Calvin cast a look towards his sister, one that silently implied she should behave. “We did not come to quarrel with Emilia, but rather to sit down and become more acquainted with one another.”
Clarissa moved towards an upholstered armchair and asked, “May I sit?”
Gesturing towards the chair, Emilia replied, “Yes, please. Would you care for a cup of tea as well?”
“No, I would not,” Clarissa replied.
Emilia returned to her seat. “Are you hungry?” she asked. “I can have some cucumber sandwiches sent up. It would only be a moment.”
Clarissa’s frown only seemed to deepen. “I am not hungry.” She glanced around the room. “I hope you don’t have any designs on redecorating this room.”
“I do not. I think it is lovely as it is,” Emilia said.
Her response didn’t seem to appease Clarissa, but she doubted anything she said would. Emilia turned her attention towards Calvin. “May I get you some tea?”
“Tea would be nice, thank you,” Calvin replied.
Emilia leaned forward in her seat, reaching for the teapot. She poured a cup of tea and extended the cup and saucer to him.
Calvin accepted the tea and sat down next to his sister. “You must be wondering why we came to call.”
“I do find myself rather curious,” Emilia admitted.
“Initially, we were rather consumed by anger that our father disowned us and left you the bulk of his fortune,” Calvin started. “However, after some time, we came to the realization that you weren’t at fault, and you are the only family that we have left.”
Calvin continued. “We are here to make amends and apologize for how terribly we treated you when we visited last.”
Emilia was genuinely taken aback by Calvin’s words. Perhaps he may feel that way, but she harbored doubts that Clarissashared the same sentiment. Nothing in Clarissa’s demeanor or actions suggested any remorse for her previous behavior.
After taking a sip of his tea, Calvin lowered the cup to his lap. “I do hope you will find it in your heart to forgive us,” he said. “Whatever happens between us, we are still family. And that means something to us.”
Pressing her lips together, Emilia wasn’t quite sure how to respond. She wanted to believe them, but she questioned their true intentions. What did they want from her?
Calvin exchanged a look with Clarissa, prompting her to say, “Yes, I second what my brother said.” Her words sounded rushed and lacked sincerity.
Emilia knew she had two options. She could be gracious and overlook the fact that Clarissa still disliked her. Or she could ask them to leave her home, a home that had been their residence just a few days prior.
She decided that it was best to treat them with kindness, something that they hadn’t bestowed upon her.
“I accept your apology,” Emilia said. “I know that couldn’t have been easy for you, for both of you, given the circumstances.”
Calvin smiled. “You are most generous,” he said. “Is she not generous, Clarissa?”
Clarissa pursed her lips and muttered, “Yes, she is a blasted saint.” Her tone conveyed a degree of sarcasm.
“I do apologize for Clarissa but it has been rather a difficult time for us, I’m afraid,” Calvin attempted. “Not only were we disowned, but we were declared illegitimate.”
Emilia raised her hand in a calming gesture. “I understand. You do not need to explain yourself. I can only imagine how trying it has been for you both, and for what it is worth, I am sorry.”
“Are you sorry enough to return what is rightfully ours?” Clarissa snapped.
Calvin cast his sister a disapproving look. “That is not fair of you,” he chided. “Emilia did nothing wrong.”
Clarissa crossed her arms over her chest and rolled her eyes, making it evident that she disagreed with her brother’s sentiments. But at least she was quiet now.
“I was wondering if there was anything that you are in need of,” Calvin started. “We would be happy to render any assistance that you require.”
“That is kind of you to offer, but I am making do on my own,” Emilia said.