e couldn't believe what Albert had said to her, the way he ha

heart skip a beat. There, on the bed, was a collection of clothes,

fingers over the soft fabrics. "H

mething that made her stomach turn.

e didn't even know her, and yet he was buying

nking of ways to escape. She could run away, but

and shoes again. She had an idea. Maybe, just

f. "I'll pretend to be grateful, pretend to love him

a knock at the door.

ea," Maria said, setting a t

"Thank you, Maria. Th

ome, ma'am. I hope you like the

e recovered quickly. "Oh, yes. They're beaut

my pleasure, ma'am. I'

long road ahead of her, but she was determined

minutes before she heard a knock at the door. Sh

elegant woman standing in the hallway. The woman was i

urora asked, feelin

ling. "I'm Victoria, Albert's moth

No, not at all," she said, trying to

clothes and shoes scattered all over the bed. "Albert

usly. "Yes, he has.

you about Albert," she said. "I know you two didn't exactly have a traditiona

she said, feeling a little confused

cross as a bit...prickly," she said. "But he's a good man, deep down

w if she wanted to be the one to bring out the best in

cross as a bit...prickly," she said. "But he's a good man, deep down

she said, feeling a little confused

ole life, and I've never seen him like this before. He's always been a bit of

hat to say," she said. "I'm still tryi

you to know that I'm here for you, no matter what. And I have to say, I'm much hap

n surprise. "Really?" s

said. "She was always so...fake. So concerned with appearances

. She had never expected Victo

mean?" she as

sted in Albert," she said. "She was only interested in what he could do for her.

understand. "And you thin

think you have the potential to be very goo

tinue, Albert burst into the room

u doing here?" he as

ce in her eyes. "I was just having a con

ink that's a good idea," he said. "

unyielding. "I was just trying to

don't want you interfering, Mother

y I will be

knew better than to push Albert too far. She

u, dear," she said. "I hop

little awkward. "Yes, tha

out of the ro

," he said, his voice firm. "And soon, she won't even be th

what are you talking about?" she asked. "

d. "I only married her to find out why Kylee did w

," she said. "You're still hurtin

just determined to get to the truth. And I wish you would stop discussing

rt's harsh words. "I...I just want

now, Mother," he said. "But please, just st

ed. "Fine, Albert," she said. "I'll stay out of it. B

Mother," he said. "I just need to know why Kylee did what

s involved, Albert," she said. "She seems like a

ing to figure out," he said. "Why did Kylee

Albert," she said finally. "But I think you should be careful not to

a could see a flicker of doubt in his eyes. He

" he said finally. "But I

t be careful, Albert," she repeated. "You'r