Tristan watched the younger man as he spoke. Poor guy. His heart was in the right place. And perhaps Tristan wasn't in the best state for a serious conversation. But it had to be said.

"If that's how you feel, the best thing you could do is to write Miss Danes a farewell letter and return to your distant army post tomorrow." He held up his hand to pause any potential interruption. "You're a good man, John. I can see your heart's in the right place. But you are not her equal, not even close. It's not for me to tell you more, but her situation has changed entirely. She has a chance to return to the world of privilege she was born in. It will catch up with her either way. And you can offer her no hope of covering up her scandal. Marrying down, marrying someone with your reputation, your family's reputation - I'm sorry -" he shook his head, "would only expose her to more scandal. As it would your family. They'd be dragged through the mud as social climbers in the best scenario. But I could think of worse things they'd say. I don't wish it on them or you. And I certainly do not want to see Miss Danes' life destroyed."