Charlotte opens her mouth to protest, but he’s still speaking… “Remember, Jenny, the police commissioner was very clear he'd arrest me if I returned…
“… What do I do? Marry your mother to be immediately imprisoned again? And almost certainly for many years, if not for life. That wouldn’t be fair on anyone at all… Or should I wed her, then go on the run? Leave her behind? Take her with me? Take her from you?”
Charlotte’s eyes are huge and green and liquid. Her chest rises and falls…
“… Jenny, I can't stay there with your mother. It wouldn’t be fair of me to ask her to leave you. And… Juliana was just one enemy. There will always be another. I’ve had that kind of past. It’s my own fault, but that’s how it is.”
“Father…”
But he’s already turned away from her to me. “I’m pleased, James, t
