Tressa by Barbara T. Cerny

Author:Barbara T. Cerny
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: family, ireland, new york city, baking, dublin, handicap, 1800s, baker, wheel chair
Publisher: Barbara T. Cerny

***

A few days later, Tressa walked up the back stairs to the nursery to retrieve a new baby napkin for Matty when she overheard Heaton’s voice drift into the hallway, “—rid of the cripple—”.

Tressa stopped to listen through the open door of Victoria’s room, but the rest of the couple’s conversation was low and unintelligible.

She pondered the meaning of those four words for several days before mustering enough courage to approach Ethan.

They sat in Miss Alice’s parlor having lunch. They refused to stop the ritual of eating the noon meal together, even though the bakery kept them quite busy. The babies crawled or toddled around the room as they saw fit and eating from their tray set on the floor.

“Ethan?”

“Hmmm?”

“Could Heaton somehow make ye leave the house?”

“No.” Ethan looked oddly at Tressa. “Why do you ask?”

“I overheard Heaton telling Victoria something that has really bothered me.” She repeated what she’d heard.

“I am sure he would love to rid himself of me, but I do not think that will happen anytime soon, Tres.” Despite his reassuring words, Ethan seemed very uncomfortable all of a sudden.

“If something were to happen to Mr. Maurice,” Tressa asked, “what would happen to ye?” The thought of Ethan being in the house without the protection of his father made her sweat. Ethan wouldn’t last a minute under his brother’s unbridled hatred and jealousy. Her protective instincts were on high alert, and she knew she would fight to the death for the man sitting next to her. No one was dearer in her life than Ethan.

“For one thing, Papa will be around for a very long time and, for another, I am sure he has made provisions for me.” Ethan spoke with confidence, but his face still showed an uncertainty.

“Good. I just think ye, you need to check with him anyway to make sure he has taken care of you and Miss Sarah. What Mr. Heaton said scares me, Mr. Ethan. He hates you so much and would do you harm if he had a chance.”

They sat in silence for a moment. Tressa looked around the room filled with Alice’s possessions. “Sir, you should at least ensure that you and Miss Sarah inherit this room.” She paused. “And the contents of the attic. This room and the items in the attic belonged to yer, your grandparents and your mother. You deserve to keep and preserve their memories. Plus, there are many valuable pieces up there that could be sold if need be. I dinna want you to end up in poor conditions if Heaton has his way.”

Ethan patted her hand, “Do not worry. Heaton cannot harm me but I think you have a valid concern. I will talk to my father.”

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