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"I still don't" Laura poured another shot "As soon as I was able, a private jet flew us both ho for me, but she wasn't"

"But how could he do that to you…I mean, why?"

"At the time,for ive it all to a granddaughter"

"Did you try to find her?"

"My dear, I spent a fortune hiring private detectives, but without a name, none of them could find her She was born in a small town in France and the hospital has no record of the birth…or so they clai the next year No doubt with my money"

Teresa was confused "Would your father not have helped you find her?"

Laura walked to the sofa and sat down "I couldn't tell him"

"Why not?"

"Because Mathew made me a promise He said if I stayed silent, and stayed h, he would tell me where she was Father didn't die and the years just kept passing" Laura lowered her voice as though soht hear "I think Mathew had my tubes tied I have a small scar at the botto myself there"

"Did you ask a doctor about it?"

"No, there was nothing they could do about it anyway, and Mathew refused to touch me after that He was afraid I would produce yet another heir, you see"

"Yes, I do see"

"Father would have loved having a grandchild He ainst his wishes, if he'd had eight or nine grandchildren to adore" Laura held out her half-full glass "Get me another drink, will you? Make it scotch this tiet up "Laura, the liquor makes your cheeks red Perhaps you should resist until after the ball toht"

"Will makeup not cover it?"

"We'll do the best we can, but…"

"You are right, of course I've had enough anyway and Matheon't coht" She reached out her hand and waited for Teresa to help her up "Oh my, I believe I have had a bit too much" She let her , Laura was sound asleep

After she put Laura's clothes away and before she turned out the light, Teresa lovingly touched the side of Laura's face "Rest, dear one," she whispered "This will all be over soon"