The Fall of Prejudice

Frank, James, and Madeline made their way home from a visit to their aunt and uncle’s house after an afternoon of listening to family stories they had heard countless times before. Madeline had been so incredibly bored throughout the event that she took the walk as an excuse to rid herself of her seemingly endless energy.

She ran along the pathway until she was out of James and Frank’s line of vision. It was not long before she returned to her brothers, towing two overdressed men behind her. As she drew near, Frank knew the two men to be Mr. Way and Mr. Toro, both of whom looked rather warm in their many fashionable layers.

“Look who I have found, brothers!” Madeline skipped around the men as each one bowed politely. “They say they were just at out house and were looking to call upon us. What good luck we have to run into them here!”

“You are welcome to join us back at our lodge, gentlemen, we can offer you something cold to drink.” James smiled and took Mr. Toro by the arm, Frank had always been jealous of how poised James could be in awkward situations such as these.

Wanting to allow his brother all the time he could with Mr. Toro, Frank decided it would be best to sacrifice himself and walk with Mr. Way. They walked a few moments in silence as Madeline bounded ahead to tell mother of the guests she should expect.

“Do you often walk these paths, Mr. Iero?” Frank was slightly shocked at his companion’s attempt at conversation. He smiled, not so much out of the pleasantness of the conversation but more because a good relationship with Mr. Way could only bode well for James’ relationship with Mr. Toro.

“I do, we are actually on our way home from tea at out aunt and uncle’s home. I find I like walking these paths more than using the carriage. Are you to stay long in town?” Frank did his best to keep the conversation going.

“As long as Toro needs me, at am at his disposal, I suppose. He seems to enjoy country life very much.” Mr. Way sounded slightly disgusted at the idea of country society, Frank took offense.

“We may not have all the people of London but we are by no means uncultured, Mr. Way. I believe country society allows for stronger bonds of friendship and better walks.” Frank could have sworn he saw Mr. Way’s solum look break slightly in a smirk.

“Forgive me, sir, I did not mean to offend you. Perhaps we can find a more suitable topic of conversation, perhaps the latest novel you have read?” Both men continued to chat as they made their way back to Frank’s home.

About halfway home they came across a stream, if they were to cross it, they would cut their travel time in half, the only problem was that there was no bridge. Instead they went to where the stream was the smallest and attempted to skip over the rocks.

Frank felt slightly embarrassed over the whole ordeal. Mr. Toro and Mr. Way, two men of great fortune and status were being made to skip rocks. It all seems silly in Frank’s mind.

As he pondered this, he mistook his footing and lost his balance. He was sure he would end in the steam but two strong hands quickly grabbed him by the waist from behind and hoisted him back onto his rock. Mr. Way’s hands remained there until they had safely crossed over the stream.

Once he had let go, Frank could not even bear to look up at Mr. Way, he was so mortified at his own clumsiness and the preposterousness of the situation that eye contact could not be made. If he had looked up, he would not have seen the judging look that he assumed Mr. Way wore, but instead one of concern and admiration.

Frank straightened his coat and began walking again. They continued the rest of the walk in silence.