Page 6 of Dark Angel

Clarence slips his boots under the bench and wanders off into the kitchen. Kora trails after him. Neither of them bothering to change into fresh clothing.

Kora lifts her hair up into a messy top knot, getting it out of her face. Pulling out a chair, she sits down opposite her brother, who seems more invested in counting the change in his pocket than looking at the contents of the parcel.

“Are you even interested in what Will sent us this time?” her forehead pinching in confusion.

Clarence clears his throat and nods, his green eyes staring at the brown wrapped box sitting between them. Kora pulls on the yarn tied tightly around, unravelling it and the paper all at once. Inside is a crate filled with jars of teas, biscuits, spices, spreads and sweets.

“Seems like Will has been busy buying out half the general stores in Dublin.” He says sarcastically while pulling out a jar of toffees and boiled lollies. A sticker saying ‘Hulga’s Assorted Humbugs’covers the side of the glass jar.

Kora picks up a foil wrapped block, opening it to find chocolate inside, which is a rare and expensive treat. She gives a small squeak when she opens a tin to find more herbal teas inside to add to her ever-growing collection.

“He said he should be back home next week.”

Will has been away for almost two months on an assignment for the London Ascendancy. Clarence and Kora are used to him being away for weeks at a time, sometimes even months. They’ve grownaccustomed to being in their own company and supporting themselves financially.

Letting out a sigh, Clarence drops the jar of humbugs on the table aggressively and leans back into his chair, strong arms folding in front of his chest as he sports an agitated expression. Light brown stubble shadows his face. “Nice of him not to send us any more money.” He spits out.

Kora knows they’re relying on their uncle, Will, to help support them, but he rarely sends them money. Just boxes of food and the occasional knick-knack from whatever place he’s visiting that week.

Clarence reins in his anger for Kora’s sake, but she can tell how furious he is right now, despite his attempt to cover it up.

“It’s nice that he thinks sending us chocolate and tea will solve all of our problems.” He adds, standing from his chair and going to the trough to rinse his angering face with cold water.

The manor is rather chilly when no fires are lit to warm the rooms, yet he can feel his skin itching with warm sweat, he’s so mad.

“Clarence,” Kora’s softer voice sounds the room after he stops, leaning against the edge of the bench. “I know he is not much help, but he is doing what he can while being far away.” Trying to settle him down.

Clarence lets out another sigh, not wanting to yell at his always positive sister. It’s not her fault he keeps things from her, like how bad their financial debt really is. He just doesn’t want her to have to worry about it. It’s his duty as her guardian since their parents are no longer living.

“Just means I will need to work more nights guarding to pay for our expenses,” his masculine voice grumbles, “which means more nights you’ll be here alone.”

“It’s not like I am not used to that by now.” Kora mumbles under her breath.

Clarence reaches for the towel beside him to dry his face from the freezing water. His brown hair is darker, with droplets dripping fromthe ends down his straight nose. “I am sorry to make you do this, but it is the only way for us to keep living here.”

Kora stands and approaches her brother. He’s been patrolling with the Night Guard for months now to get extra money and refuses to have her help out with finances. She adores her brother, but also wishes he’d allow her to help out and stop looking at her like she’s stilljust a child.

She covers his rough hand with her smaller, daintier one. “I can help out. I can’t patrol yet, but sometimes they’re looking for more barmaids down at the Sage.” She offers.

The glare Clarence throws at her over his shoulder ices her blood it’s so cold. “I’m not letting you barmaid.” He grits out through clenched teeth. “I’ve seen what they make the women wear in there. You’re to keep your dignity so you can wed someone and leave this mess.”

“It’s not a mess!”

“You’re not helping and that’s final. I’m just trying my best to look after you.” His tone is short with her.

Kora’s breath hitches as her mouth parts. “I can ask Will then to help us out when he’s back from Ireland.” She offers after a moment.

Clarence runs his fingers through his damp hair, shaking it slightly. “I’ll talk to him. You shouldn’t have to worry about this. You’re too young.”

“I’m only three years younger than you, Clarence.”

His mouth purses together as he turns to face her again, still leaning back against the bench, his hands gripping so tight, his knuckles are turning white with anger. “I know you think I am overly protective of you, Kora, but that’s only because I can’t afford to lose you as well. You’re all I have left, and I promised them I’d take care of you.” He runs a palm over his face, his features loosening slightly. “Just let me figure this out. I don’t want it to be on your shoulders, too.”

Kora swallows, not really knowing what to say to him. Ladies aren’t meant to work, unless they are alone or wanting to destroy their propriety. Clarence would never let her do that, which she’s grateful for, but she also hates seeing him like this. Worrying about their finances. Working extra hours and barely getting enough sleep.

She also knows he won’t look for a wife until she’s wedded herself. He will take care of her for as long as she’s living in their family manor, and that makes Kora feel like a burden.

“All right.” Is all Kora can get out. It’s as gentle as a feather, but she can see some of the tension in his shoulders slacken.

---