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though, in the countryside, the way I prefer it. So now my son and I live in a huge empty house.” He stared off into the firelight, still sipping his wine.
     
    “Is your son in school Sir?”
     
    “Please call me Fredrick, and he is not in school. He was taught at home by his Mother and myself. He has no use for practical schooling any longer.”
     
    “I see.” I sat back from my meal, full and sleepy once more.
     
    “So, now you know about your employer, I would like to know about you. I believe you were telling me about your parents before Mary came in.”
     
    I nodded quietly, not knowing how much truth I should give him.
     
    Something inside warned me not to lie, but I went against it and lied by omission. I would tell him just the things he needed to know, and nothing more. Nothing more that could lead the authorities to me if they searched North Alcott.
     
    “My mother passed on not long ago. My mother was very sickly with an unknown ailment and finally succumbed to it. After she passed on, my father decided to travel abroad. I think he ran away from her death, the memories, the whole thing.”
     
    “And you as well. Tell me, does he write, or contact you in anyway?”
     
    “Only in dreams.” I whispered. He nodded.
     
    “Yes, in dreams. Sometimes dreams are better than the real thing. I am sure you miss your father very much, but he must be battling some very strong demons to keep him away from such a wonderful daughter.”
     
    I said nothing. My father was not battling, he gave in willingly to Death. Shame for my lies forced my lips sealed to the compliment.
     
    “Why is it that no match had been made for you? You look of age, are you?”
     
    My stomach soured. Frantic thoughts crammed their way into my head. Even as I opened my mouth, I was uncertain as to what I was going to answer.
     
    “Yes, I am of age. Right before my mother’s death, I had my eye on a certain gentlemen, but the arrangements were never made. He has since gone off to his second studies after graduation, without any idea that I existed.”
     
    “Tragedy! Such a lovely girl as yourself. My heart goes out to you Lilly. Such tragedy should never visit someone so young or kind. If you grant me the permission, I would be honored to act as the match maker. Just give me the young man’s name and I will have my fastest driver roust him from his school dormitory before the next cock crows.”
     
    Now what was I going to say to that, I wondered. It seemed the more untruths I spoke, the more horse hockey I got myself into. I looked down into my lap as an answer formed in my mind.
     
    “No Sir, I mean Fredrick, I thank you for such a generous offer, but I am ashamed to speak the truth of the matter.”
     
    “Shame? What shame can there be to be young and in love?” I felt frustrated by this conversation and his insistence.
     
     
     
    “Not in that, but in the fact that I learned love itself is not fleeting, at the whim of a young person, but everlasting. Love, true love, should last beyond death. I am ashamed to admit I was only infatuated with this young man and would only give him pain if I were to allow him to court me. I realized I never loved him.”
     
    His whole expression changed. He seemed to radiate an inner glow that made his features much more attractive.
     
    “Bravo! Well spoken. It’s such a delight to hear youth speak so. I think you will get along well with my son,” He paused thoughtfully, “providing he lets himself be seen.”
     
    He stood and said his goodnight, leaving me to ponder his remarks.
     
    “Please sleep well and watch for my notes on the hall table. I will from time to time leave you instructions there. Do not be preoccupied if you see more of Mary then you do me. I do expect you to keep our Friday appointments like clockwork though.”
     
    He paused and looked at me intently to make sure I was listening. I nodded.
     
    “Good, and like Mary, I ask you do not go down to the