Page 156 of A Devious Secret

Lord Winsley placed the vase down and said, “I do not know why Gemma is holding my past against me.”

“You can’t run from the consequences of your past choices.”

“So I made a few mistakes…”

Stephen cleared his throat. “You made many, many mistakes with Gemma, and I must side with my betrothed.”

“Her mother was much more understanding,” Lord Winsley muttered.

“Be that as it may be, you must respect Gemma’s decision to not have you at the ceremony.”

Lord Winsley frowned. “This is rubbish,” he said.

“Come to the luncheon and celebrate our union,” Stephen encouraged, rising. “Prove to Gemma that you are the man you claim to be, but do not dare bring Lady Winsley along. She is not welcome, and she will be turned away, as will you. I will not have Gemma’s day ruined by that woman.”

For a brief moment, it appeared as if Lord Winsley intended to argue with him, but instead he tipped his head in acknowledgement. “I understand.”

The butler stepped into the room and announced, “Lord Hugh and Lord Hawthorne have come to call, sir.”

“Do send them in.” Stephen turned his attention back towards Lord Winsley. “Are we done here?”

Lord Winsley scowled. “I still do not see what Gemma sees in you.”

Not wishing to engage Lord Winsley any further, he said, “Good day to you.”

To his surprise, Lord Winsley approached him and held his hand out. “I do not think you are in any way worthy of my daughter, but I do hope you will take care of her.”

Stephen reached out and shook his hand. “I will do whatever it takes to ensure that Gemma is happy.”

Lord Winsley nodded. “I won’t always be here, and it gives me great comfort to know she will be cared for.”

“I love your daughter, and she won’t lack for anything. I can promise you that.”

“Thank you,” Lord Winsley said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I shall see you at the luncheon, then.”

Lord Winsley withdrew his hand and departed from the study without saying another word. A moment later, Hugh and Hawthorne stepped into the room.

Hugh gave him a curious look. “Why was Lord Winsley here?”

“He was complaining about how he wasn’t invited to the wedding ceremony,” Stephen explained.

“Why wasn’t he?” Hawthorne asked.

“It was Gemma’s decision, but she said she wanted to be surrounded by her loved ones,” Stephen said. “Not that I amcomplaining, but why are you here? I thought we were meeting at White’s for a drink.”

Hugh grinned. “Marielle sent us,” he replied. “She wanted to ensure that you were prepared for your upcoming nuptials.”

“Why wouldn’t I be?” Stephen asked.

Hugh shrugged one shoulder. “You know your sister,” he said. “She is just so excited to have Gemma in the family, especially since she has always wanted a sister.”

Stephen came around his desk. “Shall we depart for White’s?” he asked as he walked towards the door.

“I brought our coach,” Hugh said as he trailed after him. “I thought you might want to make use of it after the wedding ceremony.”

“I already have a coach,” Stephen said.

“But didn’t we decide it was merely ‘adequate’?” Hugh asked.