Page 155 of A Devious Secret

Epilogue

Three weeks later…

It was the best of days because Stephen was to be married today. He had longed for this moment since he had first offered for Gemma. His love grew for her every day that they were together. He knew in his heart that he would never tire of being in her presence. She silenced all of his worries and fears with her gentle touch and devotion. Gemma was everything that he’d ever wanted in a woman, and more.

Not even the pile of work on his desk could dampen his mood. He had been working on it all morning as he tried to keep busy. If he had his way, they would have already eloped to Gretna Green, but Gemma thought it was best that they posted the banns. She didn’t want to start off their marriage with a scandal. Which was fair, but he just couldn’t wait to start a life with Gemma.

Stephen signed his name on the document that was in front of him. He needed to focus on the task at hand, but he couldn’t stop his wayward thoughts.

His butler stepped into the room with labored breathing. “Lord Winsley would like a moment of your time,” he said in between breaths.

Stephen looked up from his desk. “Where is Mr. Brown?”

“He is downstairs becoming acquainted with the household staff,” his butler informed him. “Would you care to speak to him?”

“That won’t be necessary, but I would prefer if you were resting.”

His butler visibly stiffened. “I do not need to rest,” he said. “I am perfectly capable of performing my duties.”

“Regardless, Mr. Brown is the underbutler and should help relieve you of some of your tasks, freeing you up to oversee the new staff that I hired.”

“Very good, sir,” the butler said.

His words had just left his mouth when Lord Winsley stepped into the room with an annoyed look on his face. “I grew tired of waiting,” he declared.

Stephen didn’t even bother to exchange pleasantries with the infuriating lord. “What is it that you want?”

Lord Winsley didn’t answer his question, but instead watched the butler’s retreating figure before saying, “Why do you have a walking relic as a butler?”

“He is a good man and I do not dare turn him away,” Stephen replied. “But I did hire new household staff to get this townhouse up to snuff for your daughter.”

Lord Winsley huffed. “This hovel?”

“It is hardly a ‘hovel’,” Stephen argued.

“You should just burn it to the ground and start over.”

Stephen knew there was no use in arguing with Lord Winsley since he saw fault in everything. “Why are you here?”

Lord Winsley reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. “I received an invitation for the luncheon afterthe wedding, but I did not receive one for the ceremony,” he said. “I assume that it was a mistake.”

“It was not a mistake,” Stephen said. “Gemma wants only close friends and family for the ceremony.”

Lord Winsley puffed out his chest. “But I am her father.”

“You two are still somewhat estranged.”

“True, but she has started receiving me when I come to call.”

“Regardless, it was Gemma’s decision, not mine.”

Lord Winsley walked over to the mantel that hung over the fireplace and picked up a small vase. “You could try to convince her to invite me.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because it is the right thing to do.”

Stephen leaned back in his chair. “I do not think you wish to speak to me about what is right or wrong.”