Chapter 47

The Branwells chatted a bit longer with Clara, but as it got later, Axel slip into big brother mode and nudged her to head to bed. Clara, clearly still hyped, pouted in protest. Her eyes darted mischievously as she wrapped one arm around each of her brothers and bargained, "If you two walk me upstairs, I'll go to bed." Axel gave her a light tap on the head, chuckling fondly. "That's all? Come on, let's go." Fraser didn't say anything, but he followed along without complaint. In just those few minutes, Lydia saw it-this girl held a special place in the hearts of both brothers. "Lydia." Marianne stayed back after asking Arthur to go rest, clearly wanting a private word. Snapping out of her thoughts, Lydia turned her attention away from Clara and filled her in on everything that happened with Bellamy earlier that evening. Marianne let out a near-silent sigh but didn't comment further. She simply gave Lydia's hand a gentle squeeze. "I know it's not easy, Lydia. Go get some sleep now." Afte