"We must be compassionate towards Cousin Tiberius," Evelyn encouraged her sister gently. "I think he is a fine gentleman indeed, given his situation. It would not be easy to lose a mother so young, and his father's nature certainly worked against him. It was quite kind of Uncle Lucius to take him in, and I think it reasonable that he may have been doted upon extra, if only so that a family's love might work to counter his father's influence."

Tybalt Lestrange was quite the influence to overcome. Though Evey would hardly call either of Tybalt's children warm, it was quite fortunate they were as normal as they were, given their parentage.

"Besides," she continued, more brightly this time, "you would not be marrying Cousin Claudius if all involved parties did not see it as an excellent idea! He is our uncle's heir, after all, and I am far too fond of you to go anywhere I did not think to be entirely suitable!"