Anastasia was stunned to hear Edward say those words, she had forgotten about him the moment they bumped into each other at the royal celebration, when he saved her at Lowe pass, she only felt that the person seemed to care for her a lot , later when she found out he was the one who saved her she was a bit surprised. Even at that moment she had not thought he took a like if her.
Ernest looked at the stunned Anastasia and felt his heart jump. He was worried that his feelings would be rejected. He never planned to tell her about them until they were married and together. He had spoken because he suddenly felt the moment was right.
He wanted to urge her to say something but he was scared of what she had to say. Moreover, watching her cry made his heart hurt, he wanted to help her clean her tears but he was worried about doing too much too soon and causing her to withdraw.
