Thérèse just shook her head, taking his hands and giving them a gentle squeeze. "Don't be melancholy, dear. These things, I'm afraid, happen. We were foolish, we were warned, but we didn't leave soon enough and we paid the price. I'm just lucky to be here. And I'm so very glad you're here too." She touched his hair fondly for a moment, reminding herself of her mother briefly before chuckling.
"You and your silly antiques. I had heard of someone buying all the things they could, I was told to seek them out to sell off some of the jewellery I saved. My funds are somewhat limited now, you see, everything else has been left to the mercy of those who sacked Versailles. But I never imagined it would be you..." She smiled, leaning back in her chair. "I'm glad you've still something to occupy yourself with, though. Have you found yourself a wife yet?"