Chapter 10

As the women of the family left the dining room George went over to his uncle and asked him to follow him to his room. Tom nodded with a frown on his face and motioned for Robert to follow them. George needed to know how he could protect his little cousins. It didn't seem possible to protect people that were already hurt. But he had to find out.

Tom and Robert sat down on the young boy's bed as they waited for the child to tell them what he wanted to tell them.

George looked at his uncle with a frown on his face. "Uncle Tom you told Sybbie and me that we should help our little cousins. And I promised to help protect them. Since they are girls they need some extra protecting. But I don't know how to protect them when they've already been hurt." he said softly.

Tom smiled sadly at his little nephew. He really was a sweet boy. Matthew would be so proud of his son. He wasn't really sure what to tell the boy. How did you protect the wounded? He just didn't know. So he sat there silently unsure of how to help the child.

Robert looked with pride at his grandson. He really was a good boy. So thoughtful and caring. So much like Matthew. It hurt to see this side of George as it did remind Robert greatly of the boy's father. His son. He took a deep breath before beginning although the reminder of the fact that his granddaughters had been hurt was painful and made him feel inadequate.

"George when you protect a person it doesn't generally mean someone who has been hurt before. But sometimes there are people that are hurt when they are young. When they are helpless. Much like Marigold and Lillian. But they can be protected from other harms. We can watch over them and keep them from harm's way now." Robert said.

George frowned. "But Donk, they've already been hurt. How can I protect them?" he asked confused.

Robert sighed. "As much as I would love to go back in time and keep them safe from those that hurt them I cannot. But what I and you can do is keep them safe in the future. While yes they have been hurt before we can try to keep them from hurting in the future." he explained.

George frowned but nodded hesitantly. "So I can protect them from future harms?" he asked.

Tom smiled at the boy and nodded. "Exactly George. It may not erase the past but it can help them have a brighter future. You're a good and smart boy George so I know you'll do great. Just remember to be careful and don't take to heart what they say and do. Alright?" he asked.

George smiled and nodded. He was glad that he could be of help to his little cousins. He was the only man of the bunch anyways so they would need him. "I understand Uncle Tom. But I think only Marigold will be the one to say and do mean things. Lily is really sweet. Although she is a bit strange." He said thinking of his earlier encounter with the girls.

Tom and Robert nodded and sighed before leaving the boy to his thoughts. George spoke up right as they left. "When are their birthdays?" he asked.

Both men frowned. "I'm not sure George. Maybe you could ask them." Robert suggested before leaving the room with Tom.

The rest of the evening went by without any issues as everyone got ready for bed after such a long and trying day.

Marigold and Lily laid down in Lillian's bedroom curled up together. They were exhausted from all the food they had. They had done so much that day that once their little heads hit the pillow they were out like a light. Marigold didn't try to run away in the night as she had the best sleep she had had in a very long time. They slept without nightmares or fears. Everything was forgotten in their peaceful sleep.

(So sorry about the length. This is more of a filler chapter to finish the day before the next few Edith filled chapters. Everything is naturally owned by Julienne Fellows. Read and Review! Thanks!)