"Ah, let's drop it." Elder Faulkner waved his hand, not wanting to discuss the topic any further. "Why is your house so quiet today? It's just the two of you. Where are the children?"
The one thing he envied most about Mr. Ashworth was the size of the Ashworth family. They were all so close and happy—it was a beautiful thing.
"Some have gone to work, and Maurice and the others are staying at school," Miss Ashworth said, picking up a small, exquisite pastry and offering it to Theon Faulkner. "Theon, here, try one."
Theon Faulkner glanced at the delicate pastry but didn't take it right away. Instead, he looked to Mavis Lennon. "Mommy, may I have it?"
The little boy's well-behaved and sensible manner made everyone in the living room smile.
Mavis Lennon reached out and stroked his head, replying gently, "Yes, you can."
