Don't Look Back

Chapter 62

Lady Susan sipped her tea and comforted the grieving Mr. Tom Parker.

"We have not made an announcement since Eliza has not said when a funeral is to be," Tom explained. "And to be honest, I don't know what to say."

"Well, there is so much to contend with. It is a wonder that she does not come here and have the funeral where all his friends and family are already." she reflected quite sympathetically.

He nodded emotionally. "That is what I said to my poor Mary, but she just cried." he sighed. "Do you think it right of me to ask Charlotte to visit and speak to her? I fear she has not the same depth of intimacy we once shared, but I know my sweet Mary would be rallied if she could but come to her side."

Lady Susan smiled. "I am sure Charlotte would wish to be whatever help she can. But do you not think she will take this news hard herself?"

Tom thought a moment and relaxed back in his chair.

"You are quite right, my dear Lady Worcester. I have been an incomprehensible oaf when it comes to those I care about." he shook his head. "Forget I even suggested it. It really is too much. Will you be the one to tell her?" he asked.

Lady Susan looked at the clock nervously as she knew Charlotte, Allyson and Flora were all due back any moment from their daily outing. And she had hoped to keep the child from encountering news until confirmation came from Georgiana.

'Yes, of course. But as to the child, sweet Flora, should not her mother be the one to break such tender news?" she asked, hoping to appeal to the man's sensibilities.

He shook his head. "No mention has been made of her daughter even once." he sighed.

Lady Susan stirred her tea anxiously until Tom blinked.

"Apologies, I came to bring you your deed," he said, leaning down and fetching the papers. "I had them all drawn up properly. I have been assured all the funds have been properly transferred, and you can begin building whenever you wish."

She took the offered paper and smiled. "Thank you, Mr. Parker, for being able to expedite this process still. I cannot imagine what you are going through," she said as she set it aside.

He nodded. "Yes, yes. I assure you I am sorely tempted to go to London myself and see what is at the bottom of this. I sense something terrible happened." he confided. "Especially since others have left in search of answers.

Lady Susan put up her hand as she sensed the approaching sound.

Just then, Charlotte entered with Flora and Allyson. The nurse had been dismissed after the near mishap with being run over by the carriage meant more responsibility put Charlotte, but she relished the distraction.

"Apologies for the intrusion," Charlotte said.

Mr. Parker looked bleary-eyed and his eyes puffy.

"No need, my dear girl," he said sweetly. "And Flora." his eyes watered.

Charlotte looked confused and shook her head. "Forgive me, is everything alright?" she asked.

Lady Susan cleared her throat. "Mr. Parker was just bringing me my new deed of purchase and words of regret."

He stepped forward to Charlotte and cleared his throat, and nodded. "Indeed, Miss Heywood, deep regret if past deeds and misdeeds." He looked away, ashamed, and then to the little girl beside her. "I am eternally regretful."

Charlotte did not know what to say.

"I believe it all worth it, Mr. Parker," she said thoughtfully. "After all, are we not all where we should be?"

His eye broke a trail of tears down his face.

"No, my dear Charlotte, we are not all where we should be." was his answer.

Blinking, Charlotte looked to Lady Susan, and she just called to Flora.

"My dear Flora, come into your nursery," she said with a smile.

Mr. Tom Parker realized his audience and shook his head.

"Apologies, I forget myself." he sighed. "You will forgive me, won't you?" he asked.

Charlotte frowned and nodded.

"Of course, Mr. Parker," she answered.

"Please come see Mary. She longs for the intimacy you once shared," he said, taking his cane with a heavy heart.

Charlotte blushed and felt a pang. She had not allowed herself the connection to them as she once had before because of the open wound it festered. But he was right. Mary had no fault in the pains. She was as much a victim as Charlotte.

"Of course." She promised. "I will come tomorrow if it pleases you."

He nodded. "If would, but perhaps you may change your mind." he looked to Lady Susan.

As he bid them all good day, Charlotte went to Susan and asked what that was all about.

"Seems he has finally heard from the would-be murderess Mrs. Parker," Lady Susan whispered. "He thinks his brother is dead."

Charlotte worried her lip. "But we don't know yet that he lives."

"No, but we know more than him, and that is a good sign," she whispered.

Charlotte nodded and felt hope.