Page 30 of A Touch of Charm
Andre cocked his head. “Because there are certain patients in need of higher levels of care.” Privacy. Diplomatic neutrality while they recover, too.
Thea sucked her cheeks in. “Because they don’t wish to be found?”
Andre pressed his lips into a line. “I assure you of my utmost discretion regarding patients.”
“I see. I’ll be hidden among other aristocrats. Wounded war officers?”
Andre bent down and took the bag he’d packed with a new ledger and a few other things he thought he’d need when he started seeing the patients at Cloverdale House.
“There’s room for Mary, too. And her parents could pick her up there when they return.” Andre saw that Thea looked a little unconvinced. “It’s lovely. Let’s go, I’ll show you.”
There’s more to me than this treatment room.
Chapter Twelve
Later that day…
As the hiredhackney turned off the busier Abbotsberry Road onto a deserted gravel road, Thea felt anticipation mingling with trepidation. Cloverdale House loomed ahead, its grand silhouette outlined against the afternoon sky. Surrounded by a relatively flat patch of manicured land and a private park open to the public, the mansion was like a castle with small turrets and exuded an air of both invitation and majesty. An ivory tower to lock her away from the freedom that had already been within her grasp.
Andre’s presence beside her was a steady comfort. His calm demeanor and reassuring smile made the journey feel less daunting. Mary, perched between them, could scarcely contain her excitement. Her blue eyes sparkled, and her small hands clutched her toy cat tightly.
Thea leaned slightly out of the window, taking in the sight of the sprawling grounds. Despite its grandeur, the place had a welcoming charm—perhaps it was the clusters of wildflowers dotting the grass, or the gentle curve of the pathways beckoning visitors to explore—a glimpse of freedom Thea decided to hold on to. In fact, the sense of openness of Cloverdale’s design starkly contrasted with the enclosed, rigid confines she often associated with stately manors.
“Is this like Bran Castle, where you grew up?” Andre asked.
“No, Bran is on a mountain. It’s not as easy to get there.”
“Ah, a secluded fortress?”
Yes, he saw straight into her heart. She grew up secluded. Alone.
Of course, her family had been there, but Thea had never been allowed to mingle with other children in the village of Bran. “It’s situated between the localities ofMaguraandDealul Cetatii, offering a strategic view of the surrounding hills and valleys.”
“But no access to people?” Andre asked.
“Exactly.”
“You sound as though you felt rather alone.”
Thea shrugged. “It’s the price of being safe and sheltered.” Thea reached for Mary’s hand and rubbed it as she continued, “But there’s much to discover here in London, and we shall do it together.”
“And I’ll keep you safe,” Andre said reassuringly.
Mary chuckled with glee.
They’d arrived.
As the carriage drew to a halt in front of the grand entrance, Thea took a deep breath, trying to still the fluttering in her chest to return to the realm of aristocrats. She already missed the more unburdened life of a governess.
Andre descended first, then turned to offer his hand to Thea. She accepted it gratefully, feeling the warmth of his touch steady her nerves. Mary scrambled out next, her energy boundless as always.
The coachman tipped his hat respectfully in Andre’s direction, clearly expecting his response. “Will you be needing anything else, sir?” he inquired.
Before Andre could utter a word, Thea interjected with a grateful smile, “That will be all for now. Thank you.” She cast a quick glance at Andre, seeking his approval for her decisive interruption, a habit born from her upbringing as a princess, where she was accustomed to issuing commands.
Andre’s eyes widened momentarily, caught off guard by her forwardness, which did not go unnoticed by the coachman, who frowned slightly. “Quite forward, this wife of yours,” he remarked, his voice tinged with mild surprise.
“She’s used to having the world at her feet,” Andre said, quickly disseminating the coachman’s suspicions. Thea sucked her lips in, sorry she’d misspoken. If she was hiding that she was a princess, she had to remember all the lessons she’d learned as a governess.
