Chapter 25
Chapter Twenty-Five
Stroking his palms over his thighs, Perry listened for signs of them approaching.
His heart raced as he sat in a chair in the library, a room that Charlotte had judged as most comfortable for the official meeting.
Shelves filled with tomes towered over the seating area and small tables nearby were covered with small stacks of books.
The room appeared inviting and lived in.
Throws were carelessly draped on chaises and settees, waiting to be used for relaxation with a book.
His daughter was well-read; that much was obvious.
Wishing desperately for a strengthening drink, he quelled the desire, wanting to be clear-headed for this encounter.
Charlotte’s voice sounded in the hallway, the soft tone preparing Aurelia for their first meeting.
“I have brought you here to meet someone,” Charlotte spoke, the words easily overheard by Perry as he came to standing.
“Is it the pirate? I already met him. He is very fond of honey cakes,” his daughter’s voice could be heard replying.
Perry chuckled softly. Leave it to Aurelia to quell his nerves without even knowing it.
Charlotte must have been struck by her daughter’s admission, and she laughed softly. “There is no pirate staying here.”
Aurelia strode into the library, her head held high. “There is, I will show you.” Once her bright blue eyes connected with Perry’s, her mouth dropped open.
Bringing her hands to her mouth, his daughter scanned his appearance, which was much changed since the last time she saw him.
His brother had loaned him some clothing, and a footman had helped him shave and cut his hair into something that resembled civility.
Perry’s own man at home would help him tidy up any imperfections once he returned to the city.
Aurelia crossed her arms with a frown. “What have you done with the pirate?”
“He is a gentleman now. I told you I was, did I not?”
“Indeed, but the pirate was much more exciting.”
Charlotte shook her head at Aurelia’s words. “Aurelia, pirates are not exciting; they are dreadful and dangerous. Please, say a proper good morning to Lord Spencer.” She tilted her head encouragingly in his direction.
“Good morning, Lord Spencer,” Aurelia said most angelically.
“Hello, Miss Aurelia.”
Perry’s gaze slid to connect with Charlotte’s. He wasn’t sure where to begin with this conversation. The impossible revelation would turn Aurelia’s world upside down.
“Why don’t we all sit?” Charlotte suggested, waving them toward the seating area in front of the fireplace. The fire was lit to chase away the dampness lingering in the air. Though the day was sunny, a slight chill remained.
Charlotte took his hand, guiding him to sit on the settee with Aurelia between them. It was a large sofa covered in dark green velvet, its cushions well-worn to the point where they were easy to sink into and find comfort.
Charlotte cleared her throat. “I have some important news for you, Aurelia.”
The young girl turned to her mother, her eyes wide, a smile teasing at her lips. “Do you remember when I told you of your father?”
Aurelia’s shoulders sank. “Yes, I do wish I had been able to know him. It makes me quite sad that he died before knowing me.”
“Well, we have been given a miracle. Your father has returned to us…alive.”
A small gasp came from his daughter’s mouth. She turned to look at Perry, her eyes wide.
“Have you brought my father with you?”
Emotion clogged his throat as he watched her. “In a manner of speaking,” Perry said as he pressed a hand to his chest. “I am your father.”
Aurelia raised a small hand to touch his face. “You are my father? You’re not at all how I imagined him.”
He smiled into her hand, inhaling as his eyes filled with tears. “Well, you’re more beautiful than I could ever have imagined my daughter being, so I guess we are both pleasantly surprised.”
His daughter gave a small laugh at his comment. “May I call you papa?”
He closed his eyes against the wave of emotion surging within him. Blinking, he nodded, careful to keep from taking her in his arms and squeezing her. He didn’t want to be overwhelming. That would come later.
“Are you happy, Aurelia?” her mother asked beside her.
“Very. Now I can hear some exciting battle stories. My papa is so very brave.”
Perry gritted his teeth, uncomfortable with the deception, but understanding its necessity. His eyes locked with Charlotte’s, and she shrugged.
Aurelia slid over on the settee, leaning into Perry ever so slightly as to snuggle into him. “Tell me a story, Papa.”
Clearing his throat, Perry searched in his memories for a battle tale that would satisfy the young girl. “Only if you first describe to me how exactly you imagined your father to be. I’m dying of curiosity.”
Aurelia eyed him from the side. “Well, he was very serious…and broody.”
“Ah, I see, yes, that is very father-like.”
“Oh, and he certainly did not eat honey cakes.”
“The poor man. He sounds dreadful. I’m glad I’m not him,” he said with a chuckle.
Aurelia’s mouth tilted up into a half-smile. “I’m glad you’re not him as well.”