Christopher was furious with his sister. She simply did not understand anything. He expected recklessness of Serafina. She'd put herself in such a position for a number of years now where a deal was held between her and their parents. But, Verena... he had not expected this much of her. He knew she wouldn't like Joshua Murray, of course, very few people did. But she could at least play the part of an interested young witch.
Not the kind of woman who was openly destroying their family.
But, he could see the love in his sister's eyes. He knew that feeling. He and Keona were... unofficially, dating, he supposed. But, it would become official this summer. He just hadn't told Verena. He didn't trust her enough to. Verena sorted herself out, and Christopher's eyes remained on Roman. How could he be such an ass, really? He knew that Verena was not the kind of woman you could play with and throw away. And yet, he continued to play with his sister, and Christopher despised him for it. Verena was only just a woman. Naive. Roman had no right.
"I'll come, but do not ever speak to Roman like that. You will understand me one day, Chris. Mark my words."
Christopher bit back his retort in that moment, Verena was angry with him. She wasn't thinking properly. Merlin knew she thought she had a chance in this. Not even Christopher could work that one out. Waiting for Verena to pass him, Christopher shot Roman one last look of disgust. "Thank you for showing my sister the gardens, Mr. Hughes." Christopher said, before turning on his heel and moving after his sister. There was little and less to say now. Not here, anyway.
As they arrived back at dinner, Christopher resumed his seat. Dessert was on the table now, and he picked at it without much satisfaction. Both Joshua's mother and their mother were in conversation over something trivial, with Stephanie listening intently, their father and Joshua were talking about the potions industry. Christopher remained silent. Hoping this ordeal would be over soon.
Roman came back shortly after. Quiet, and not budging from that state of mind. Christopher liked him better that way. Tension was radiating, though, between Christopher and the older man. But the Ravenclaw remained silent. His eyes flickered to the servant that came in, approaching Joshua with caution and then dropping his voice down so low that only the Murray boy could hear. Joshua's face remained impassive throughout, Christopher's eyes remained set on the blond boy. Waiting, for something.
A single nod was all that came, though, and Joshua Murray brought his napkin to his lips as the servant left in haste. "It seems something... pressing has come up. I'm afraid I'm going to have to call this dinner to an end. You'll forgive my manners." Joshua told them in his horribly even, cold voice. "I will write to you shortly, Mr. Richardson. Miss Richardson." Joshua added, turning his attention to Verena.
And there... the chilling smirk that was so infamous of Joshua Murray sat in pride of place.
That was not a good thing. Christopher knew all too well as the goosebumps rose across his flesh.
Joshua's steps echoed through the room. His mother excused herself only a moment later, hurrying after her son - she knew, Christopher imagined, that something was wrong. Roman looked like he'd just gone hot under the collar, and he slowly pushed his chair away as the Butler came in to escort the Richardson's out.
"It was good to meet you all," Roman offered out of politeness, as they moved from the room. It was forced, though, a faux calm that Christopher could see through. Problems were brewing. "I will see to it that my cousin sends his answer in due course. I trust you'll have a good trip home. Good night." Roman finished at the fireplace, not waiting for the Richardson's to go before he was hurrying off.
"Christopher." Their father jolted him back in to concentrating, moving him to the fire place, and then gathering Verena to his side. His mother touched his arm, and they were zipping through the fireplace.
What was going on, Christopher could only guess. But in a morbid fashion of curiosity, he wanted to know sooner rather than later.
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