July 1904 | A Casual Stroll | Phineas & Hesper
Two weeks had passed since the unfortunate incident with Sirius, and still Phineas found it difficult to be home with Josiah. He had apologized profusely for Phineas' discomfort, his indiscretion, and the fight that had resulted from the whole ordeal. Phineas had accepted, of course, and told him not to concern himself--the fight was certainly not his fault, and as an adult, Josiah hardly required Phineas' permission--but he still could not manage to feel settled in his own home.
His nights had been spent sleeplessly, agonizing alternately over telling Hesper of her husband's infidelity and over feeling inferior to Sirius for the simple fact that Josiah had never wanted him. And then there was the distinct image of Josiah on the floor, petrified and spread-eagle, burned into his mind.
In an attempt to once again avoid home, Phineas Apparated to a nearby park for a mid-afternoon walk. Perhaps and excursion on the continent, or somewhere in Asia, but such excursions required focus he currently lacked. No, an aimless stroll would be enough to distract him for an hour from his thoughts.
A mere 10 minutes had passed before he spotted his sister-in-law on the path ahead, herself also unaccompanied. Strange for a woman of her status, but then again Hesper Gamp was never one for convention. Unless it suited her.
"Hesper," he called once he was closer to her. She turned at the name and relaxed upon realizing who was speaking. "Sister, how beautiful you look today. I'm finding you well, I trust?"
