confused to hear Harry's declaration of love to her. With that look of conviction and desperation in his eyes, how could she not believe him? But then if he was telling the truth, why then was he surrendering her to her grandfather, who insisted she marry James, a man she knew Harry to despise above all else? How could he do that when he himself had put forth so much effort to prevent it?

"What has changed, then?" Jane asked him frantically, searching his face and hoping for an explanation that would help her understand. She didn't want to be upset with him. Jane didn't want to think that this was his doing, but until she received an explanation from him, she had no one else on whom she could place her anger.

Harry shook his head, wiping the tears from his face, "I can't tell you. Henry, he made me promise not to tell." He looked up at her, "But please, Jane, believe that I had a reason. Believe that I had no other choice."

"Please, Harry. Tell me; he won't have to know that I know," Jane implored him, grasping his hand between her own. She needed to know, maybe then she could think rationally about the horrid situation that was slowly crushing her. That was her hope, for she knew that if he denied her, she would no longer be able to hold back the wave of emotions that was sure to destroy her like a tsunami.

For several moments, Harry was silent, the internal battle raging within him as he contemplated what to say. He couldn't tell her, not when so much was depending on his performance. He could only comfort her and no more.

Harry opened his mouth to speak, sparking hope in Jane's chest with the possibility of knowing the truth. She thought he was going to tell her everything, but he never got the chance. As Harry was preparing to deny her her request, there came a knock at the carriage door that informed Harry of his dwindling time with her.

Jane was panicked at the sound of the fist rapping against the door, the harshness of its sound doing more to injure her than the train's whistle had before. The knocking was a much more immediate threat, for it was indicative of the people that were there to take her away. This was real, and she was losing the love of her life.

Letting go of the anger she felt towards Harry for lying to her, Jane succumbed to the irreparable shattering of her heart. She felt her chest tighten as she physically endured the impact of her devastation, the tears now messily rolling down her cheeks in such a way that showed no signs of slowing. Harry hadn't really even explained much of what was going on, but Jane knew. Her grandfather was here to collect her, and he had somehow forced Harry to be a part of it. She couldn't be mad at Harry for that. Only something especially horrid could have occurred for Harry to betray her like this—to betray Thomas, too.

Harry pulled Jane to his chest to comfort her, but in truth, he was holding her to comfort himself just as much. Jane sobbed into Harry's chest, feeling just a few moments of respite within the security of his embrace. Knowing that this would be the last time, she cherished the feeling of his arms around her, which held her as if he never intended to let go. Though in her mind, she knew that she would be leaving him, Jane still felt safe beside him. As long as he was there with her, she would be without fear, and that alone is what provided her with the small bit of courage to endure what was to come.

But then the steady pressure of Harry's hold on her dissolved as he pulled away from her, and suddenly, the fear came rushing back. Harry's green eyes were glittering with tears, and just like hers, his cheeks were wet with the grief he had so genuinely shed. Seeing the image of her lover so distraught and so broken tore away at her already shattering heart; but at the same time, Jane was glad to see that his anguish matched her own.

At the very least, Harry's moving display of emotion reassured her that this was not his choice. Harry was not the man to blame for their separation, and as hard as it would be for Jane to pardon his deception earlier that morning, she would remember these moments of sincerity with him. Harry didn't want to leave her, of that Jane was certain. Thus, Jane was determined to place her fury elsewhere, on the man who truly deserved it.

Harry wiped beneath his eyes with his coat sleeve, shaking his head in frustration, "Jane, I'm so sorry to have failed you. I really-- I really thought we were going to make it."

Seeing how deeply he must have been feeling his distress, Jane reached up to his face and cupped his jaw in her hands, "You haven't failed me, Harry. You couldn't have known what was in store for us."

She smiled weakly, though it was far from convincing as yet another tear fell from her eye. As okay Jane felt about crying, she didn't want to cry just then. She had things she wanted to tell him, and with so little time with him remaining, Jane could not allow herself to surrender to the emotions battling within her soul. She would let them conquer her later, but as for now, Jane was determined to subdue them, lest she waste those few precious moments remaining by Harry' side.

"I'll never stop loving you, Harry, no matter what." Jane gently brushed her thumb across Harry's cheek to remove the tear that had just fallen. She could see that he was surprised by the steadiness of her voice, as was she, but she continued on, knowing that there was not a second to spare. "You are the love of my life, Harry, and while I may not get to have you in the ways I had hoped, I want you to know that you are worthy of so much more than you allow yourself to believe. You are truly good, Harry, and I wish you could see that as I do."

Jane paused as she blinked away her own tears, hoping that her voice wouldn't betray her as well. Knowledgeable of their dwindling time, Jane continued in hopes of expressing just how much Harry truly meant to her, "I'm terrified of facing life without you, but I know that however horrible things may be for me in the coming years, the memory of you and our love will be a respite amidst my despair. I can't–"

Jane drew in a sharp breath as she felt her resolve to remain strong begin to crumble yet again. She simply couldn't withstand the heartbroken expression on Harry's face as she spoke to him.

