He gave a bit of a shameful movement of his shoulders.  "It has been a while since the train now.  So, you might have, but I was more worried about your health and your need to rest and a job, so that part of it might just be slipping through my memories right now."  He admitted.

"But now," he gave her a look of fondness and concern.  "I am more focused on you and your life." 

At her mention of it be for the right reasons, he smiled all the brighter.  "Indeed.  And expect the rest of the staff to get their nose in it.  To be honest, the cook has already been trying to hint that I should go 'visit' you more often."  He chuckled. 

"She is a bit of a matchmaker, I believe."  She wanted him to be happy and thought Heidi needed a living mother with her, not just a memory.

As they walked, he finally spoke quietly but loud enough that she would hear him.  As he talked about it there was emotion and shame during the various parts of the story.

"You know Heidi is adopted."  He made it as a question, but more as a statement of a knowledge that most know or would have shared with Karen if he had not himself.  "That is true but not the whole truth.  Cressida, my late wife adopted Heidi, but I am the father."  He paused and took a brief brave moment to look over at Karen to see what expression that brought to the young woman's face.