Page 150 of A Devious Secret

“I know, but I was hoping you could convince her otherwise.”

“And why would I do that?” Stephen asked. “You have shown me nothing but contempt.”

Lord Winsley nodded. “That is fair, but I am dying.”

“You can’t use your death as a way to manipulate your daughter, or me, for that matter,” Stephen said, shoving back his chair. “Good day.”

“Wait!” Lord Winsley shouted, his voice rising in panic. “I do not intend to manipulate anyone. I just want to make amends.”

Stephen hesitated before pulling the chair back to the table. “What of Lady Winsley’s role in Gemma’s abduction?”

“What am I to do?” Lord Winsley asked, tossing his hands up in the air. “She is my wife.”

“And Gemma is your daughter.”

Lord Winsley shook his head. “Kitty swore to me that she never wished any harm upon Gemma.”

“Lord Hawkinge abducted Gemma and tried to kill her,” Stephen said. “Kitty played a role in that, no matter how small, and you should not be blinded by her so easily.”

“I can’t forsake my wife.”

“I’m not asking you to, but I want you to sympathize with the terrible ordeal that Gemma went through.”

“I do, but—”

Stephen cut him off. “Stop making excuses,” he commanded. “What Lady Winsley did was wrong, and she should be held accountable for her actions.”

“Are you implying that I turn her over to the magistrate?” Lord Winsley asked, aghast.

“No. But I suggest you have a frank conversation with her. Make her understand that her actions were inconceivable.”

Lord Winsley caught the eye of a passing servant and indicated he wished for a drink. Then he asked, “What then?”

“That is entirely up to you.”

“I don’t have much more time to play the games of my temperamental daughter,” Lord Winsley said.

Stephen lifted his brow. “You don’t know your daughter very well if you think this is a game to her.”

Lord Winsley’s shoulders slumped slightly. “That is the thing- I don’t know her very well. I never have. But I do love her.”

“Pardon me for saying so, but you have a funny way of showing it.”

“That is fair,” Lord Winsley said. “Will you talk to her?”

Stephen took a sip of his drink, delaying his response. Why should he help Lord Winsley? After all, Gemma had made it clear how she felt about her father. Would it upset her if he spoke to her about a reconciliation? It was a chance that he didn’t really want to take, especially since he wanted to offer for her today.

Lord Winsley leaned forward in his seat and said in a low voice, “You have every right to turn me down, but I pray that you don’t. Please.”

At that last word, Stephen knew that Lord Winsley was in earnest. He didn’t think he would ever hear Lord Winsley utter such a word.

A server approached the table and placed a glass of brandy in front of Lord Winsley. Then he asked, “Will there be anything else, my lord?”

Lord Winsley’s gruff voice returned. “Not at this time,” he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Stephen took a sip of his drink as he considered Lord Winsley. He could easily send him on his way, refusing his request, but he couldn’t seem to convince himself to do so. Something was holding him back. Perhaps it wouldn’t be a terrible thing if he spoke to Gemma about her father. But he would not press the issue.

“I will help you.” He put his hand up. “But I will not force Gemma to do anything she doesn’t feel comfortable with.”