"I still don't." Laura poured another shot. "As soon as I was able, a private jet flew us both home. I thought my baby would be here waiting for me, but she wasn't."
"But how could he do that to you…I mean, why?"
"At the time, my father was already worth millions. Mathew would do anything for money, and he knew daddy would skip over me and give it all to a granddaughter."
"Did you try to find her?"
"My dear, I spent a fortune hiring private detectives, but without a name, none of them could find her. She was born in a small town in France and the hospital has no record of the birth…or so they claim. However, they built a new wing the next year. No doubt with my money."
Teresa was confused. "Would your father not have helped you find her?"
Laura walked to the sofa and sat down. "I couldn't tell him."
"Why not?"
"Because Mathew made me a promise. He said if I stayed silent, and stayed married to him until after the inheritance came through, he would tell me where she was. Father didn't die and the years just kept passing." Laura lowered her voice as though someone else might hear. "I think Mathew had my tubes tied. I have a small scar at the bottom of my bellybutton and I don't remember hurting myself there."
"Did you ask a doctor about it?"
"No, there was nothing they could do about it anyway, and Mathew refused to touch me after that. He was afraid I would produce yet another heir, you see."
"Yes, I do see."
"Father would have loved having a grandchild. He might even have forgiven me for marrying against his wishes, if he'd had eight or nine grandchildren to adore." Laura held out her half-full glass. "Get me another drink, will you? Make it scotch this time."
Teresa didn't get up. "Laura, the liquor makes your cheeks red. Perhaps you should resist until after the ball tomorrow night."
"Will makeup not cover it?"
"We'll do the best we can, but…"
"You are right, of course. I've had enough anyway and Mathew won't come back tonight." She reached out her hand and waited for Teresa to help her up. "Oh my, I believe I have had a bit too much." She let her maid take her upstairs and help her into bed. Before long, Laura was sound asleep.
After she put Laura's clothes away and before she turned out the light, Teresa lovingly touched the side of Laura's face. "Rest, dear one," she whispered. "This will all be over soon."