And If You Wrong Us

Part 8: And If You Wrong Us

Please; don't hurt her.

Within the thick, encompassing walls of his study, he drowned his thoughts in whiskey.

Sarah returned the next day and, with Sophie's invitation, stayed for dinner. The children were bold with questions and energetic, not accustomed to having such important company.

"Are you rich?" Charles asked, playing with his fork.

"Charles!" Sophie scolded. "That is not a polite question."

Sarah smiled. "It's quite alright. I'm afraid I'm not, Charles. Not anymore."

"How tragic!" Angelique exclaimed. "You won't inherit your father's money?"

"Now children." Sophie eyed them both. "That's quite enough of that. Don't you have any nice questions for our guest?"

"I do! I do!" Charles raised his hand emphatically. When Sophie acknowledged him with a nod, he spoke again. "You're pretty."

Sophie and Sarah broke out into giggles. Angelique rolled her eyes. Mr. Raven stabbed at his meat.

"Charles, that's not a question," Sophie said, fondness in her smile.

"I see you're quite the little charmer," Sarah answered, winking at him.

He blushed a shade nearly as bright as Sarah's hair.

Mr. Raven stood up with his plate.

"Are you finished already? I'll get that, Dear." Sophie rose and took the dish from him. He followed her into the kitchen.

"I thought you didn't like Miss Pemberly," he whispered, coming up behind her.

"Well initially, no. What with those terrible rumors." She began clearing off the plate.

"You don't believe them?"

She sighed. "No. Not anymore. It's obvious to me now."

Mr. Raven stiffened. "What is?"

"She's lonely, the poor thing. She misses having a family — a father. That's why she's attached to you. And that's why she keeps coming over. Being here, accepted by the children, it must make her feel like a part of a family again."

"Sophie..." Mr. Raven grasped her hands in his. "There's something you need to know."

A scream from Charles caused him to drop her hands and stampede to the dining room, heart thundering. He skidded to a halt in the doorway. Charles was squealing with delight as Sarah and Angelique tickled his sides. He leaned against the wooden frame, chest heaving. Sophie came into the room, shooting him a questioning glance, then smiling at her children.

"Papa!" Charles cried through giggles. "They attacked me!"

Mr. Raven strode over and scooped up Charles, arms shielding him. "Don't worry, Charles." He put his face into his son's curls. "I won't let him hurt you," he whispered.

Sophie frowned at him. "Oh, don't coddle the boy so much. How will he grow to be a big, strong man if he can't handle a little —" She grabbed him from her husband. "Tickling!"

Charles' squeals filled the room again, and Angelique clapped happily.

Mr. Raven's brows narrowed as he caught Sarah's gaze.