Page 78 of The Lady Glass
Happiness seemed so fleeting. Theresia would grow attached to Mr. Plasil, and because of his health, he would eventually abandon her in death. The nagging pain in her chest drew out one tear and then another. “I thank you, but I want to return to Bohemia.”
“Bohemia? But why?”
She frantically wiped away the moisture. “I’ve never liked England.”
“No, I don’t suppose you have. But take it from someone who has traveled extensively—pain won’t cease to exist across the border. Why don’t you tell me about your time at Ashbury Court. I have a hunch you’re running from people now, not a place.”
Her body ached, and not from physical pain. He was right. “Where do I start? I took on a false name, became a spy, and had my heart broken. There really wasn’t much else to it.”
“What about this vase Mrs. Bedrich told me you were searching for? I have been anxious to know whether it is the same one your father left to you for your dowry.”
“You knew about it?” She nearly fell off the sofa.
“Certainly. I was there when your father drew up his will. Unfortunately, he also left his house to that conniving wife of his. But was it his vase that disappeared? Is that what sent you running here?”
Then, itwaslegally hers. Regret gnawed at her. How she wished she would have taken it when she’d had the chance. She quickly recounted how Lady Caspar had sold it and how Rolland had tried to help her, ending with the arrival of Lord and Lady Caspar.
Mr. Plasil scooted to the edge of his chair. “Lady Caspar is here in Westmorland?”
She nodded.
Mr. Plasil’s neck bulged with anger. “I never liked that woman, but she has outdone herself now.” He tapped the arm of his chair with pent-up irritation. “You certainly know how to start over. Are you certain you don’t want me to approach her about this? She ought to compensate you for your loss.”
“I care too much for the duchess to cause a scene at her house party. But perhaps you can tell me something. The night it was sold, the Frenchman who bought it mentioned a debt my father accrued that the purchase would satisfy. Do you know what he meant?”
“No debts I can think of.” Mr. Plasil thought for a moment. “A Frenchman, you say? The only thing I can think of related to the French is the time your father refused Napoleon’s commission for a crystal chandelier.”
“I recall the story. Would such a thing matter all these years later?”
Mr. Plasil shrugged. “Napoleon was livid. He wanted the best, and your father was the best. The man thought himself the next Caesar, which is why his loyalists are having a difficult time accepting their new King. If there is a true loyalist here, I could see him wanting your father’s prized vase. It is worth a great deal.”
So not only was the thief and possibly murderer French but he was also a supporter of Napoleon. She’d overheard Rolland saying to Marcus that France would likely suffer the most from the negotiations made in Vienna since they had not been invited to participate.
“I will send word around to some of my old associates to keep an eye out for any possible sales or transactions concerning the vase. Someone will hear of it, surely. Mr. Dvorak’s work hasquite the reputation. A vase like that will not escape the notice of my friends and fellow glassblowers.”
“Dare we tell anyone else about it?” Theresia hugged herself. “If it is so very valuable, wouldn’t many want it for their own purposes?”
“Don’t you know of the glassblowers’ code?”
“Code?” Her mind recalled the literal treasure spoken of at the house party.
“It is an unspoken fealty to each other. Glassblowers from the old lands have been protecting each other since the beginning. The legends of old demand it. It’s more than trade secrets and past history but a way of life. Our craft is as much tradition as it is business.”
“I have heard of a treasure.” She felt silly bringing it up. “Is that part of the code?”
“You know the legends, Miss Theresia. What do you think?”
She eyed him, trying to read into what he was not saying. Finally, she sighed. “I think the symbols in the legend are more valuable than any money could ever be. Family and community—those are the real treasures.”
“Well said.” Mr. Plasil grinned. “You are Dvorak’s daughter, no mistake. But never mind that. Tell me more about thiscaptain. It sounds like you care for him. Is he as lost to you as the vase?”
Just the mention of Rolland made her throat tighten. She mindlessly moved her hands against the blue silk upholstery in an attempt to settle her emotions. “I’m afraid nothing can be done.” Soon he’d be engaged to Helena, and Theresia had no choice but to accept it.
Mr. Plasil’s hand went to his jaw, and he rubbed the white scruff on his chin. “I am sorry to hear that. There is not much we can do about the vase until we hear of something, so I suppose I’m not opposed to a trip to the Continent, if you’re determined.”
“I am.” With Rolland’s voice telling her in her head not toleave, it felt good to have her old goal back within her grasp. She couldn’t think of him now. Their time had been like a story, and this was the end of it. The promise of change was calling to her.
Chapter 37
