Chapter 13: The Incredible Big Secret
"Every time Mr. Windsor visits, Alexander perks right up."
"Guess it's the family connection. I read somewhere about a baby elephant reuniting with its mom after years apart, just by following her scent. We're not that different from animals..."
"I heard Mr. Windsor's back with his new wife. Think they'll take Alexander when they leave?"
"Hard to say... If Mr. Windsor wants it, they might. But who knows what she's thinking? What woman wouldn't want her own kid? She probably doesn't see Alexander as hers. If that's the case, he might be better off staying here at the old estate, where he'll be well cared for."
A child?
The new Mrs. Windsor.
Blood ties.
Rebecca's gut told her she had stumbled upon something big.
Approaching them now would be awkward, and they'd probably freak out.
After all, she was the new Mrs. Windsor they were gossiping about—the one who might turn out to be the evil stepmom.
Rebecca quietly took a few steps back, making sure to crunch the snow underfoot.
The conversation stopped dead.
"Excuse me..."
Rebecca appeared at the study door, looking a bit flustered. "I'm lost. Can one of you help me find my way back to the main hall?"
As expected, the young man and woman exchanged a glance, startled, then relaxed.
Bianca, the maid, put down her tools and approached with a smile. "Mrs. Windsor, follow me."
As they walked, Rebecca glanced back at the courtyard. "Is that Mr. Windsor's study?"
"Yes," Bianca nodded. "It was Mr. David Windsor's study when he was alive. After Mr. Frederick Windsor took over, it became his."
"Does Alexander live in the study?"
Bianca looked up suddenly at Rebecca's question.
The young woman had a gentle expression, as if she already knew about Alexander living in the Windsor Mansion.
After a moment of hesitation, Bianca replied softly, "He used to have his own room, but he wasn't comfortable there. He kept running to the study at night. Eventually, Mr. Windsor decided to keep him close and settled him in the study."
"And Alexander's mother... the former Mrs. Windsor?"
Rebecca asked quietly.
Bianca looked frightened.
Rebecca's smile was reassuring. "If you don't tell me, Grandma and Mr. Windsor will. I'm not asking for gossip, just what you know."
Bianca hesitated.
Frederick had just walked through the door.
Immediately, the old butler gathered all the household staff and laid down the law.
In short: Mr. Windsor is married now. Mrs. Windsor's wishes are Mr. Windsor's wishes. Disrespect Mrs. Windsor, and you're out of a job.
Bianca shook her head. "I don't know much. I only know Alexander was very young when he was brought here. Mrs. Elizabeth Windsor and Mr. Windsor have been taking care of him all these years."
"Mrs. Windsor, Alexander is very well-behaved..."
Bianca's expression was anxious as she looked at Rebecca, worried Alexander might be taken away. "He hasn't spoken a word, but he doesn't cry or fuss. Apart from eating and sleeping, he spends his time reading, drawing, or building with Legos. He's really, really good, I promise!"
Years without speaking?
Rebecca frowned. "How old is he?"
"Alexander's birthday is January 15. He'll be five next year."
A five-year-old should be in kindergarten by now, right?
But from what Bianca said, not only is Alexander not in school, he hasn't even spoken yet?
Feeling a mix of pity and compassion, Rebecca looked up and saw Frederick standing by the steps in the hallway.