Peacekeepers

Chapter 72: Secrets

August 9th, 1893

(5 days until the wedding)

Kaiden was sitting with Elsie in the parlor, going over different papers he'd gotten in this newest batch he'd gotten from the Ministry records.

"So what's the reason you're going through this family's financials? They seem to buy... a ridiculous amount of things." She wrinkled her nose in distaste at a receipt for silk linens that was more than she made in several months.

"They do... but I'm doing a favor for someone who's associated with the family. To see what they're up to." Kaiden said, sipping more tea as he sat with one leg crossed over the other.

"Up to?" Elsie asked curiously. "Do you have any ideas? Is it something bad?"

Kaiden glanced over to her above the rim of his cup. He supposed that it wouldn't be out of the ordinary to equate the situation to muggle terms. He hated lying to her, especially when she was helping him.

"He was disowned by his family." Kaiden explained solemnly. "For seemingly no reason. There aren't many heirs to the family name, so... it's very strange that they would want to have any male family member disowned."

Elsie shook her head a bit. "I don't really understand the point of heirs and family names... but it is strange that they would get rid of an heir like that." She tapped her chin thoughtfully while she read another paper. "Did he do something they didn't like?"

Oh how did he explain this... "They family is obsessed with keeping blood amongst themselves- or those they deem worthy... and he's marrying two people that are definitely not who they would pick for him."

Elsie looked over to him in shock. "Two people?"

Kaiden nodded. It was unusual to marry two people, but not absolutely unheard of in the Wizarding community. He wasn't sure about muggles, though.

"Goodness that is scandalous... but you think there's another reason other than that?" Elsie looked down at another receipt for candles. So many candles. They must have several in every room...

"I'm not sure... but striking him from the registry is a very final and very drastic thing to do. It means he's technically no longer part of the family."

"Considering his choices is he not okay with that?" Elsie snorted. "He went against what they wanted, after all."

Kaiden chuckled, because Ominis certainly had gone against everything his family had wanted for him. Marrying a mudblood and a man must make his father's blood boil. It certainly would for his own father. It made him wonder what he'd think of his interest in Elsie... no one else knew still.

"Oh I'm sure he's alright with it... but his family is very powerful, so he doesn't want anything to happen to his family." Kaiden shrugged. He'd been writing a few times back and forth to Ominis since the incident in London.

Elsie sighed and shook her head. "I always thought having all that money would make life so much easier... I guess it comes with its own complications."

Kaiden chuckled and smiled warmly over to her. "Oh you have no idea... sometimes I wish I could be in your shoes and not have to go to parties where I have to wear stuffy suits and stand around looking like I'm enjoying myself."

"Then why do you go if you don't enjoy it?" Elsie looked to him in confusion.

"There are certain expectations that come with having the family name." Kaiden sighed. "I really don't blame Ominis for his decision."

"Ominis?" She tilted her head. "What a strange name. Is that the person you were talking about?"

Oh- damn... "yeah." Kaiden nodded.