Edmund listened closely and intently as Francis relayed their conversation to him.  The only move he made was to cover his mouth when he mentioned his real name, and it was a good thing, because by the time he said debtors, Edmund thought he was going to be sick.

God.  God in heaven.  Damn his sister and her loud mouth.

"Francis," he whispered behind his mouth, "I... jesus."  He wiped his face and pushed his hair back, gathering his thoughts.

"Look, I see that you're worried about - about us, and about her, but please don't tell me how to - to - to parent her."  He hated that word, parent.  He never wanted to be one, he never should have been one, but he had to.  There wasn't another choice.  "I've been doing it my whole life, and I know her better than anyone else.  Don't - please forget what she told you, I didn't... want you to know about that."