"Archie..." Benny looked at Estella cautiously. "Was it really Mr. Farwell who found me?"

Archie nodded. "Mommy was panicking. She was about to take Essie and me to look for you when Mr. Farwell stopped her and went to look himself."

Benny glanced at Lucian, who stood nearby, his expression complex.

"It was fortunate Mr. Farwell found you in time. Otherwise, Mommy would have cried," Archie said, a twinge of guilt in his voice, remembering Roxanne's anxiety. He felt compelled to thank his father, despite his dislike.

Benny, full of regret at Roxanne's near distress, asked, "Did I thank Mr. Farwell enough?" He hadn't truly appreciated the situation, only thanking him at his mother's prompting. He now felt guilty for his inadequate expression of gratitude. He decided he should properly thank his father for such a significant kindness.

Archie smiled at his dejected brother. "Mommy will thank him for you," he said, glancing towards the adults. "Besides, Mr. Farwell would probably want Mommy to thank him." The two boys gazed thoughtfully at their parents.

Estella, meanwhile, amused herself.

Roxanne, unaware of their thoughts, announced, "Are you done playing? It's getting late; we should head back. We'll come again tomorrow!"

The children ran towards them, Benny directly to Roxanne. She noticed his unusual expression.

"What's the matter?" she asked, pulling him into her arms.

"I'm sorry, Mommy," he replied glumly. "I'll remember to stay by your side next time."

Roxanne was confused. They had been fine earlier. Why this sudden remorse? Noticing his solemn expression, she caressed his head. "I know," she said tenderly. "Thank you, darling. I'll do better at protecting you, too."

"I'll protect Benny, too!" Archie chirped.

Roxanne hugged both boys.

Meanwhile, Estella stood alone, looking crestfallen as she watched the embrace. Lucian noticed. He saw his daughter's pitiful stance and felt a strange pang. He understood Roxanne's comforting of the boys, but wondered how she would feel knowing Estella was also her child and had been neglected. The irony stung him. He reached for Estella.

Gazing enviously at the boys, she took his hand.

"It's getting late," Lucian said softly. "We should go."

His words roused Roxanne from her reverie. She released the boys, stood, and led them towards Lucian.