Clarification

'Oh, I was wondering where you all were. I had a feeling you'd be all together, as you often are.'

'We usually travel in packs. Find one Farrington, and another usually isn't far behind. I mean, there's enough of us...'

'I think that's Dad's fault for having so many kids.'

'Indeed.'

'Anyway... I wanted to tell you how sorry I am about Tristan.'

'Thanks, Renee.'

'How barbaric for such a thing to happen... Do let him know he's in my thoughts, won't you? I know, he doesn't even like me, but still.'

'Sure he does. He's just a douche sometimes.'

'Yeah, he's a dick to us too!'

'Oh, really...?'

'What's up?'

'Isn't that a bit... inappropriate to say, considering...?'

'Ah. It's fine, don't worry. The thing is... we're trying to be as normal as possible. He doesn't want us to wrap him up in cotton wool.'

'We've been giving him loads of attention, don't get us wrong! But like Carmella said, even if we did try to fuss around him like mother hens, he wouldn't let us.'

'Oh, I see... that certainly sounds like Tristan.'

'Exactly. But thanks for the concern! We'll let him know.'

'Good... so, how are you doing?'

'Me specifically?'

'Yes. I heard about your upcoming marriage.'

'...Oh. That.'

'No, I didn't think you'd be pleased... I do admit, I was wondering what in the world the mayor is thinking. It's very archaic...'

'Even in your poncey circle?'

'...Yes. You must understand that while my parents would certainly vet any man I happened to bring home, they would not arrange a marriage. Particularly not to Quinn Fortescue.'

'Do you know him, then?'

'I do. Our families are close. Honestly, though... he isn't bad.'

'Really?'

'Really. I know him through horse riding, you see-'

'Of course it'd be that.'

'...Well, he is a show jumper. And a bloody good one at that. Haven't you heard? He's won competitions.'

'No, I didn't know that... that's just it. Dad didn't tell us anything about him. We just thought he was a creep.'

'Oh... Well, Quinn is okay. He's always been perfectly nice to me. Very quiet. He is incredibly socially awkward.'

'Yeah, he barely said two words all evening when he came to ours.'

'Unsurprising. Richard deals with his business. He probably didn't know what to say.'

'So you're saying Quinn's not a pervert? If that's true, why is his dad buying him a wife?'

'Richard has very specific standards about the background of a woman who is to marry Quinn. But he hasn't managed to find anyone for him among our group, probably because of how he struggles with people.'

'Even if he is okay, I won't be marrying him, Renee. When I get married, it'll be for love. On my terms.'

'I don't blame you, darling. But I just saw it as appropriate to clarify that he is no predator. I really do think he's harmless.'

'Well, that's good to know.'

Elsewhere... 

'Oi, you. Hazel. Wait just a second.'

'...I don't want a confrontation.'

'No, none of us do. Which is exactly why I wanna talk to you.'

'Go on then.'

'Stay out of the triplets' and Charon's way. They're having a shitty enough time of it recently without having to see you around.'

'...All the triplets? Is Tristan back?'

'Ugh, no, he's not. Poor bastard's still recovering.'

'Right...'

'And yeah, I know exactly who did it. That's why seeing you is bad for 'em. 'Cause you'll just remind 'em of what happened.'

'So they've been running their mouths about it...?'

'No, they just told me 'cause I'm a friend. Don't worry, they won't be sending the cops to your door soon. After the mayor's attempt at fixing shit failed so spectacularly, they're leaving it well enough alone.'

'Good.'

'Yeah, just great. There's so much I wanna say to you but I feel like if I start shit talking your dad, I'll end up his next victim. So I think I'll leave it.'

'For fuck's sake, no...!'

'Oh, don't pretend you've grown a conscience. You've been condoning torture for ages. I don't believe you're suddenly all moralistic.'

'...Believe what you want to believe.'

'Like I said. Stay away from us. We're sick to death of conflict. You lead your life, and we'll lead ours.'

'Gladly.'

'Good shit. You'd better stick to it, Hazel. Or else.'

'Oh, hey!' 

'H-Hi. Sorry, um, I need to go and find Mr Bolton for some help...'

'Oh, okay...'