[@tealrootssss]

Gunslinger is probably incorrect given the time period but I get your meaning. But nonsense, you can have them meet whenever you want since it is your story that you are wanting to write. Imagine Gerard finding out about Benedict’s murder spree and at the moment having nobody to turn to. Then suddenly Winny is there with a kind smile and a shoulder for him to lean on. Then go from there. 

Writing the process of falling in love, I find, is often much cuter and rewarding than writing being in love.