The Florentine Quilt

35. Theodora

35

THEODORA

‘CLARENCE’, MELBOURNE

TANZANITE: Connects mind, heart and soul as one, face your truth, self-awakening, trust

C urled into my favourite armchair, I take up Amelia’s diary again. Following its recent and more frequent handling, a slight deviation has appeared under the softened leather of the back cover sleeve, suggesting something wedged inside. As I hold my hand over it, in my mind’s eye I see the last page of a book turned and then snapped shut.

Conservation techniques have taught me the need for patience and care. I stretch the flap open with tweezers and nimble fingers to investigate, and gently prise the two delicately thin sheets of paper free.

My Dear Madam ,

For generations your family’s unquestionable allegiance has made it loyal to mine. As such, I make this unenviable entreaty. It is no easy request, but an entirely necessary one.

It is my understanding that you have not been blessed with children. Therefore , I expect you will be amenable in agreeing to my terms. It is essential our arrangement remain confidential, for if the details were to be revealed, I assure you, the consequences would prove grave for those concerned.

I aim to secure your services in the greatest of responsibilities: the rearing of a child. The child in question is of noble birth, albeit on the wrong side of the blanket. Hence , I impress upon you the importance of the utmost secrecy. She is a sweet-tempered child and the light of knowing shines intelligently in her eyes.

I insist you provide a home of clean living and take matters of her spiritual education seriously. Naturally , she must be taught to read and write, and be well versed in literature, as is necessary for the enrichment of both mind and soul. The child should be availed of both fresh and sea air and maintain rude health—the vigour of exercise is essential for bodily nourishment. I expect her to thrive in your care and you are tasked to make certain that is so.

I implore you to understand that while her family will never formally acknowledge her, her lineage sets her apart. Thus , every effort must be made to educate her on using the advantages of higher birth to serve those less able and to assist in charitable acts as befits one of her station. No more will be said on the subject of her parentage.

My final expectation is your prudence when considering a suitable marriage. Despite the difficulties of her mere existence, I cannot deny the child was born of love. While the disgrace of illegitimacy cannot be erased, may she be given redemption in the Lord’s eyes within the sanctity of her own marriage, and the opportunity to purify that stain with the legitimacy of her own children.

Her mother is dear to me. If not for the wherewithal of this arrangement between us, her past foolishness has the potential to threaten her every opportunity. It is ever with her in my mind and heart that I entrust you with the safe keeping of her dear child.

For all our sakes, I trust and pray you succeed.

I remain your most humble servant in this regard,

LP

There is a postscript at the bottom of the page, written in a different hand.

Dearest Amelia ,

You are to leave these lands and the time to explain is nigh. The truth is found within your belongings. Afeared news of your existence may be used against them, the intermediary urged me never to reveal her name, or that of your true family, until advised it was safe.

When she entrusted you into my care, she took a handkerchief and pressed it into my hands: ‘ Tell her this belonged to her mother who loved her dearly.’

I regret, I know nothing more.

No child of my body could have been a truer gift and joy to me than you, my dearest daughter. May God bless you and keep you and your family safe.

PS Your birthname was Isabella , which I at first agreed to preserve. But I longed for you to have a part of me and named you after my own dear mother.

Eager to appease my curiosity I jump from the chair to search Gran’s camphorwood glory box. A linen handkerchief edged in lace is in the bottom, along with the doll I now know once belonged to Alice .

As soon as I touch the embroidery, I’m filled with warmth and my heart beats faster. The energy of the room changes, and strength and love wrap around me, as clear as if arms are holding me tight. A man and a woman appear behind my eyelids, lit by candlelight and gazing into each other’s eyes. He takes her hands and kisses them, then turns her palms and holds them over his heart. The woman’s smile is radiant.

My stomach lurches at the sight of the shield embroidered on the linen, of the horse rearing and half submerged by wavy lines of water. A family motto is stitched in Latin on a banderol:

Tyme , Tryeth , Troth . Time tests faith .

The coat of arms of the Trevelyan family.

At last, Amelia’s story is complete.