"I can't express how thankful I am for you to have come into my life, Harry. I love you with my whole being, and nothing will ever change that. I'm just sorry that my family has prevented us from pursuing our life together."

"It's not your fault," Harry spoke quietly, his voice scratchy and without any of his usual confidence to it. Shutting his eyes, Harry tried to reign in his emotions as Jane had done so that he might communicate his last words to her as well. But as he opened his mouth to relay his feelings to her, Harry was interrupted by the same knock from before, though this time, it was accompanied by the impatient voice of a man telling them that their time was up.

Both of them gasped both in surprise and dread of what was to come, though Jane was the only one to speak.

"Harry, kiss me." He looked at her, evidently confused for a moment before leaning in and obliging her. As their lips met for the last time, Jane latched onto Harry with all her strength, somehow trying to convince herself that these last few moments with him were enough to last her a lifetime. But within herself, Jane felt the sting of separation already beginning to work upon her soul, tainting what should have been a moment of passion and love with her pained grief. This was it, her last moment of happiness, for Jane was convinced that once she left that train station, never again would she feel joy.

Their kiss was marred by their mingled tears, coating their lips and quite literally ruining the sweet taste of one another with salted agony. Despite the irregularity of the scene, Jane tried her best to savor each detail, engraving in her mind how firmly Harry held her, how sensually he moved against her tongue. How was it that even in a moment of helpless devastation, Jane still felt enlivened by Harry's touch? Somehow that only made it worse.

All too soon, Harry pulled away from her, and Jane felt his absence already beginning to wear upon her heart. He smiled sadly at her, his eyes searching her face as if to to memorize its every detail. She did the same, observing how his dark lashes framed those wild eyes, so green and so full passion.

"I will always love you, Jane," Harry whispered quietly, keeping his eyes fixed on her.

Jane could feel the truth of his words, but she did not have nearly as much time as she would have liked to savor them, for just moments later, it happened. The door to the carriage was opened, and suddenly, Jane realized just how immediate all this was. Her grandfather was standing there some distance away, his lips drawn tightly together as he watched them hesitantly climb from the carriage. It was then that Jane decided she would not show him her weakness.

Taking Harry's hand in her own, Jane intentionally met Henry's gaze, narrowing her eyes with a hatred that burned deep within her. He alone was responsible for her pain, and judging by the victorious smirk on his mouth, Jane knew that he was reveling in it. Harry could see the shift in Jane's composure, and so for her sake, he endeavored to mirror it. With cold, unfeeling eyes, the two of them went forth to meet their enemy, accepting their loss, but attempting to weather it with dignity.

Henry smiled that taunting smile, fixing his attention on Harry and speaking with the intention of hurting them both.

"Ah, Harry, it is so nice to see you again so soon."

"Don't speak to him," Jane said bitterly, drawing her grandfather's attention to her. His eyes softened when he looked at her, but Jane knew that any fondness he may have seemed to have towards her was fake. She could see it in the way he carried himself, how calculated his movements were and how completely smug he still appeared to be. This was a game to him, and he had won.

"Is that how you greet your grandfather?" Henry asked her softly, though she could see the glimmer of amusement in his cruel expression.

"I suppose it is." Jane could see Henry's aggravation beginning to build, and though she knew it would most likely cause her grief later, she didn't care. What more could he do to her?

Henry scoffed at her and clasped his hands behind his back. "I had hoped that this would be a civil exchange; however, I see that you are determined against it." He lifted his eyes to Harry. "Having said that, I don't think I will prolong it. Harry, I thank you for delivering her to me. And Jane, we have a train to board. Charlie will take you to our compartment. It's time to say goodbye."

Jane was uncertain of what to do as Henry stood watching them, her panic paralyzing her as the moment of their separation arrived. To Jane's relief, Harry hugged her tightly, bringing his mouth to her ear as he spoke softly to her so that Henry couldn't hear.

"I will write to you, Jane. You'll learn the truth of what has happened here when it's safe for you to know." Harry paused, lowering his voice even more. "But more importantly, if James hurts you, write to me, and I will take care of him."

Jane looked up to Harry in surprise, not sure of how to respond to his threat. She hadn't ever experienced a violent side of him, though she supposed she should have known him to have one; after all, she didn't know the past of which he was so ashamed, and aggression very well could have been a part of it. Nonetheless, Jane was glad for this promise of his. At the very least, it gave her hope that if things with James were truly unbearable, then maybe she wouldn't have to stay. Maybe Harry could save her.

"I will," Jane said quietly, looking up at him and praying that she didn't cry again. "I love you, Harry."

Ignoring Henry standing just beside them, Harry kissed Jane swiftly on the mouth before smiling encouragingly at her. "I love you. Remember what I said."

"I will."

Henry groaned impatiently and rolled his eyes, "Time's up, you two. Jane, go with Charlie. I need to have a few words with Mr. Sinclair before we leave."

Sucking in a sharp breath, Jane froze and found herself incapable of moving one step. How could she willingly walk away from the love of her life?

Taking note of Jane's reluctance, Henry nodded towards Charlie for him to take Jane away, and so before Jane could really understand what was taking place, she was walking away from Harry, never to see him again. It was a strange several moments for her, for though she had expected to feel like her whole world was collapsing around her, she felt nothing. It was surreal, like her worst nightmare was coming to fruition, and she could hardly wrap her head around the reality of what was in store for her.

