The Victoria Era

The Snake

The rest of the night we idly chatted and had a good time. Spirits seemed to be lifted and many dreary faces had regained their happy visages. We discussed everything and parts of the story that had been unknown to me came to light. There had been many discussions leading to the current events that I had ot been present for and only learned about now. By the end of the night all our throats were tired and raspy from speaking and so Mr. Wilksin stood. "Good night everyone and we will talk more in the near future." Everyone stood and started to prepare to leave. "Henrietta, my dear, would you linger her for a moment." He stared at her with deep eyes puffing on his pipe.
"I'll be home soon." she looked to James and we all departed. On our way home, Liam remembered he wanted to buy a new book and so he left me at home. I played with Marie as she had been feeling rather left out as we had all our drama. An hour or two went by when a knock on the door broke Marie and I apart.
"Raven! What a pleasure!" I said seeing her familiar face and the equally familiar face of my brother.
"Clarissa! Yes, it truly is a great pleasure seeing you." Raven said with a smile.
"What has happened, my dear?" I said letting her into the house.
"Joshua is a stubborn mule. He will not listen!" She exclaimed exasperated.
"Men!" I laughed and looked jokingly at Liam who had a thin smile. Suddenly, I remembered. "Come now, a certain someone has been begging to see you!"
"I cannot wait to see him." Raven smiled.
I led her to a room on the upper floor and called out everyone. "You may have your privacy now." I said smiling at her and Caleb then left with everyone else. Liam began to tell me a story of how Raven hated Joshua's love, Lanie and she distrusted her immensely. As we were discussing Joshua came into the house. He asked where Raven was and I told him that she was with Caleb. A few moments he came down the stairs fuming. He stormed out of the house and I quickly ran up the stairs. ""Was it Lanie?" I said coming into the room.
"How did you come to that conclusion?" Caleb laughed weakly.
"Experience." I echoed his laugh.
" Did I mention she is coming over tonight?" Raven asked flatly.
"Uh, no, but we will make do." I said. She sighed and in response I hugged her. "It will be alright."
"May I speak to you, privately, Clarissa?" She asked pulling away.
"Of course, my dear." I led her to my small room. "Please, sit."
She sat then looked right into my eyes. "Lanie is a snake."
A little surprised I thought back to the conversation I had with Liam. "I have heard she left a bad taste in your mouth. Liam was quite concerned."
"Joshua told me not to tell anyone, but she is wanted in America for gambling and thievery. He knows she's not good. So tonight, maybe we could get the police." she said thoughtfully.
My eyebrows came together. "This woman is a criminal so why is Joshua even dabbling with such people!?" I asked slowly.
"He is completely mad." she responded coldly.
"I see." I laughed gently when a knock startled us. "Who is it?" I called
"Just me." Lisa said opening the door. "I admit to I have been eavesdropping but I must say my curiosity overtook me. May I inquire what the matter is?" Raven tensed before telling Lisa about Lanie. "My, this seems to be a troublesome woman." Lisa said.
"That comment seems under-exaggerated." I scoffed.
"Clarissa, manners." Lisa barked at me.
"Sorry, sister." I said looking at my hands.
"Raven, are you sure she has not changed?" Lisa said kind as ever.
Raven nodded no. "She uses her beauty to get whatever she wants."
Lisa made an unreadable face then scowled. "Well, I am sure Clarissa has given you the best of advice. I must be off."
"Lisa? This is very unlike you." I said confused.
Lisa snapped suddenly. "Clarissa, what do you know of me?" She then looked horrified at the hurt expression scribbled on my face. "Oh, dear sister, please forgive my poisonous words."
I sat down and looked away from my sister. "Lisa, you may go."
"Clarissa---" My sister started.
"Off with you." I said making a point to not look at Lisa while she slowly left. I looked to Raven who just sat awkwardly next to me. "My apologies, I think tonight we must expose her true nature to Joshua and only then will his love shatter from his eyes and let the truth grip him."
"I must go now, Lanie is still "sick."" Raven said standing.
"I see but we shall see you to night correct?" I said rising also.
"Correct." She said and left.