Fredrick smiled. “Good morning.”
“Where is Alfred?” his mother asked.
“He is having breakfast, but I offered to sit with you while he was doing so,” Fredrick explained.
His mother sat up in bed. “You remind me of someone I used to know.”
A glimmer of hope came into his heart. Perhaps today, she would remember him. “I do?”
“Yes, my father,” she replied. “Do you know him?”
“I did,” Fredrick replied, though a tinge of disappointment lingered. He reminded himself that his mother was doing her best, and he needed to be patient and understanding.
His mother furrowed her brow. “Did something happen to him?”
Not wanting to upset his mother, Fredrick shook his head. “Not that I am aware of.”
“That is good,” his mother sighed. “I have a son that is fighting in the war. Do you know him as well?”
“I do.”
“He is so brave, but I fear for him,” his mother said, her voice tinged with concern. “My brother went to war and never returned.”
Fredrick leaned forward in his seat, ready to share the comforting truth with her. “Your brother did return, and he lived a long life.”
“What wonderful news,” his mother responded.
“Speaking of wonderful news,” Fredrick started, a smile brightening his face, “I am engaged to be married.”
His mother’s eyes sparkled with interest. “How wonderful! Who is the lucky lady?”
“Miss Emilia Sutherland,” he replied with pride. “She is the daughter of Sir Charles Sutherland.”
“Do I know Sir Charles?” she inquired.
Fredrick nodded encouragingly. “You do,” he replied. “He was a friend of Father’s.”
“Well, I hope you have a lifetime of happiness,” his mother said. “Marriage has enriched my life so deeply.”
“I aspire to be as happily married as you are with Alfred.”
The door opened, revealing Roswell and their father.
A soft smile came to his mother’s face as she greeted her husband. “Alfred,” she said. “Did you hear that this young man is engaged?”
“I did hear that,” his father responded. “Emilia will make a fine bride for him.”
“Do you think our children will ever get married?” she asked.
With a reassuring look, his father took a seat on the edge of the bed. “I do,” he said. “And they will be just as happy as we are.”
“I hope so,” she responded.
Roswell approached Fredrick with a sense of urgency, leaning in to whisper, “We need to depart to see Kendrick.”
Fredrick rose from his seat and bowed. “It was a pleasure to speak to you,” he said, addressing his mother. He knew he was being overly formal with her, but she didn’t remember him.
“What was your name again?” she asked.
