Proposal

"Lord Benson?" Shelby pushes to his feet and freezes for a moment. "I was surprised when the butler announced your name." He stares at the beautiful blond in front of him. She looks beautiful even in her mourning black dress.

"I… I apologize for my sudden visit, Lady Erling." He bows.

"Please, have a seat." He complies, fidgeting with his fingers.

"First of all, I would like to offer my deepest condolences for your loss, captain."

"Thank you." Erling looks down for a moment. Shelby can tell that she is fighting her tears, which is quite odd to him. The red rims of her eyes suggest that she has already cried this morning, maybe more than once. She has always been tough and even cold at times, he never thought he would see her this vulnerable, ever.

"How have you been?" Shelby asks after a few seconds of hesitation. She looks at him with her tired emerald eyes.