Mina clings to the arm of the man she has to say goodbye to, wishing time would just pause. She had survived three years without seeing him, but it had only been survival. She had not realised just how utterly miserable her world had been until she had him back again. And now, walking out into the sunshine on his arm, she feels a dread of the four months to come where once again he is gone, and she is a compass without a needle. She clings to his arm whilst a groom saddles the horse he rode from Sudlachenburg on.

"I don't want to say goodbye, Eddie". He kisses her temple. He doesn't want to either, but she needs to be safely at home away from Alarice and the beheading. He won't put her in any danger. The thought of hearing her in the pain he heard Molly in makes him feel queasy. He gets her mounted up, then mounts up behind her. 

Mina rests back against him. She knows he doesn't really want her to go, but he'll never say it. He doesn't like to be vulnerable. Yet he is very vulnerable over the deaths of Morgan's late wife and daughter. It is something they will work through in the years to come. "I will miss you, Eddie".

Edward sighs as quietly as he can "I will miss you too, sweetheart". He had missed her before, but from afar, and always knowing he didn't deserve her, not after what he had done. Somehow, like a miracle, she had forgiven him. And here he was, with her in his arms. Saying goodbye now was going to be one of the hardest things he had done.

"Eddie… about the promise of there being no women after we are betrothed…?"
He squeezes her tight as they ride out of the Eisenfursts estate "Yes?". 
Mina asks nervously, not sure she wants the answer "Does that count from now?". He smiles, though she doesn't see it.
"Mimi, from the moment back in April that I decided I was going to try again to persuade your father, there's been no-one". She makes a noise of surprise "But hasn't that been difficult?"
"No. I hadn't been enjoying it for a long time, because none of them were you"
Mina nods slowly "You wanted them to be me?"
He strokes his hand across her stomach "Every single one of them. Every time, I would shut my eyes and picture your face, your eyes"
Mina flushes, stammering "I… I… But never again?"
Edward glances around at the empty road before sliding his hand down to briefly cup between her legs, earning a soft noise of arousal
"No sweetheart, this is the only place I'll find that pleasure from now on". Mina sighs frustratedly as he removes his hand and chuckles
Mina whispers "And by your own hand too". He laughs again. He loved this about Mina, this hidden wildness that the world did not get to see. "Yes sweetheart, until we are wed.  Just like you with yours". She giggles, and relaxes back against him more, revelling in the bittersweet minutes of their ride. 

Those minutes pass fast, and in a heartbeat they are stood with their fathers in the coachyard of the Sword Of Redemption Inn. With farewells said and promises to write, the last thing to do is let her go. Again. Her bravery makes him proud, and relieved. If she cried now, it's likely he would too, and he can't bear for Adalbrecht to see him that weak. With a last kiss to the cheek  he murmurs "I love you, Mimi" into her ear. She replies "I love you, Eddie". He squeezes her a moment before handing her into the coach and shutting the door. Seeing she is settled, he bangs on the panel to make the driver walk on the horses. With a last wave, she is gone. Again.

Edward thrusts his hands into his pockets, watching the coach until it turns off to join the East Road. The road before him is empty, his arms and heart feel likewise. Next to him, Adalbrecht puts a hand on his shoulder. Normally Edward would hate this, but he relents. Adalbrecht sighs. 

"Church, or tavern?" The older man says.
"Church." Edward replies. And together they make their way to the Objectionist Church, where Edward prays for strength, and Adalbrecht prays for the safety of his daughters-in-law.