Mama’s eyes sheened. “Do you mean that? Even after the mistakes we’ve made?”
“Whatever mistakes happened, love brought you back together. Love gave me a father who spoils me rotten. Love gave me brothers whom I adore and can always out-argue.”
Mama gave a watery laugh.
“You and Papa showed me that love leads to happily ever after,” Glory said sincerely. “How could I ask for a better role model than that?”
“Dearest, I cannot tell you how much that relieves me.”
As Mama discreetly dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief, Glory glanced at the clock. It was nearing noon, and she didn’t want to be late for Wei.
“If you wish, we can talk again later,” she said. “But for now, if there is nothing else—”
“Actually, there is. Papa and I have decided that you may continue your lessons with Mr. Chen if you wish to do so.”
Relief rushed through Glory. “I do, Mama. Thank you.”
“What do you think of the master, my dear?”
At the unexpected question, she faltered. “Um, I am not certain what you mean.”
“I think he is an intriguing fellow. Aunt Hypatia does too, and you know her opinion of most men.” Mama arched her brows. “The Duke of Hadleigh also apparently counts Mr. Chen amongst his trusted cronies. Given all that, I was curious what you thought of him.”
“Master Chen is a man of integrity and honor,” Glory said. “I admire his sense of purpose—he is much like Papa in that way.”
“A commendable trait, I am sure.” A small smile played on Mama’s lips. “Is that all?”
“Well, he is a wonderful shifu. He has taught me how to defend myself.”
“Very useful,” Mama acknowledged.
Glory warmed to the subject. “And we discuss philosophy and all sorts of teachings that Master Chen’s own shifu passed down to him. I am even beginning to see the value in patience.”
“Goodness, Master Chen is not merely a teacher. He is a magician.”
“Mama.”
Her mother laughed. “I am merely admiring the fact that your shifu has made progress where Papa and I have failed to. I do believe I would like to get better acquainted with Master Chen. What do you think of inviting him to your birthday ball next week?”
Glory’s pulse raced with excitement. Here was an opportunity for her family to get to know Wei. If they spent time with him, they would surely come to admire him as she did…but would he want to attend her party?
“I would like that,” she said. “I shall ask him at my next lesson.”
“While we are on the topic of your birthday, do not forget to schedule a final fitting with Mrs. Quinton. We want your birthday gown to be just right.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Then I shan’t keep you any longer. Have fun with Lady Olivia, dear.” Rising, Mama headed to the doorway, where she abruptly turned. “By the by, did you hear any odd noises last night?”
Glory’s heart thumped. “Um, no. I don’t think so.”
“Papa thought it might have come from the courtyard. When he went out to look this morning, however, everything appeared normal.” Mama shrugged. “It was probably just a cat.”
After her mother left, Glory released a breath. Then she shook her head and smiled.
It was just like Wei to fix the drainpipe…and leave no trace that he’d done so.
Twenty-Four
