Page 151 of A Devious Secret

Lord Winsley brought a smile to his lips, but it appeared more like a grimace. “I can agree to that, but that still doesn’t mean I approve of you.”

Stephen lifted his glass in the air. “I can live with that.”

Lord Hawthorne walked towards the table with a bemused look on his face. “Am I interrupting something?” he asked, coming to a stop next to Stephen.

“No,” Lord Winsley replied before he tossed back his drink. “I was just leaving.”

“Hopefully, not on my account,” Hawthorne said.

Lord Winsley pushed back his chair and rose. “Don’t flatter yourself, Hawthorne.”

As Lord Winsley walked away, Hawthorne pulled out a chair and sat down. “Do you want to explain what that was all about?”

“Winsley wants to make amends with his daughter, and he wants me to speak to her,” Stephen shared.

“He came to you for help?” Hawthorne asked incredulously.

Stephen grinned. “I was just as surprised as you are.”

“What did you say?”

“I told him I would speak to her, but I couldn’t make any promises,” Stephen replied. “Quite frankly, I don’t know how Gemma will react.”

“I heard that you and Winsley nearly came to blows last night.”

“That is true, but I managed to show some restraint since Gemma was present,” Stephen said. “I grew tired of his pompous attitude, and I just reacted.”

Hawthorne leaned in and lowered his voice. “Did you have a chance to read the newssheets this morning?”

“I have not.”

“Lord Hawkinge’s death made front page news,” Hawthorne said. “His body was found drifting in the River Thames and the magistrate has no leads on the cause of the death.”

Stephen gave him a curious look. “How did you manage to cover up the events of his death, considering he was shot?”

“The coroner in that district owed me a favor.”

“How did you…” Stephen stopped speaking. “I am not even going to ask how since I don’t want to know.”

Hawthorne smirked. “Furthermore, the captain of the merchant ship was paid handsomely to set sail at once and forget about last night.”

“I assume you paid him off.”

“It was the least I could do since Gemma is family,” he said. “If the truth was ever leaked to the morning newspapers, the scandal would tarnish her reputation forever. She would be forced to retire to the countryside.”

Stephen tipped his head in approval. “You are a good cousin.”

“I did it for you, too. I wouldn’t want that scandal weighing over your head either once you marry my cousin.”

“That is assuming she will accept my offer.”

“She will.”

“I wish I had your optimism, but I do fear that she will find me lacking.”

Hawthorne leaned back in his seat. “I do believe it is a good thing to be somewhat fearful when offering for the woman you love.”

“Why do you say that?”