Chapter Twelve: Would ya Look at That Storm?

Sebastian lets his steward know he's going to Wolfinger instead of Yorkshire. The steward is a little mad; he just told Sebastian's people to close Wolfinger up again. Too bad, it's seducing time. In fact, don't worry about staffing Wolfinger, and don't tell anyone Ravenclaw's there. I mean, they need some people so Prudence's reputation isn't completely ruined, but the fewer the better. Sebastian's leaving his butler with the townhouse and giving his valet the month off with pay. Huh.

Prudence waits until breakfast, the time when everyone's together, to bring up her trip. Oh, Phoebe's got a friend named Emma now. Anyway, Prudence tells her sister and cousin about her plans and they freak out. Well, yeah. First Prudence asks Phoebe if she wants to go with Prudence on a visit home. Phoebe responds frantically. She doesn't want to go home! She's finally made friends. Blah blah blah. Hugh is sad that she's leaving and asks if she really needs to go. Prudence decides he needs a hobby. Hugh tries to use Phoebe's refusal to travel to make Prudence stay in London but she doesn't care. She's gonna go see Wolfinger Abbey with Ravenclaw. Not Ravenclaw! Phoebe refuses to go anywhere with him and asks Hugh if she can stay with him. Hugh says it wouldn't be proper. Excuse me? They're cousins! Argh. Whatever. Phoebe declares that she'll go stay at Emma's house. (That's why we care about Emma.)

Prudence reflects on their conversation and realizes that Phoebe is a spoiled brat. No, really? Is that why she didn't care about her sister cavorting around the countryside with someone she thinks is a murder, putting her cousin in a awkward position, or depositing herself in Emma's house? Huh. I guess Prudence didn't know her sister as well as she thought.

Hugh has further protests! Prudence doesn't care! Take Mrs. Broadgridle with you. Fine. Oh, by the way, the abbey isn't the only reason Prudence wants to go. Holy crap, Mrs. Simmons. We get it. The girl likes Ravenclaw. It's not a deeply buried desire. It's a desire that's influencing her decisions to the point that she'll flout society, a bit, and alienate her only family. Huh. I guess Ravenclaw's kind of a big deal to her.

Neither Phoebe nor Hugh sees Prudence off on her trip, but when Sebastian welcomes her, it's all good. “Family and friends could be forsaken for the mysterious man who held her in his thrall.” Wait. What? He's separating you from your family and friends? Prudence, I know our previous talk didn't get through your head, but you really need to be careful this doesn't wind up being an abusive relationship. ...and by “be careful” etc, I really mean, get out while you still can!

Oh, hi there Mrs. Broadgirdle. Ravenclaw doesn't like you being there one bit. He tries to get her to ride with the trunks but she won't budge. Also, strangely, the about two day ride is incredibly awkward. I never would have guessed it. Prudence reflects on how Ravenclaw is used to getting his way and most people would think he's kind of a spoiled jerk. She knows better, though. Does she?

Prudence writes for a bit, but the loud rain stops her. She asks Ravenclaw to tell her more about Wolfinger Abbey. Tee hee. Ravenclaw says he doesn't know much and Prudence tells us some history instead. Sigh. The interesting bit is that the Devil Earl and his wife apparently haunt it. We get a description of the Devil Earl that pretty well fits Ravenclaw, but clearly the two are very different. He drove his wife crazy and she stabbed him with a kitchen knife. The servants didn't investigate the screams because those had become commonplace in the house. Wow. Why did people work for this guy? Mrs. Broadgirdle is scared by this story and demands they stop the coach. Ravenclaw smiles and tells her they can't stop. They have to go to Wolfinger Abbey. Wanna know why?

Look! Up in the air! It's a bird! No, it's clearly not. It's a plane! What is that? It's...a storm. Oh. It's a humdinger of a storm, though. Ravenclaw continues scaring Mrs. Broadgirdle until they make it to the abbey. Then she faints.

Well, now that she's out of the way...we can talk about ponies! Can we? Oh. The chapter ended. Never mind.