Page 23 of The Miracle of Love
“No, they will not allow me to see him.” Grace turned toward the door because she could no longer stomach her father’s presence and wanted to leave. But she had not yet succeeded in her purpose, so she remained. “Wooton believes you will use me as a means of conveying information to Richard. I see he is right. This is all I am to you, a messenger. I doubt they will let me see you again. I’m sorry, Papa. I really thought you would recognize the error of your ways and agree to help.”
“Enough, Gracie.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Just go. They have corrupted you, and you are now useless to me or Richard.”
“Useless? I have been a devoted daughter to you all my life.”
“Well, you are no daughter to me now.”
He could not have hurt her worse if he’d physically struck her. “I’m sorry to have disappointed you, Papa. Ask those holding you to send word to me if you ever change your mind.”
She walked out with her head held high.
The two guards standing just outside now entered the dining room and shut the door behind them, leaving her alone in the hall with Deklan.
He had been waiting for her, no doubt prowling up and down as she spoke to her father. “Oh, bloody hell. Grace, what happened?”
She took several shattered breaths before responding. “He never even asked how Mama and the children were doing. Not once. All he thought about was himself. I have two younger sisters and a younger brother, all of them under the age of ten. Oh, I suppose you know this.”
He nodded. “Wooton’s reports are always thorough.”
“I told my father how badly they were struggling, and he did not even bat an eyelash. I thought he loved us.”
He gave her cheek a light caress, running his thumb over it to wipe away a fallen tear. “I’m sure he does in his own way.”
She laughed bitterly and shook her head. “Yes, in his own selfish and indulgent way. I thought Richard had inherited his bad traits from his mother, who was never known as a kind person. Truly, she had a horrid reputation. But I see she is not the only one to blame for the flaws in Richard’s character.”
“Did your father tell you anything helpful?”
“No. I’m so sorry, Deklan. I feel this meeting was a complete waste of time. If anything, he now believes he holds the upper hand and will never give over the information without large concessions from Wooton. I’ve hurt rather than helped.”
“No, Grace. None of this is your fault.” He placed an arm around her and led her down the hall. “Well, at least you got to see him.”
She cast him a mirthless smile. “And had a rude awakening. How could I have been so blind to his faults?”
“He always showed you his best side.”
“What do we do now? Would you allow me to see the Montford Gallery ledgers? I wasn’t involved in running the business, but there may be something that strikes me as odd. Would you ever let me speak to Richard? I doubt he will give me any helpful information, but it cannot hurt to try.”
“I don’t think Wooton will allow it. He doesn’t trust you yet and will believe your father gave you information to carry to your brother.”
She wasn’t surprised. “I see. Yes, of course. Do you believe I would do such a thing?”
He paused as they were about to walk downstairs and gave her cheek a light caress. “No, I know you wouldn’t.”
She emitted a ragged sigh. “My father suggested it, but I refused. In hindsight, that was stupid of me, wasn’t it? He might have divulged something useful. But I was so angry with him, I wanted no part of his continued deceit. Oh, why did I not play along? Stupid. Stupid.”
“Stop kicking yourself. None of this is your fault. Come on, love.” He placed her arm in his and led her downstairs. “We’ll figure out something else.”
He called for their cloaks and gloves.
“Are you not angry? It is obvious I’ve made a muddle of this visit. Drat! Why did I not play along? So stupid of me.”
“Stop that, Grace. You did your best, and that is all I can ask of you. You are not a practiced liar. I know how difficult it was for you to see your father and feel the weight of his betrayal upon your shoulders. It is not your burden to bear. You did your best under difficult circumstances.”
“I allowed my feelings to get the better of me. I should have agreed to act as messenger between him and my brother. You know it was a big mistake on my part.”
The guard returned with their belongings.
Deklan took her cloak and wrapped it around her shoulders. “He would have seen through your attempt,” he said, his manner surprisingly gentle. “Never be ashamed because you have a lovely, honest heart.”
