Dr. Brian Xavier was a wealthy physicist. The castle-like mansion in Westchester was the Xavier family's ancestral home.
The family had come to America among the earliest British colonists and had been established on this land for nearly two centuries.
The foundations of what would one day become the Xavier mansion had been laid as early as the eighteenth century. But by Brian Xavier's generation, the family had dwindled to a single heir—or, more accurately, a single healthy heir.
Charles had spent many years in the United Kingdom during his studies. After earning his doctorate from Oxford University, he had spent the past few years living in New York with Raven.
The old estate wasn't far away by car, but he preferred to live closer to New York University, where he worked. Now that he was also serving as chief consultant to the Mutant Power Research Department, he had even less time to travel back and forth.
Hank McCoy had lingered for a long time beside a townhouse near Greenwich Village, repeatedly rehearsing how he would greet her and what he would say.
Charles had hinted that Raven would be home today.
At last, Hank shifted his feet and took a deep breath. He had barely knocked twice when the door opened at once.
"I didn't think you'd still knock, hey, Hank! Charles has already gone to the institute."
Raven seemed about to head out. She stood by the entrance, smiling as she straightened her clothes before a full-length mahogany mirror. She had just changed into a white, off-the-shoulder gown. Her hair looked smoother, and she was positively glowing. Without any heavy makeup, she looked unusually elegant and refined.
"I, uh—hi. I wanted to ask if you were free tonight. There's a premiere showing of Marilyn Monroe's new movie, and