The Baron and his Lady

Thirty-seven: One truth for one lie

Penthurst Manor
Claus' pov

Lucian stared at me as if I've grown another head. I couldn't read his face at all. But he finally broke the silence.

"How long have you known?" He asked.

"About the time you were four."

"Who told you?"

I averted my gaze, my memories as a child came flooding back, "I heard the servants talk but no one would dare tell me. I gathered enough courage and asked...him.

"At first, he denied. Laughed at my face for making up such stories. I wanted to cry, I was just eight and very much a child."

Lucian touched my shoulder, "Father was a hard man. No one seemed good enough for him."

"You were."

He shook his head, "Father was proud of the idea of me. But when we were alone he'd voice out his disapointments he found in me."

I shook my head, "I never knew. You were a picture of the perfect son."

"Well, I did try to be. Mother helped of course."

We let silence envelope us. It was comfortable. I broke it first, "How do feel knowing that...that you have a half-brother?"

"I am glad."

I stared at him, Lucian was actually smiling at me. "What?"

"I am glad that you were there as my friend Claus and knowing you are my brother, that is just beyond happiness! I wish I knew sooner."

I gave him a faint smile, "I wanted to tell you but he threatened to throw me out. And I couldn't leave you alone."

Lucian suddenly hugged me, I couldn't help the tears now. "I'm sorry he hid you Claus. I'm sorry you suffered and never felt loved by your own family. I'm sorry. Forgive me."

We held each other. No longer friends but brothers. Truly brothers at last.

*******
Krista was still asleep but she looked but much better by the hour. Her temperature was normal and her breathing was calm. Dina rose from her seat and ventured to look for Louie. She needed answers what happened to her daughter.

She opened the door and peered outside. The hallway was empty. She stepped out and decided to go downstairs, maybe Louie was cooking.

There were voices along the corridor and Dina followed it. She found herself studying the interior. It wasn't bad, actually everything looked antique. There was electricity and other modern appliances. It felt like a museum more than a house. How can Patrick live here? His mansion was huge enough for ten families to live there yet he purchased another one. What for? His ambitious archeological studies of course!

She'll snap his neck for what happened to Krista. Her daughter did not deserve a father like him, selfish, arrogant and irresponsible. He was so much the man opposite of all this before they married. Until that bloody journal came into his hands. She should've burned the thing and she might've been able to prevent all this.

Dina reached the lobby and wondered where could the kitchen be. Oogy came trotting at his heels, he recognized her and went wagging his tail for attention.

She reached out her hand and petted the dog, she didn't approve of pets because she didn't grow up around them. But she made considerations for Krista, she'd do anything to make her happy.

Oogy was satisfied and went away. She followed him.

"...what do you want to tell her?"

"The truth of course."

"You're crazy."

Dina came upon the kitchen and saw Louie talking to another young man. She didn't recognize him.

She stood at the door and their conversation ended as if they were talking about her. Their faces looked way too guilty. She tried to smile.

"Hey Louie, Krista's sleeping fine."

Louie returned an awkward smile, "Dina this is Tristane, their family are the care takers. Tristane this is Dina, Krista's mom." 

Tristane extended his hand and Dina shook it. "Nice to meet you Miss Peters."

He knew she was divorced from Patrick, just perfect. Who knows what other personal information her ex had been feeding his employees?

"Just call me Dina."

"Dina, sure."

She turned her attention to Louie who was looking at the floor as if it was suddenly very interesting.

"Tell me what happened Louie."

He flinched. She knew he wasn't a pretty good liar. How bad could it be?

"Well? I'm waiting." She crossed her arms.

"Ahm, about Krista...she uh, it was...I mean..." Louie was rubbing his neck obviously uncomfortable.

"I came here to see my daughter Louie, I was worried to death what happened to her when she didn't show up for the competition. And your boss isn't picking up his phone either. Krista left my house upset last time, what did you think I would feel?"

"I'm sorry Dina, I didn't mean to keep you in the dark."

"Then start talking."

Tristane stepped in, "I believe what Louie is trying to say is that, an unfortunate thing happened and both Mr. Neville and Krista were hurt. But there were no serious injuries and we thought we could just keep it low." He threw Louie a warning glance least he spilled the beans.

"And what kind of unfortunate accident was that? My daughter is in that bed because she is hurt, isn't she?"

Tristane tried to smile to break the tension, "It was partly my fault Dina. We were having repairs on the house and Mr. Neville and Krista were caught on it. I haven't been a very good care taker after all."

"How did it happen? I saw bruises on my her arms and legs. Did the floor collapsed?"

He smile was wider this time, "That's exactly what happened."

Dina considered the story. It made sense. The house was old and her idiotic ex tried to renovate it. And it almost cost them their only daughter!

"It's not your fault Tristane, it's just what my ex-husband would do. Dig ancient houses and try to revive them to their former glory."

Tristane caught on that Dina did not like Patrick's choice of work. He figured as much. But at least she's buying his version of the 'accident'.

"It wasn't so bad though, we managed to get to them on time. There were doctors who checked them and now they're both recovering."

Dina finally smiled back, she liked this young man. Maybe her daughter would like him, too? She'll ask when Krista's awake.

"I certainly hope so. Krista has never been hospitalized before because I looked after her when Patrick wasn't there. I can't believe he let this happen." She paused, "Now, where is that ex-husband of mine?"

Tristane and Louie looked at each other. What now?