Thoughout all of this time with Arthur, Matilda had never really fully absorbed the magnitude of what he had experienced. And as he spoke, she couldn't do anything but try to understand his reasoning. The Farr family had lost relatives to the War, one in particular was Tilly and Hery's much loved cousin, Alexander. It was a bracing reality slap.

Despite her realisation, Matilda did not have long to dwell. The ankle decided to remind her that it was still very much angry, and it took all of her strength not to sit down on the spot. 

In a blur of seconds, Major Bradford was by her side, and she was suddenly accutely aware of his proximity to her. Truth be told, it wasn't anything like she had experienced before. And rather alarmingly, she couldn't help but not how good he smelt. The blonde was lost in a barrage of sensations, and she found herself just gazing at him. In a barely audible voice, she spoke. 

[b]"Perhaps I should."[/b]