The Coopers.

1st of June, 17XX

I paid a call upon the Coopers today. Thomas of that name, was not, as one would imagine, in the profession of cooperage, but smithing instead. He is easily, the largest man I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Were it not for the hammer hanging off his belt, the eloquence of his speech and the grey in his beard, one would not be mistaken in thinking that a bear had learned to don clothing. His lovely wife, Angela, is, some would say, too young for him, and I'd be inclined to agree. She looked at the very cusp of adulthood, and if you'll pardon me, very attractive. However, they bore a striking resemblance to each other, with their dark brown hair and eyes the same shade of emerald green. And should what was revealed to me in the papers last night be true, I know why.

During tea, they proved themselves to be excellent hosts, with quick wits and many humorous anecdotes. And Mrs. Cooper does make the most delicious Coffee. Sugar collected from boiled Honey she says is her secret. But woe to us all. I came for answers, not to exchange pleasantries. "Master Cooper, I presume that you are privy to the reasons of my being invited to Madosin." His smile vanished and the mood turned sour. Quite solemnly, did he nod. "Then, by your leave sir, I would address your wife directly."

He looked to her and it was she who gave consent. "You may," he said, his voice shook, as if from fear or shame. I could not tell. His great beard hid his face from me.

I coughed and cleared my throat. "Mrs. Cooper, though I loathe to ask you this, but needs demand that I do." The question hung upon my suddenly dry lips, but I could not bring myself to take another drop of coffee. "Mrs. Cooper, is the man sitting next to you, your husband...as well as your father?"

The room grew cold and silent as the three of us stared at each other until finally, "Yes, Mr. McKay." Mrs. Cooper swallowed, taking her husband's hand in hers. "The man sitting before you is indeed my Husband, my Father, and my Lover." Her back straightened and her head was held high, as if she was challenging me to speak out against their union. But, if it were not for the shock of the revelation and Mr. Gottlieb's request to keep the peace, I would have.

"I see," I said, leaning back and taking my chin with my hand.

"'You see?'" she queried, narrowing her eyes at me. "Is that all you have to say? No other Words? No Curses or Damnations to Hell for the Sin of Love?"

"I have many Words, Mrs. Cooper," I returned, bearing in mind that I was to keep mine open. "But it is now the matter of arranging them to form the correct Questions."