@glimpseofwonder from X
Offering a gentle sympathetic mile, Lucienne slowly stepped into the room. She knew the brave act her eldest put on for her and his younger siblings. It was almost as convincing as her own act when Francis lashed out--usually privately--at her.
If Edward knew the truth...
“You have your father’s eyes, you know,” she murmured as she sat beside her son on the bed. “I see so much of him in you, and the little ones; he would be so proud of you.”
Francis didn’t like when she or her children spoke of their late father much in his presence. He was the man of the house now, and his word was law. As such and as the one who made the money, it was up to him to choose how it was spent. This often meant spoiling his own children and fancy dinners for his business partners and clients; parties she had to be the perfect hostess for, the happy wife in public, never drawing attention to how tightly his hand held her wrist..
How she missed gentle Auguste, who never raised his voice or hand to anyone, least of all her or a child. Francis had made her happy for the first time in years since his death. More importantly, while no one could or would ever replace Auguste in their hearts of lives, her children needed a father--especially the boys.
“It won’t be like this forever,” she promised quietly, though if it was more for Edward or herself she was not sure. “Now come, supper is ready for you three in the kitchen; I’ll join you after I finish in the dining room.“
