Edwin ran his hands roughly over his face, pressing hard against his eyes as if he could push away the heavy feeling settling in his chest. He took a slow breath and began to speak, telling his friend every detail of how this forced marriage had come to be. Jonathan listened closely, nodding from time to time, his expression growing more serious as he understood the full weight of what his friend had endured.
"I can see how it happened," Jonathan said gently. "They had you cornered. You had no choice at all. But how could things go so far? Did you know this woman before that day they took you? I cannot imagine you having met her. You keep to yourself so much. I have never seen you with anyone."
Edwin shook his head. There was no humor in him. "You are right. I did not know her. I s
