When I'm with you

I have a reasons...

She walked across the hall and come up to him. Standing in a group of friends, Crowe did not immediately notice her.
- Francis, what a meeting! It's been a long time since we've seen each other - Clara said, coming up to him and kissing him on the cheek.
He frowned, but turned to her and tried to put a smile on his face. Standing nearby Georgiana frowned and stormed out of the living room. Dan, Augusta, and Allison looked at each other, not sure how to react to her appearance. Only a lazy man who could not read knew nothing about the former Mrs.Crowe and what she had put her husband through.
Their divorce, which was accompanied by more than one court session, and the subsequent scandalous interview in a fashion publication in which Clara had made Francis look like an abuser, and she was still a victim of domestic violence.
- Oh, Mrs. Crowe, or what do you call yourself now? What are you doing here? - he asked coldly, but still smiling, which sent a shiver down Clara's spine - Is all the money you've wrung out of me already gone?
- What are you talking about, Francis? Are you not happy to see me?- she asked, confused and wishing for the first time that she had listened to Esther.
- Pfff... - breathed Crowe - probably not. You know, all the meetings with you cost me a lot of money... and nerves. It would be easier to immediately hire a prostitute, she at least will not tolerate the brain.
Clara stared at him wide-eyed, unable to believe that Francis had said all this out loud and in public. They were married a couple of months after leaving Sanditon together after the regatta. Clara had never mentioned the reasons for the sudden change of residence, and Francis had never asked, not wanting to force his way into her mind. Their family life at first was quite fun, constant trips around the world, clubs, parties, all this captured Clara and gave her hope for a happy future. She soon found out that she was pregnant, and according to the doctor's estimate, it wasn't Crowe who had fathered the baby. But she didn't dare tell him that. The baby was born early, according to the official version, and Francis became a rather eccentric but very caring father. Eventually, the deception came out and Crowe discovered that his wife was still Dating Edward, and that he was raising someone else's child. Being not a malicious person, Francis offered to part amicably, leaving Clara a decent life allowance. But that wasn't enough for her. Mrs. Crowe sued, determined to get the best out of her husband, knowing full well that Frances would not shake her dirty Laundry in front of everyone and would most likely settle. The lawyer representing Francis in court was an expert in his case and managed to win the case, not allowing Clara to get half of the property and the rights to Crowe's books. Unable to remember herself from anger, Klara turned to the media, where she gave a large "revealing" interview. Being direct and ironic with everyone, he was always extremely patient with her, and Clara often took advantage of this by abusing his good attitude. But now she was clearly overreacting.
-Oh, you're not alone, you're with a lover! - Crowe said, almost cheerfully, seeing the brother and sister come up to them - how are you, dear Edward? Aren't you tired of ratting and living at someone else's expense? You know, some people work to survive, rather than trying to grab someone”s money.
Denham was momentarily taken aback and looked down at the floor.
- How charming, he's embarrassed - Francis continued- innocence itself! I'll bet you both have something nasty in mind. So why are you here?
- We decided to visit our aunt – Clara tried to lie - especially in our favorite Sanditon is an event that can't be missed.
Crowe pretended to be listening intently, which gave her confidence. She thought she could trick him again.
- I don't think your aunt will be happy to see you... - Esther said.
- I don't think it's any of your business, dear - Clara interrupted - Perhaps Sophia had already regretted her decision.
Esther laughed and looked at Edward and Clara with sympathy.
- You don't know our aunt very well if you think so - she said - what the hell did you expect to come back here for?"
- Apparently on a rare spanking-answered for them Crowe - listen, Esther, maybe they are two masochists? Otherwise, I can't explain their presence here.
Esther didn't always understand and accept jokes and antics of Crowe, but now she was very glad that he was on her side.
- What's going on here? - Babbington's voice was heard as he came down the stairs and saw a very interesting but disturbing scene before him.
He came and stood beside his wife, instinctively blocking her view of Edward. William was not a vindictive man, but he still couldn't forgive Denham's treatment of Esther. Babbington sensed the threat from Edward and tried to protect her from it.
- Are you all right? Did he do anything to you?- he asked, looking at her carefully.
Esther only shook her head in response.
- You don't have to make a monster out of me - Edward said finally, pulling himself together - I have only come for what is my birthright. It's not fair that Esther runs everything. Me and Clara...
- You and Clara burned the will and betrayed our aunt - said Esther - It was so mean and low. Damn it, I hate even thinking about it.
- Well, in the end, it was only to your advantage, you achieved what you wanted. All the power and money will go to our beautiful Esther just like that - Edward grinned.
- Your sister will get her inheritance because she has always been loyal to me and has worked like a horse all these years to turn our stables and hotel into the famous Denham place club - Sophia said.
Edward and Clara looked around in surprise, clearly not expecting to hear her now.
- Aunt... - they answered almost in unison.
- I'm not your aunt anymore - Sophia snapped - and I don't want you in my house. I will not allow you, snakes, to come here and insult Esther. You won't get a pound, and I'd rather give all my money to Tom Parker then you!
Clara blushed, looking from Esther to Crowe and back again, not daring to look at the Lady D.
Edward grimaced, as if in pain beyond belief.
- You're a nasty, useless old woman!- he said, drawing the attention of the other guests – and you're a whore who jumped into bed with the first person who suggested it!
In less than a second, Edward gasped aloud, staggered back, lost his balance, and nearly fell to the floor. Clara managed to support him at the last moment. He clutched at his nose, which was bleeding, and stared in horror at Babbington, who was ready to strike again at any moment.
- Don't talk like that - William said through gritted teeth.
Babbington, usually friendly and smiling, was so angry that Edward did not for a moment doubt the truth of His words. For the first time, Denham saw in William what Esther had seen in him so long ago. Babbers had that core that makes an ordinary simpleton a real man, ready to stand up to the death for those he loves.
- Look, William … - Edward began.
- Get out of here - said Babbington, his face tense, his lips compressed, and the wings of his nose flying noisily in all directions - immediately!
- You'll still regret it! - Edward shouted angrily,grimacing, still holding his nose and clenching his free fist so tightly that his knuckles turned white. Looking around, he realized that he was not ready to be dragged out of the hall in public for the second time and thrown on the lawn like a rootless puppy, for the amusement of everyone present. Denham gritted his teeth and turned on his heel to walk toward the exit. Clara stared after him in confusion.
- What are you waiting for? Your lover is leaving. Run, or the hour is uneven and he will forget about you – Crowe said.
- What an asshole you are, Fran - Clara said resentfully.
- just like you, dear - he said with a smile.
- Go to hell - she exclaimed, casting a quick glance around the room, and ran after Edward.
- Well done - said Sophia shortly, turning to go to her office - you should have hit him hard five years ago.
She was very excited, but she wasn't going to show it to anyone.
After carefully examining her husband's hands, Esther finally looked into his eyes.