Emelia, ever her husband’s knowing and willing dogwife, seemed to believe she was adding strength and support to his dictation, as she shifted her scowl from Odysseus to Penelope. It was all she could, really. Even if she had the words to express the ideas in her head, she wouldn’t talk without Raghnall’s permission. Little did she know, or could even suspect, that the man also had a personal vendetta to stand for. Her mission was to be the man’s ribs, and sit quietly and supportively under his will she will. Kaeleigh, on the other hand, was barely invested with such a responsibility. Sure, she wasn’t given the respect and superficial power borne by the officially acknowledged wife of the reigning Rookwood patriarch. Yet, there was a blessed lightness to her position, even being the slighted woman, proof of the expectedly straying lust of the man. She was lucky already, really. After all, she was sufficiently appreciated to be bestowed the unofficial title of his other woman. Kaeleigh was hardly the only other woman. There had always been others, even now, even at his age. Yet, among the others, she mattered enough to stand and sit and be with Raghnall and Emelia. After all, she was made to deal with the pain of public recognition of Augustus belonging to the official couple.
Despite her cursed endeavours to compete with Emelia for old Rookwood’s attention and affection, Kaeleigh was always going to first bear her allegiance to Augustus. It was undoubtedly part guilt and part love, that her one unwavering mission was to fight for her son’s benefit, what with the slimy competition posed by the other sons of Raghnall, and the old man’s prejudice. Regrettably, though, Augustus was never really sure how he felt for his mother. Sure, he loved her just like how a son would to a decent mother. Yet, it was because of her decision to be the other woman that had ensured that his life was plagued with pain. It was especially at times when Raghnall’s favouritism stood at its peak that resentment towards Kaeleigh followed along too. She was his favourite scapegoat to the failings of his desire for more from his father. Yet, as one would have expected from a worthy mother, Kaeleigh accepted it all. It was thanks to Penelope’s assessment of grown-up Augustus that brought a smile to her lips, along with minutes of musing about his growth. Needless to say, Kendall’s wellbeing was never far from her agenda, as much as the boy couldn’t count to be particularly affectionate towards his grandmother. Kaeleigh was a woman who settled. She took what she could get, and learnt to call them all contentment.
A look of alarm entered the countenance of the youngest of Rookwood man, upon the first words of Ira. For one, Kendall had barely had time to properly decide his thoughts to Athena’s confession of the recent state of change, and the sure consequence of it. Yet, with such speed, it was now becoming clear that the Goyle participation would enlighten the Rookwood family of the incoming new member to the household. Well, that is, if acceptance and marriage could possibly be in the cards. In dreaded anticipation, even Odysseus’ interruption failed to amuse a sufficiently distracted Kendall. Yet, as Ira went on, the boy was lulled into a false sense of comfort, enjoying the seemingly romanticised explanation that was being given out to the audience in the library. Raghnall, on the other hand, looked on incredulously as the talk about bonds dragged on. Augustus looked preoccupied in his thoughts. Thaddeus looked painfully bored. Clearly, the Rookwood men barely had the capacity to stop in their tracks smell with flowers of emotions and sensations that was typically available in daily life. Well, all except for one who was directly involved in the matters at hand.
While attention from the Rookwood clan seemed to be slipping away, one word alone threw them back into the fire. Emelia had her eyes open larger than they usually would. Kaeleigh gasped. Thaddeus had an eyebrow raised. Augustus felt his jaw fall to the surface of the table. Raghnall had placed his glass down as his face was set in alarmed attention. And the one who said the first word was Cordelia.
“S-son?!” She exclaimed in her question. It would have undoubtedly boggled the woman’s mind. After all, Kendall was, and always will be, her baby. She barely thought him old enough to marry, let alone be going on with adult activities like shenanigans. She repeated her question. Kendall eyed his mother, uncertain as to whether he should be offended at her incredulity. Augustus seemed the first to believe in the news. He couldn’t keep from his first smile since the commencement of the meeting. There was, clearly, pride in his countenance. Had it not been for the circumstances at which the news was announced in, the man would have offered a congratulatory hug to his son, and then congratulate himself on the potency of his son, something of which would stroke his own penchant for narcissism. Kendall, however, barely noticed his father’s reaction. Instead, he stole nervous glances at his grandfather. Raghnall, despite hardly convinced of the talk about bonds, looked all ears now with the news of a grandson. Even he, in his bitter old age, was not spared the conviction that a grandson would bring. The problem now was how to deal with his disdain for illegitimacy and his desire now to induct the unborn baby into the family.
“So you expect me to believe that, with some pretty streaks of magic from your wand, and some beautifully concocted words about bonds, that Miss Goyle is as legitimate as she should have been?” It was clear that he didn’t want to back down from his hard stance of disapproval. His pride was certainly at stake here, after all. Yet, there was a new openness, or perhaps even softness, to his enquiry. A great-grandson! He perked up at the idea. The first, and a son! Even the dullness of age could not quell his growing excitement. Raghnall took an eager swig of his Scotch. Then, with an indication from his hand, signalled for Kaeleigh to offer Odysseus some. The woman gladly stepped up to the task, taking care to pour a decent amount from the bottle into a clean glass, before offering it to the other man. It was a sure sign of Raghnall’s change of mood. Yet, he was still going to have to be made to ease into backing down.
“A son is all fine and dandy. Of course, it is imperative that sons be born to the Rookwood household. However, there is still the issue of accountability.” He paused, then directed his next to Penelope. “How are we expected to go ahead and conduct ourselves? After all, you know and I know the rumours of the community. Miss Goyle is the latest excitement, isn’t she?” Raghnall set his glass down and crossed his arms at the table. “Pray, tell me, Penelope. You are, after all, always the one with the ideas …”
by 
