While Benjamin and his wife shared a mostly affectionate marriage, the evenings after work were always unpredictable on Benjamin's part. He didn't want to deal with children and any troubles that had plagued the household while he was working — he just wanted to put his feet up and relax. Still, he tried to make an effort to show his wife that he was finally home and he loved her, even if it was difficult to do so.

It took a little more searching to find Clara once he'd arrived home, but finally wound up knocking on her bedroom door after checking the parlor and the children's bedroom. It wasn't yet dark out; he supposed the governess was still taking them for their evening outing, perhaps to check out the latest selection of toys at Denbright's.

After being allowed in, Benjamin's gaze caught onto his wife — specifically her mirroring image — as she stood in front of the Cheval mirror in the far corner of the room. He leaned against the bedpost and raised a brow in greeting.

"You're usually not in your nightdress for another hour or so," he prompted.

Clara Ross

Mystery, while not at all something he wanted to deal with in the workplace, was something that seemed to pull him in when it came to his wife. She spoke plainly and without any question, without any hints, of her true intention, but it still seemed like there was something to figure out. Did all gentleman get that feeling with their wives?

Humming in acknowledgement, Benjamin crossed the room and approached her from behind. After pressing a light kiss to her shoulder, his hands moved to her hair, where he attempted to help her search for the remaining pins.

"I suppose the children will be eating alone for dinner," he joked, glancing over her shoulder to catch her eye in the mirror. The corners of his eyes squinted as a smile grew on his lips. "I suppose they'll manage — unless they've gotten a new toy or something," he chuckled.

Benji shook his head. "Let them have their toys," he said softly before finally managing to tug her hair free from the pins. Unfortunately, it sent the little buggers scattering all over the hardwood floors. He glanced down, unamused, before looking back at Clara. "They'll be at Hogwarts before we know it, and then we'll be wishing they were still little." And then Mungo, at least, would be off to work (and perhaps to St. Mungo's, as he secretly hoped).