(Cornelius bristles slightly at the question, the pooka shaking his head as he stops.)

He was driven by the success of the company; with the exception of his family, other matters hardly concerned him. He wishes to play a direct part in our lives. I didn't realize it at that age, but he detested any deviance in his "guidelines." Father was afraid of him; even now, it is a subject he will not willingly approach.

(Cornelius is certain he doesn't have to say why; Gallon's response to uncle Edgar was far harsher than necessary. It gave Edmund plenty to fear, especially as Cornelius was seemingly following his uncle's footsteps.)