“You do so remind me of my boy, Joseph,” Catherine said, ignoring Charlotte. “He was a little older than you, but small for his age. We had such a happy time together when he was a babe. But as he grew older it was harder to keep him hidden away. I couldn’t risk his being discovered—it would cause my ruin, and his. So I moved him down here, into the caves. I really believed it was the best thing for us both. The caves became his nursery, his whole world. Each night and day was spent within this labyrinth. I found a nurse to take over his care, one who could be trusted as long as she was paid well enough. You’ve met, I believe—one Mrs. Grace Poole. At first I visited him often, but it was so damp and cold down here I found leaving him behind more and more difficult. After a while it seemed unkind to unsettle him with my presence, so I trusted him to Poole, gave her more than enough funds to provide him with everything he needed to be happy. Poole brought me weekly reports and told me all was well. I chose to believe her. I wanted to believe her. But I knew that the moment I turned sixteen, I had to marry, and quickly. For if I did not, there would be all manner of fools desperate to acquire my fortune. I agreed upon the first good prospect my solicitor sent to me, and it was a good match. Leonard never even guessed that there was a boy, growing up in darkness beneath his feet. Then there came a time when I was taken to Paris for a number of weeks, and while I was there, I saw true miracles performed.” Lady Hartley’s eyes glowed with the memory. “I saw with my own eyes how those who were about to die were saved by the Virgin Mary and her miraculous medal, and I realised the power of motherhood—that a mother’s love is capable of surmounting any barrier. Leonard truly loved me, and I determined that as soon as we returned to England, I would bring my son forth into the light and that somehow Leonard would accept him.”

“Catherine.” Charlotte spoke gently. “You weren’t born a monster—the hate and suffering you endured have made you one, but beneath it all, there is still a human heart beating. Please, look at this little boy and understand that he is loved, just as much as you loved your son.”