Page 48 of Of Fate and Phantoms
"Enough?"
"To catch his eye. I was beautiful then, Charlie. Men liked me."
"I don't doubt it. You're still very beautiful."
"Bah. I am old and wrinkled."
"You have the bones of a beautiful woman, Leisl, and the bearing. The lines on your face tell the story of a life well lived. Don't wish them away."
"So wise and kind for one so young." She suddenly sucked in a sharp breath, and set down her cup again with a clatter in the saucer. "I must go." She quickly rose and headed for the door before I could stand. She was spritely for her age.
Lincoln filled the doorway, blocking her exit. He wore his expressionless expression, the one that told me there was far more going on behind that façade than he wanted anyone to see. But he forgot that I knew him well now, and that he couldn't dupe me into thinking he was unaffected.
"Leisl," he said with a slight nod.
She glanced at me. For assistance? To carry the conversation? I hesitated. I didn't want to help her—or him. I wanted them to converse without my interference.
"I am leaving," she said.
He stepped aside. "Good afternoon."
"Good afternoon." She hurried to the door, her head bowed. Doyle assisted her into the cloak.
"Wait!" I marched past Lincoln, grabbed his hand, and tugged him after me. I felt his reluctance with every step. "You can't leave yet. Lincoln, say something to her."
Leisl pulled the edges of her cloak together at her throat. "I must go."
"Doyle," Lincoln said, "have Gus drive Leisl wherever she wishes to go."
Doyle bowed and left. Good. It would take a few minutes for the coach to be ready. That would give them time. They needed help to begin, however.
"Lincoln, Leisl was telling me about the day you were born," I said. "How the general—"
"Now is not the time or place." His voice rumbled with simmering anger.
I drew in a deep breath. It was worth risking his ire for this. "There is no better time or place."
His gaze turned flinty. "I know the general took me from her. He told me." To Leisl, he said, "The general's allowance will continue, with an increase."
"You do not need to," Leisl said, her gaze lowered. "It is enough."
"Prices have risen over the years. It's only fair that your annuity does too. In the event of my death before yours, the payments will continue."
"Thank you."
I looked from one to the other. How could mother and son speak of money after so long apart? Why weren't they asking more important questions? I didn't expect them to embrace, but this formality felt wrong.
"Lincoln." I pressed my hands on my hips. "Did you know you have a half-brother and sister?"
His nostrils flared. "I have them on my father's side too. They don't know I exist, and I have no interest in meeting them. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
He turned and stalked off. I went to run after him, but Leisl caught my arm.
"Leave him," she said quietly. "One day, perhaps, we can talk, but not today."
She was far more forgiving of his rudeness than me. "If that's what you want."
"Thank you, Charlie. You are a good friend to him, I see." She took both my hands in her bare ones. She had not worn gloves despite the cold. "You love him and he loves you."
