“We travelled under the protection of this delegation, which provided us with the necessary diplomatic immunity and ensured our safety. Despite the occupations and the war, he was so happy to be back in Vienna. We built our home here. We were happy here. Then, nearly a year ago, Simon suddenly dropped dead at the hospital.” Her voice shook. “A heart attack.”
“My condolences. I wish I could have met him. He must have been an extraordinary man.”
“He was,” she replied softly. “An exemplary doctor and a deeply loved father. The children miss him terribly.” She hesitated before adding, “Especially Hector. He thinks of him as his father, you know.”
“I know,” the Duke said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Just then, the front door creaked open. “Mama?”
It was Mona, peering into the darkness.
“Go,” the Duke murmured. “We’ll continue this conversation in the morning.”
“Is that you, Mama?” Mona called again.
“Yes, I’m here,” she answered, turning towards him. “I was just getting some fresh air.”
“We want to play a round of cards, Theo and I. Do you want to join us?”
“In a minute, love.” She turned back to say goodnightto the Duke. He was already gone, leaving only shadows and the soft rustling of the tree where he had stood.
The following morning,Lena gathered everyone around the kitchen table. They always held meetings like this during emergencies or when disaster struck. The last time they’d assembled like this was when their father, Simon, had died.
“We need to discuss this matter because it won’t simply go away,” Lena forced herself to speak calmly. “I also believe we should address everything openly. No secrets in this family, understood?”
Everyone nodded.
She took a deep breath. “Very well then, let’s go over what’s happened in the past few days. Theo, you’re usually good at this. Please, go ahead.”
Theo cleared his throat. “A few days ago, the Duke of Aldingbourne, his sister, and his secretary came to visit. They all claim that you are his wife, the duchess who supposedly died nine years ago, and that Hector is his son.”
“I’m not,” Hector muttered darkly.
“You naturally denied it. Here’s the issue. First, you both bear a striking resemblance to the Duchess. Second, it’s not just one person, but three, who see this similarity in both of you. Third, you have the same birthmarks.”
“And there’s the fact that we were both involved in the same accident in Scotland,” Lena added quietly.
“I remember it well, since I was there,” Theo continued. “Not at the bridge, but at the inn when they brought in the bodies. Father was busy tending to them.”
“I remember it too,” Mona said. “I was only nine, so the details are fuzzy. I do recall you lying in bed for the longest time, unconscious.”
“Yes. When she finally woke up, she didn’t remember who she was.” Theo took a deep breath. “Logically speaking, one could argue that you could be the Duchess who lost her memory due to damage to the sensorium commune—the centre responsible for recollection.”
Lena’s voice trembled as she finally said what they had all been dreading. “It seems rather likely that I really am the Duchess.”
The room fell silent.
“You may be his duchess, but he’ll never be my father,” Hector declared, crossing his arms.
“Hector,” Lena said helplessly, “if he acknowledges you as his son, you’re his heir. It’s true that Papa Simon raised you. He’ll always be your father in your heart, even if not by blood.”
Hector scowled.
“What happens now?” Mona asked, voicing the question on everyone’s mind.
“That’s what we need to decide.” Lena looked at each of them in turn.
“I say we ignore him and carry on with our lives. We don’t need a duke,” Hector suggested predictably.
