The Victoria Era

The Return of Friends

I held the gun threateningly at him but still shook a little. "God, who are you?"
"I am Joshua, milady. I came to see Raven. My foolish Aunt Harriet told me she was here. Do you know where she is?" Said Joshua startled.
"If you're with her you better leave before my finger finds the trigger." I said his words not fully processing in my mind.
"Sir," Caleb spoke softly and gently pulled me away from the door. "I am sorry for my sister but as I am sure she is rather shaken. Who are you?"
"I just wanted to find my cousin. I'm not with Harriet! The scandalous beast!" He said appalled. Suddenly the loud Lydia broke into the scene making my head spin. She was obviously confused and came and went in a brief turn of events.
"What is going on here?" A familiar voice roared over the buzzing in my ears.
I stood and my eyes nearly popped out of my head. "LIAM! Oh my God, Liam, I am so happy to see you!" I said running to hug my big brother.
"Who are all these people?!" Liam said peeling me off of him.
"Joshua, please come in." Caleb said hospitable as always.
"Brother, this is Raven, Joshua, and Lydia. We're helping Raven and Joshua is her cousin who just arrived. Lydia-- I do not know about." I said tired.
"JOSHUA!!!" Raven screamed running and hugging her cousin tightly. "Oh, I have missed you!" She bows to Liam. "Hello, nice to meet you, sir."
"Everyone, let us go out into our courtyard and let's take this over with a few drinks. Shall we?" My brother said proudly and led everyone to the courtyard where we all sat around to hear the tale again. "Now, tell me the full story." I retold the full story from beginning to end and my brother did not once change his expression of intense focus. He paused to think then lit a pipe. "And it's only 9 a.m. What will we do at 10?" He laughed a deep and slow laugh the resonated of a thinking man.
"Hmm, an afterparty if we are not all tired?" Raven joked.
"I assure you, we will be tired." Joshua said with a light smile making Raven giggle. Beatrix meowed loudly announcing her presence.
"Is that a cat? In my house?" He laughed. "It seems you have left out a few details, Clarissa."
"Sorry, brother." I said laughing a little.
"Everyone, disperse." My brother projected his voice to seemingly wake up everyone of their daze. "I invite you all back to lunch for I must think of this for a time. At 12, I expect to see all who aren't living in my house back here in this very courtyard. Good day!" He dismissed everyone but remained outside pondering the story while the rest of the people left including me and Caleb inside.
"Come here, Beatrix." Raven said picking up the furry kit.
"My, this is so flustering." I said rubbing my temples.
"Yes. May I start work now, Miss Clarissa?" Raven said looking around.
"Oh, dear Raven, do not trouble yourself. Only do what would appease your heart for now." I said feeling fatigued.
"I shall start today, if I can." Raven said petting Beatrix.
"Clarissa!" My brother's voice rebounded off the walls.
"Yes, Liam?" I called back.
"Lisa is here! And so is Lydia."
"What?!" I ran outside and saw my beautiful big sister standing before me. "Lisa! You could not have come at a better time!" I ran to her and embraced her tightly not wanting to let her go.
"Oh, my dear, what is wrong? You are shaking." My sister's soothing voice calmed as she stroked my hair. Again I tell her the entire story. "My, I leave to get married and suddenly---" She smiled at me sadly. "You're going to be fine."
"Hello, I am Raven. You two seem to know each other? You look alike, a bit..." Raven said sneaking up on me a bit. I sat down as my sister introduced herself.
"My name is Lisa. I do not recognize you but I presume you are either Henrietta or Raven. Raven, right? As you are living here as our maid and friend." Lisa said smiling beautifully.
I began to cry "Ye-yes, thi-this is Raven."
"Hello, Lisa." Raven said then sat beside me. "Is something troubling you?"
I laughed through my tears. "I don't know how to feel right now. My life has never been one of interest and in these last 72 hours I have experienced more life than three lifetimes."
"Yes, I understand how you feel. I am truly sorry I got you caught up in this mess. If it was not for me, your lives would not be in calamity." Raven sighed. "I shall repeat my apology to Caleb and the others."
I ran after her. "No! Don't think that about yourself! You needed our help and we were happy to give it to you." I said trying to be soothing.
She tried to continue. " I have gotten you in this predicament, at least I shall give my thanks."
"Thanks I will accept but no apologies." I said standing strong.
"Alright then." Raven said and made her way to my brother who embraced her warmly. She smiled and came back to me.
"I'm going out for a walk. Care to join me?"