Everything passed by Jane in slow motion, only contributing further to her dreamlike state of existence. She sat silently in the compartment of the train, just hoping that someone would come in and tell her that it had all been a farce to humiliate her; however, no such event did occur. This really was as horrible as it seemed.

Soon, Jane was joined by her grandfather, who sat across from her with a satisfied expression, one that made her detest him even more than before. He took too much pleasure in her misery, and for that among other things, Jane would never forgive him.

Minutes later the train began to leave the station, and the loud, roaring sound of the engine became deafening in Jane's ears. As the car lurched forward, Jane once more felt the paralyzing pain of her loss; however, conscious of her grandfather's eyes on her, she had to remind herself of the composure she was trying to maintain. Thus, as each labored crank of the engine grated against her soul, Jane felt the hole in her chest growing with every passing second. Harry still had her heart, and the emptiness Jane within herself continued to expand, she knew that there was no hope of repairing the void that now devoured her character.

With these emotions churning within her, Jane found herself having to brush the tears from her eyes in order that she might hide the condition of her broken heart. She didn't want to give her grandfather another reason to mock her, for she was sure that his teasing voice would soon come to address her actions sooner or later.

"He is a good man," Henry said at last, breaking the heavy silence between them. Jane had hoped not to discuss anything with her grandfather, especially in regards to Harry, but she could see that he did not have the same idea in mind. "I don't blame you for choosing him over James."

Jane stared at her grandfather blankly, unsure of what to expect from this conversation with him. Wasn't he going to yell at her for her disobedience? If so, Jane didn't know how much of it she could endure before releasing the floodgates that resided in her tear ducts. It was only a matter of time before she broke again.

"I haven't told your grandmother about any of this," Henry went on. "She thinks you've been ill, as does James, and I encourage you to keep it that way. Given that you're here and no irreparable damage has been done, I don't see why we can't move on from this as if it never happened at all."

"Will you?"

Henry looked at Jane quizzically, "How do you mean?"

"You'll leave him alone; won't you? You won't try to ruin him as you did my father?"

With determination glowing in her eyes, Jane focused on her grandfather's reaction to her inquiry, noticing the bit of amusement in his countenance that made her nervous. Maybe she shouldn't have mentioned Thomas in this; after all, Jane wasn't certain if Henry even knew Thomas was there.

"Your father ruined himself, my dear, and Harry is no concern of mine." Henry waved his hand as if to dismiss the topic. "He has received his compensation as promised, and so my business with him is finished. He is free to disgrace his own name as he pleases."

As much as Jane wanted to address the slight against both her father and Harry's character, she could not ignore the one interesting detail, which Jane was sure Henry had intentionally mentioned to pique her interest. Surely, he was lying though. Surely, Harry wouldn't take money from her grandfather to return her to her family. Jane's confusion over this small detail was evident in her expression, so much so that Henry took it upon himself to explain to her just what he meant by saying what he did.

"I take it he didn't tell you about the money?" Jane's verified this inquiry. "I was quite generous if I do say so myself. I don't think I would have been able to turn me down either."

Jane frowned in response to Henry's less-than-humble brag, not wanting to believe what he was saying. Harry had said that giving her up was essential, but this monetary motive was not what Jane would have considered essential. There had to have been something else.

In the face of Jane's puzzled expression, Henry continued, "I wouldn't fret too much over it. He did seem somewhat distraught to have accepted it just now on the platform, so I do think his affection towards you is genuine."

"I don't believe you," Jane said to him, for the first time willing herself to look into her grandfather's sharp gaze. "Harry wouldn't do that."

Henry shrugged, "Believe what you will, but my coin-purse does not lie. You may see the ledgers if you so desire."

Of course Jane didn't want to believe him, nor did she want to appease him by asking to see the probably-forged documentation; however, she could not ignore that gnawing feeling in the back of her mind that made her feel like maybe he was telling the truth just this once. But no, she reminded herself. Harry wouldn't do that. He wouldn't lie to her.

Turning her face away from the man who had become her enemy, Jane leant back against the seat and stared outside at the world moving past them. She didn't know what the plan was, nor did she care, but she was determined not to say another word to Henry for the duration of their journey. Jane would keep her head down and do as she used to by following orders without question, much like a machine operating with one task in mind.

Jane wasn't going to allow Henry's manipulative schemes taint her good opinion of Harry, not now when she had already lost so much. But even still, her determination was no match for the fear within her that begged her to pursue the truth. Yes, Harry's character was pure, but even so, he had lied to her once before, and who was she to say that he wouldn't do it again?

***

YO I actually teared up while writing this, like fam, the dark days are coming for us all :( but fear not, my children, I promise you that the end with be hopeful :) I wouldn't do that to y'all

Also, bc I still can't believe it happened, my fam and I spontaneously went to the Fleetwood Mac concert in New Orleans and I wept during "Landslide" like the power was just so tangible 10/10

thank you for reading, my loves ily
-Kate💖