“Ernest! Edwin!” Frances cried out, her voice breaking with relief and joy.
The boys looked up, their faces pale and streaked with tears, but their eyes brightened with recognition and hope as they saw Christopher and Frances.
“Aunt Frances! Uncle Christopher!” they shouted, their voices trembling with emotion.
In an instant, Frances rushed forward, dropping to her knees and enveloping the boys in a tight, protective embrace. Edwin buried his face in her shoulder, sobbing with relief, while Ernest clung to her, his small body shaking.
“We’ve got you,” Frances whispered, her voice choked with tears. “You’re safe now. You’re coming home.”
Ernest pulled back slightly, looking up at Christopher with wide, tear-filled eyes. “Are you really here? Are we really going home?”
Christopher nodded, his own eyes shining with tears he didn’t try to hide. “Yes, my brave boy. We’re taking you home. You’re safe now.”
Edwin lifted his head from Frances’ shoulder, his expression a mix of confusion and relief. “Where’s Grandmother? Is she going to come back?”
Frances and Christopher exchanged a quick glance.
“No, Edwin,” Christopher said gently, stroking his nephew’s hair. “She won’t hurt you again. The constables have taken her away. She can’t come near you anymore.”
Frances kissed the top of Edwin’s head. “I’m so sorry you had to go through this,” she murmured. “But we’re here now, and we’ll never let anything like this happen again. You’re safe with us, always.”
The constable, who was standing quietly at the door, cleared his throat gently. “Shall we head back?” he asked, his tone respectful and understanding. “There is some paperwork I would need you to sign.”
Christopher nodded, rising to his feet and lifting Edwin into his arms. “Yes, let’s go home,” he said.
Frances stood up, taking Ernest’s hand and squeezing it reassuringly. “Ready, love?” she asked, her voice soft and full of warmth.
Ernest nodded, his grip firm and steady. “Ready.”
* * *
When they arrived at the estate, Frances refused to leave the children’s side. Having them back felt like a blessing, and she was never going to take them for granted.
The twins, now more comfortable and at ease, were seated beside her on a cushioned sofa.
Frances had planned this conversation carefully in her head. She wanted to ensure that the boys felt safe and loved, especially after the trauma of their abduction.
It was important to her that they understood how deeply they were cherished and that they would always have a home with her and Christopher.
“Edwin, Ernest,” she began gently, her voice soothing and filled with affection. “I wanted to talk to you both about everything that’s happened and about our family.”
Edwin looked up at her with wide eyes. “Are we in trouble?” he asked softly, his voice trembling slightly.
Frances’s heart ached at the fear in his voice. She reached out and took both their hands in hers, giving them reassuring squeezes.
“No, my loves, you’re not in trouble,” she said softly. “I want you to know that you’re safe now. You’re home, and nothing will ever change that.”
Ernest tilted his head. “But what about Grandmother? Why did she take us away?”
Frances sighed, choosing her words carefully. “Your grandmother… she made some very bad decisions. She thought she was doing what was best, but she hurt a lot of people, including you. She’s going to have to answer for what she did, and she won’t be able to hurt you again.”
Edwin’s brow furrowed in confusion. “Why did she want to send us away? Don’t we belong here?”
“Yes, Edwin, you belong here. This is your home, and you’re part of our family. Christopher and I love you very much, and we’re so glad you’re here with us.”
Ernest seemed to consider this for a moment before speaking again.
At that moment, Christopher entered the room. He immediately realized that Frances was relaying something serious, and he stood beside her without uttering a single word. It was his way of showing his support.
