Sins of the Father | Sebastian x OFC (Caroline Rookwood) | Ominis x Garreth

Chapter 60: Le Cygne

Summary:

"No need," Caroline replied calmly, her eyes skimming toward the other woman, "We're very much aware of Ms. M_____ C_____."

"You're mistaken," she growled, "My name's not M____. Nor is it C_____!"

Oh?

"My name is M_____ C________."

Notes/ CW:

Sad Sebastian Sallow. He's probably too in his head or seemingly OOC here, but... it's within reason.

Also: Reasoning for MC's name is at the end with a huge explanation.

We also head to Sebastian's POV for one of his last few LARGE memory chapters in East London with, you guessed it— MC.

~~~***~~~

Bearing witness to one's virtues and follies was arguably far different than listening to another's stories.

"Tell me about him."

Caroline could, on one hand, recall the number of times she asked her mother to tell her more about her father.

Just twice.

He had not been a reticent sort of man, though. He was always eager to share his adventures and exploits when he returned home from business. But what adventures Caroline heard as a young child, curled up against his chest, and his too-big hat toppling over her head had stopped long before they settled back in Scotland.

When Victor Rookwood left for the first time across the Highlands for weeks, Caroline crawled into her mother's lap and asked her for his stories. Not that Caroline's mother needed much prompting to speak about Victor Rookwood. By Caroline's and Vincent's count, they had heard at least one story about him since he died.

"Oh! And you should have seen your father when Tessie had a fit and—"

"Mama," Vincent warned— looking very flushed near the head of the table as he threw their mother an imploring look, "We do not need to recount that tale!"

Hiding behind her teacup, Caroline hummed, watching the red tint bloom across his ears and the scowl etch on his face. Vincent looked and acted so much like their father these days— a brooding, demanding, and overzealous prat.

But— she thought as he cast her a look for help— there was still kindness and Vincent buried behind those hardened and wary eyes. His mouth opened and then shut at her stare, jaw tightening before he reached for his tea and decided on the water pitcher instead.

Two years ago, he would have thrown his bread across the table and laughed.

When had they last spent time as brother and sister?

A warmth settled on her skin, and the sight of him and her mother at dinner brought back fond memories. Vincent's pleading gaze hardened once more as he looked away. It had been such a long time since they sat in the same room as a family without being bound to play their duties after their father's death and their mother's inconsolable grief.

"Oh amorino, I've told you needn't be shy! It's only— ah! Mr. Sallow! And Ms. Sallow! Welcome home!"

Glancing over her shoulder, the Sallow twins stood at the dining room's threshold—one with an impish smile and the other—

Caroline frowned as Sebastian gave her the briefest of nods.

"And where is Mr. Gaunt and Mr. Weasley?" Cecilia hummed, brandishing her wand to summon more tea.