Page 17 of The Fifth Life of Alicia
“All the better for seeing you, my lady.” He bowed. “Is there anything I can help with?”
“Yes, I was looking for Father. Is he here?”
“He’s in his office. Would you like me to escort you there?”
“If you don’t mind.”
“Please, follow me.” He handed the box in his hand off to one of the maids. “Take this to the Head Maid.”
I hadn’t seen my father since the day I’d woken up when he’d come in to speak with the doctor, so I wasn’t looking forward to this visit. However, I had little choice. I was leaving the house tomorrow for Lady Georgina’s tea party, and it would be rude of me not to inform him of my plans.
I knew it was safe to do so.
The memories left behind in this body told me that he rarely, if ever, spoke of me with my stepmother. I was little more than a ghost in this house unless my stepmother or siblings needed someone to be cruel to on that given day.
I’d avoided that so far, but there was no doubt the abuse would commence. Especially after the tea party tomorrow when I would be embarrassing Sophia in public.
Caldwell knocked on the door. “My lord, Lady Alicia would like to see you.”
“Bring her in.”
Caldwell pushed open the large door and held it for me with a bow. “I’ll bring some tea.”
“Thank you, Caldwell,” Father said without looking up from the paperwork in front of him. “Take a seat, Alicia. I won’t be long.”
I did as I was told without a word.
His office was huge. The tall walls were lined with ornately carved mahogany bookshelves that were filled with what had to be a few hundred books, and the desk that occupied the centre of the room was the size of at least four large dining tables. It was still cold enough outside for a fire to be lit, and the odd crackle of wood as it burned away in the hearth was oddly comforting against the stark coldness of the man in front of me.
If it weren’t for our eyes, nobody would think we were father and daughter.
No wonder my stepmother hated me so much. Aside from my green eyes, my memories told me I was the carbon copy of my mother—the woman she despised above anything and anyone else.
Even me. Miraculously.
My father set down his fountain pen and removed his glasses, letting them hang around his neck from the attached chain. He studied me for a moment with a peculiar look on his face before saying, “It’s nice to see you out of your bedroom.”
“I’m feeling much better, thank you,” I replied politely. “In fact, I will be attending a tea party tomorrow, so I wanted to speak with you before that, given I’ve been out of society for a month now.”
He nodded. “Who is the host?”
“Lady Georgina Alansia.”
“Very well. That’s an excellent place for you to re-enter society after your accident.” He rubbed his chin and peered over my shoulder.
Of course, he believed it was an accident.
It wasn’t like the original soul of this body had been able to refute Sophia’s claim that she’d tripped over her dress and fallen.
“I thought so. Also, I intend to go into town after the tea party to purchase a dress for the spring ball. May I have it charged to the house?”
He waved his hand. “Only one?”
“Yes. I think the banquet may be too much for me this soon, but it would be improper of me not to show my face at least once during the festivities.”
“If that’s what you wish to do, I will inform His Majesty. I suppose with the ball you can rest in a powder room or leave early if necessary. That isn’t possible with the other events. I’m sure His Majesty will understand.”
“Thank you, Father.” I paused as Caldwell entered with the tea tray and poured us two cups. “I also have another topic to bring up with you.”
