And If You Wrong Us

Part 8: And If You Wrong Us

AUTHOR'S NOTES: Thank you for coming to read my story! If you end up enjoying this section, please vote and leave a comment! While you read this chapter, here are some things to think about : 1. What do you think about Sarah's demands? Are they justified? 2. What do you think about Mr. Raven's new position? Will he succeed? 3. Do you think Sarah was justified in blaming Mr. Raven's behavior?

Mr. Raven decided to go home early that day, and took the long route back. The summer breeze was soothing. When he arrived, he put away his things and headed straight for the kitchen. A pot of tea was out, still hot. He poured himself a cup, then padded over to the parlor, from where he heard his wife's gentle laughter. She likely had her mother visiting. He smiled; that would be enough to take his mind off things.

He stopped dead under the arch.

Sophie looked up. "Oh, there you are. We were just talking about you."

Sarah put down her teacup and smiled. "Don't worry, Mr. Raven — it was all good things."

The teacup dropped from Mr. Raven's hand and shattered.

"Cirius!" Sophie exclaimed. "That's my best china!" She bustled into the kitchen, swearing under her breath.

Mr. Raven looked after her a moment, then twisted back to Sarah. "What are you doing here?" he hissed.

Sarah placed his hands in his lap neatly. "I'm simply ensuring my freedom."

Mr. Raven's fingers flexed. "What do you mean?"

Sophie came hurrying back in, cleaning up the tea with a wet towel, then picking up the china pieces. Grumbling, she stalked away into the kitchen again to throw away the shards.

Mr. Raven glared at Sarah. "What do you mean?" he repeated.

"I won't be a prisoner again, Mr. Raven — I can't go back to that kind of life. My father kept me under lock and key. I will do anything to ensure I don't go to the asylum."

Mr. Raven's lips parted slightly in realization.

"Anything."

Sophie's hand came down on Mr. Raven's arm. He jumped.

"What is with you?" she growled, moving him to the side to mop up the spot beneath his shoe. She put the dish towel back into the kitchen and quickly returned, flushed. "I apologize, Miss Pemberly. It seems your presence causes my husband's nerves to fray."

Sarah's smile deepened. "Not to worry, Mrs. Raven. I can assure you; it isn't just me. He's been jumpy at the orphanage as well, even around Mr. Roberts."

"Really?" Sophie turned to him with concern. "Are you unwell?"

Mr. Raven's gaze slid past Sophie and rested on Sarah's mouth. Her red lips quirked. "Oh, it's nothing, really...just the pressures of the job. I'm quite stressed. It makes me act funny."

"Oh. Well, maybe you should request some time off," Sophie suggested.

He blinked, his vision swimming. "Perhaps. When things are...not quite as busy."

"I think that's a splendid idea, Mrs. Raven," Sarah said, staring directly into Mr. Raven's eyes. "Your husband is such a hard worker. He just doesn't know when to stop." She clinked her spoon against the teacup.

Mr. Raven swallowed. "I apologize for interrupting, ladies," he said, donning a smile that never reached his eyes. "I'll retire to the study and let you continue your socializing in peace." He looked at Sarah before turning to leave.