And If You Wrong Us

Part 2: Reputation

Mr. Raven slumped. "I'm sorry. I didn't realize how terribly I was failing at keeping my troubles at home."

"I just don't want you to take a bad turn, Cirius. One you can't turn back from. Sarah is vulnerable right now. She will look for comfort. You must be sympathetic in a professional manner. Do not get dragged into anything deeper than that."

Mr. Raven nodded solemnly. "I understand."

"Excellent." Mr. Roberts stood up. "I'll bring her in." He went to the door. "Please come in, Miss Pemberly. I apologize for the delay."

Sarah stepped inside, hair rippling. She wore a plain, black gown to signify her mourning, but no veil, her eyes encased in shadow.

"Please take a seat," Mr. Roberts said soothingly, pulling the chair out for her. "Mr. Raven will fill out the necessary paperwork with you and then show you to your quarters. If there is anything you need, please don't hesitate to ask; you know where my office is."

Sarah nodded quietly, and Mr. Roberts let himself out of the room. All was silent for a few deafening seconds. Mr. Raven coughed, shuffling around in a drawer for the paperwork. "Just a formality," he explained in a mumble. He grabbed his steel nib pen and nearly stabbed himself with the pointed end. "Full name?"

"Sarah Lee Pemberly."

"Age?"

"Sixteen."

"Nearly of legal age," Mr. Raven thought aloud. "Your stay with us will be short."

"That's unfortunate."

Mr. Raven paused. "I beg your pardon?"

"I have no relatives to take me in once I am too old to stay here. My aunt is quite old, she will be gone soon. I have cousins, but I don't know where they are. My father hadn't heard from them in years."

"You have no grandparents?"

"I don't mean to be impertinent, but I am terribly tired. Would it be alright if we finished the paperwork tomorrow?

Mr. Raven glanced up at the clock on the wall. "Yes, I suppose we should. It's nearly dinner time. I will escort you to your room. From there, once you are settled, one of our maids can show you to the dining area." Mr. Raven approached the door, Sarah following at a short distance. "I'll get your bags." He lifted them with an unexpected grunt.

"Should I take one?" Sarah offered.

"No, no, I have them." He struggled with the door for a moment before it came open. "Please follow me."

"I understand you're married, Mr. Raven."

"That's right. Have been for...goodness, it's been nearly ten years. How time flies."

"Do you have any children?"

"Yes. My eldest is Angelique, sharp as a tack. My youngest is Charles. He is quite the troublemaker, full of raw energy. Only his sister can truly contain him." He chuckled.

Sarah smiled. "How wonderful. I hope to have children one day."

"I'm sure you will. No need to rush; you have plenty of time. You're quite young."

"Do you love your wife, Mr. Raven?"

He nearly missed a step on the wide staircase. He stumbled for a moment, the bags putting him off balance. "Y-yes, of course! What kind of silly question is that?" He snorted. "Of course, I love my wife. Goodness. A ridiculous question. Indeed."