[sylvanSpider]

Benjamin laughed heartily, reveling in the fact that he could actually feel the warmth that came from such an action. "Hayseed hick? No, certainly not. Not all of those that dwell in the country are uneducated. You and your family could be of property, we've been writing each other for a while, you and I, and came to London for a vacation. I offered up our residence knowing that there are plenty of women here you can associate with--" He ran a hand through his hair again, obviously thinking that this little work of fiction wasn't his best, but it would be easier than painting her up as homeless. "But I will need to get you the proper garb first. Lucky for us, my play shortly before my passing received high praise and I made quite a profit. Surely, I can pick a dress up for you." The mention of his needing to be married off to someone of high social status struck a chord with him, the name Sarah echoing in his head. But he said nothing on that, instead saying, "That's why we paint you up to high class."

He froze and looked at her. He'd never imagined actually rewinding his murder, his being able to live out his days to old age. Having a wife, children. Having a career in play writing. All of that was taken from him, and he'd seen it as gone. Sunk costs, as his father would say. Something he could never get back. Finally, he spoke, "I don't need to be happy. I need to be gone. Soon, I will be murdered, but hopefully...hopefully I can just know who did it. Don't worry, I won't feel pain. Not if the person who did it does it in the same way. Except this time...this time I'm hoping I won't wake up again." His eyes focused on her now and he ignored his gentlemanly manners if only for a moment to grab hold of April's hands, "I want you to promise me that if we find out who is going to do it--and why--that you will do nothing to stop it. You must let it happen. I don't want that life. I've...I've been on this world for far longer than any man has any business being. Another forty or so years would be...it would be terrible."