There never was a clear answer of what had happened to William, only rumors.
Appearantly one kid had seen him being dragged away by a soldier and people in the square whispered of an upcoming execution. But unless Amelia heard clear news of his death she had been determined to wait for him.
Every day hope had grown thinner however. The other children would tell her that she was deluded for expecting the dead to return.
When her mother's condition had rapidly started deteriorating Amelia too would have to leave the memory of him and the dream of a house with a backyard behind.
***
Her mother had truly become frail. The previously golden blonde hair that Amelia admired so had turned murky and her frame malnourished.
As had become standard Amelia recieved a larger portion of their shared meal this day as well.
"No, mom you need to eat too" she said and pushed the plate away.
"Nonsense, this is wasted on me. You're still growing so you ought to eat more."
Her words pierced Amelias heart. Those types of statements that indicated that her days were numbered had become far too common as of late.
"It's still too soon for you to say so" Amelia refuted.
Her mother frowned and took Amelias hands in her own.
"Lia..." she hasitated.
"I wasn't planning to speak with you about this until later, but I don't think the time will ever be right. I know I haven't always been a good mother to you. You've had to grow up far to soon. I'd like to change that while I still can, will you hear me out?"
Her mother's voice cracked as if she was close to tears and Amelia hesitantly nodded, not liking were the conversation was headed.
"Last week I sent a letter to your father and the reply arrived just this morning. He has agreed to take you in."
"What are you saying? You don't know who my father is, you've never had."
Her mother gently tucked a messy lock of hair behind Amelias ear.
"I'm sorry I've lied to you sweetheart. He wasn't a particularly good man to me so when I had you I thought it would be best this way. I thought you would have a better life if you were raised with love but I see now that I only held on to you because of my own selfishness."
Her mother's eyes became red as they filled with tears, and at the sight Amelias own eyes started to tingle.
"Your father is a noble and fully capable of seeing to your needs. He's making arrangements as we speak and is coming to get you in a week."
Amelia choked back tears when reality of the situation started to settle.
"No, mom. Are you expecting me to just leave, you know I can't do that to you."
Her voice cracked and she had to swallow yet another cry before she continued. "I've never thought of you as a bad mother."
Her mother cupped Amelias face with her hands and carefully wiped the escaped tears with her thumbs.
"I know you haven't Lia, I know. But I can't let you stay and see me die. Won't you please listen to this mother's final request?"
There was no longer any point in holding back her tears. The uncertain future without her mother that Amelia had tried her hardest to surpress finally reared its ugly head. It felt to hard to bear and all she could do was sob.
"There, there. I know its hard, it may not feel like it now but even this pain will fade. You will be cared for. You'll get to wear pretty and clean clothes, have a comfortable bed to sleep in. You'll eat delicious food until it feels like your stomach is about to burst. And you will never have to lose another friend like that ever again."
Amelia met her mother's gaze that seemed to plead for her to do as she said.
"You're growing up. These clothes cannot hide your figure forever. If you truly do not like it, then only until you become an adult. Stay with you father for four years then decide what you want to do. Can you do that for me?"
Even though Amelia so desperatly wanted to she couldn't deny the truth. As evident from the hollow, pale face her mother truly didn't have long, and Amelia would soon be left on her own.
"If that's what you truly wish I cannot deny you... I'll go mom."
Her mother's tense expression instantly softened at these words and she pulled Amelia into a hug.
"Thank you Lia. Really, thank you."
***
The day of her father's arrival wasn't a pleasant memory.
Amelia hadn't been sad when she'd waited for him in the brothel's reception room, nor anxious or even angry.
She remembered only staring at the worn suitcase that stood at her feet with a feeling of emptyness like there had been a gaping hole in her chest.
The suitcase that contained her entire life up until that point had suddenly looked so small. It felt meaningsless to have packed her things while the two she'd wanted to bring with her the most needed to be left behind and forgotten.
Amelias mother had waited there with her all morning despite her bad state, but as a haughty looking man with flaming red hair arrived she'd promptly left to speak with him in private.
Left on her own it was difficult to not drown in confusion or give in to her desires to stay.
Amelia had been picking at a fray on her dress as to distract herself when she'd suddenly heard a door click.
Just like her mother had told her to do in front of the man Amelia immeadiatly rose to her feet and turned down her eyes.
Her mother's voice sounded stiff as she intruduced them.
"This is Amelia, your daughter. Amelia, this is your father. Viscount Graham Ainsworth. I just signed the papers so it's official now."
When Graham took a step towards Amelia she felt the tension in the room rise and was struck by the sudden urge to back away.
Only in that moment did Amelia truly realise that the man she was to leave with was complete stranger to her.
"It is how you have said, she is adequately pretty" he curtly stated.
"She looks like you, my Lord. At least she could with the right care. And she's clever as well, I can assure you that you will not regret your decision."
The man let out a hum, whether it was one in agreement or not Amelia couldn't tell.
"I will wait in the carriage, say goodbye to Laura and then come out" he demanded and curtly turned his heel.
The moment that the door closed behind him her mother sunk into the sofa. Her breath was raspy and her body seemed to tremble from exhaustion. Amelia couldn't remeber ever seeing her look so weak before.
Despite this her mother faintly smiled and rose her arms as an invitation to embrace.
"My sweet Lia, come here."
Only then, with her face buried in her mothers neck, did Amelia cry again.
***
Well in the manor Amelia was not permitted to visit her mother. The family had said that it wouldn't be a good look for a member of the family to be spotted there.They could however exchange letters with one another.
Only a few weeks had passed when the letters from her mother ceased to return.