<div style="text-align: justify;">Elizabeth couldn’t help but smile along with Wil, relieved to see color return to his face. His words about choosing her as his wife made her cheeks turn red, and Elizabeth closed her eyes for a moment, just feeling the warmth that seemed to spread inside her, from her heart out. It was something Elizabeth had never felt before, but she didn’t try to name it. For now, the young lady simply allowed herself to feel.<br/><br/>When Wil’s hands were placed on her cheeks, Elizabeth felt the warmth of his hands and sighed. Her heart raced when she noticed what he was about to do. Elizabeth knew that she should not allow herself to be kissed. She was an unmarried woman, alone in a room with a man she was not married - not even betrothed - to. Had Elizabeth been in her right mind, she would have pushed Wil away - gently, but firmly. As she was now, though, Elizabeth embraced the moment. She had feared that Wil would not make it through the night. He had nearly gotten himself killing while trying to protect her. Why would she reject him, even in the least, now?<br/><br/>Leaning closer to Wil, Elizabeth placed a hand on his face and gave herself in to that forbidden kiss. Kissing Wil’s lips, and the relief of knowing he was alive and well, made Elizabeth feel a sense of happiness she had never experienced in her young life. Closing her eyes, Elizabeth allowed herself to be kissed and pulled on top of Wil. It was wrong, rationally, but Elizabeth felt that she was safe in her Wil’s arms.<br/><br/>Later, in one of her many letters to Wil, Elizabeth would reflect back on that moment, and speak sincerely about it.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">At that moment, Wil, I knew it was wrong. I knew I should not allow you to touch me in that way, as we were alone and unmarried. But I trusted you too much. I knew that you would never harm me. And I knew - as I still know - that we are to be married, my love. I shall not marry another, and I shall marry you, even if it means forsaking my family and being cursed by my father’s lips.</span><br/><br/>Elizabeth’s love and relief at seeing Wil alive threatened to overcome her sense of decency. When Wil pulled the bed cover away, Elizabeth felt hotter than before, and yet, she did not try to push him away, or herself away from him. Only when Wil stop himself did Elizabeth roll to the side, finally separating the two bodies.<br/><br/>“You are forgiven”, Elizabeth murmured, her heart still racing. Taking a deep breath, the young lady sat up on the bed and ran her fingers through Wylyam’s hair. “Now, rest, my love”, she whispered quietly, slipping one hand into his. “You must rest and regain your strength, my love. Worry not about anything but yourself”, Elizabeth requested, her voice soft and soothing.</div>