I suppose you're right. Mercy, if I'd had a Higgs girl forced on me--well, thank goodness for Mother's patience.

*But the problem is that Bella wouldn't think this way if she knew the reality of the situation. He wishes to move forward but cannot, in good conscience, out of loyalty to his name and family. But he finds himself uninterested in moving back, and thus is force to dance sideways around it. Bella's advice is useless, and he's in the same bind he's been in for weeks now.

The man isn't bleeding out, but shock is setting in and there's not much left in him.*

This one is almost through. If you'd like to do the honors, you're welcome to it.