Page 77 of The Lady Glass
“But your accent . . .”
“As hidden as your own.”
She shook her head. “I am sorry I did not recognize you.”
“You were so young.” He batted her comment away with his hand. “And I’ve grown old in that time. My hair has changed color, and because of my health, I have lost a great deal of weight. I traveled for a time to doctors in other countries, searching for a cure.”
“Did you find it?”
“I found a new reality and am content to still be alive. But instead of seeking my health, I should’ve rescued you from that seminary. My regret weighs heavily on my soul. In my defense,I didn’t know then how unhappy you were. When I returned to England, I thought watching you from a distance would be less intrusive. From all appearances, you’d begun a new life and had no need of me.”
“My troubles were not yours. You owed me nothing.”
“I did owe your father. He would have wanted me to help you; he might have even made me your guardian had he known his time was short. He loved you more than anything.”
Sudden tears sprang to her eyes. She’d already cried once today, but not for long enough, it seemed. “The seminary became more of a prison to me than a school. It became nearly impossible to practice my music, and I couldn’t speak of home. I had no close friends. How did you learn how I felt?”
He shrugged. “I paid people for information. I asked a lot of questions. I waited outside, hoping to read your expressions in passing.”
“So the money you gave me... it was because you knew who I was.”
“I was planning on giving it to you anyway, but I had no idea it was to aid your escape, or I would’ve offered you my carriage as well. But alas, I was afraid you would not want my help if you knew who I was.”
She shook her head. “Why would you say that?”
“I abandoned you. And I was from the old country. I wasn’t certain you wanted to be reminded of your connections there.”
“They are the only connections I am proud of,” she whispered fiercely.
He smiled again, this time even with his eyes. “Then, you shall stay as long as you want. This cottage can be yours, and my town house in London. Wherever it is you want to live, we shall go there.”
She sputtered a laugh. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes, please. I am getting too old to keep chasing you acrossthe country.”
“Chasing me? Then youdon’treally live here?”
A slow chuckle started, and he clapped his hands on his bony knees. “I followed you, of course, though it wasn’t always easy. Who do you think arranged for Johan to work for Lady Caspar so he could check on you? You did not think that a coincidence?”
“I did.” She shook her head in amazement. “Johan said nothing about you.”
“At least he did something right. That young man could’ve used a father figure for a few years more himself. He wasn’t supposed to whisk you across the countryside to a Roma camp. Your mother rolled over in her grave that day.” He tsked his tongue.
Theresia gave a sheepish smile. “He isn’t the only one to blame.”
Mr. Plasil raised his thick gray brow. “I heard you were an eager participant in this journey. I had no idea you possessed such an adventurous spirit. That’s why I left Pumpkin at the camp. She was meant to protect you while you sorted everything out.”
“I can hardly believe all you have done for me. And the dresses? Were they from you too?”
He shrugged, embarrassment gracing his expression. “I got your size from the seamstress employed by the seminary. I thought to gift you some gowns, but you ran away before I could do so. I brought them here instead. Mrs. Bedrich informed me before she left that you were going to Ashbury Court, so I sent them there.”
“They fit perfectly and must have cost a fortune. How can I ever thank you?” She bent down and rubbed Pumpkin’s soft back.
“Seeing your smile now is all I want. Your father would be proud to see how you have grown, and especially to know your heart is as kind as your mother’s. And it is a joy to know you like animals the same as she did.”
“I . . . I didn’t remember that about her.”
“She couldn’t see one go hungry either. So, you see, we have too much history for you to run away again. I was meant to spend my last days keeping you happy and telling you all the stories you don’t remember.”
