Free The Viscount's Vendetta (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic) by Paige Cameron

stomach.”
    Her father tried to laugh, a harsh sound coming from his throat. “It would be wonderful if a spot of warm tea and a scone could cure this ill.”
    Jenny, the downstairs maid, brought in the tea tray and set it before Caroline. “Thank you, Jenny. Please close the door and make sure we are not disturbed.”
    Caroline concentrated on pouring the hot tea. Her hands still shook slightly. She handed a teacup and a plate with two scones to her father.
    They drank their tea and Caroline was glad to see her father bite into one of the scones. The silence wrapped around them. She hated to admit to listening by the door last night, but she couldn’t let him go through telling her what she already knew. He was upset enough.
    “Papa, I think we must talk about what is distressing you. First, let me confess that I eavesdropped at your study door last night.”
    Lord Halsford raised his head, surprise on his face. He got up and walked to the window pulling the curtain open. Afternoon sunlight spilled into the room.
    He turned back to her. His face still in the shadows. “I’m relieved I don’t have to repeat what is an unpleasant story and certainly not favorable to me. I hope you won’t think too harshly of me. Although I deserve it.”
    “You were in the wrong, Papa, but so was Lord Royston’s father. He must have known he needed to stop playing. Nevertheless, you said you cheated. I see the regret and guilt in your face.”
    “He was still despondent over the loss of his wife, and he was about to lose all his money if the cards did not turn in his favor. At some level I realized that, but I ignored my conscience and not only continued to play but, in the end, I cheated. I can’t expect his son to forgive me when I can’t forgive myself. I’ve tried to forget what happened over the years, but it was always at the back of my mind. I deserve what Lord Royston is doing. But you and your mother are innocent pawns in his game.”
    “His father lost everything?”
    “All but his estate.”
    “Lord Royston told me he’d come home rich. He apparently made his fortune back. Surely that makes you feel better.”
    “Lord Royston hates us.”
    Fear gripped her throat. “Surely not, Papa.”
    “Yes, he does.” Her father sat back behind his desk and ran his hand through his thinning hair. When he raised his head, his eyes looked haunted. “I tried to explain to Royston today. I told him I had traveled to his estate to give the banknote back to his father but heard of his death on my way.”
    “Did he accept the explanation?”
    “No, and he is right. I should have given the banknote to the son right after his father’s death, if I was sincere. I wanted the money, and I am damned for it.”
    Caroline poured more of the tea into her cup, giving her hands something to do. An ordinary task felt comforting in a suddenly upside-down world. The chore helped to hold the fear at bay.
    “Is there anything that can be done to satisfy him instead of his current plans?”
    Her father started to answer her. He closed his mouth and shrugged. “No, nothing.”
     
    * * * *
     
    Caroline paced up and down his office. She was such a lovely young woman. He wished she were already married. Then she’d be out of Royston’s reach.
    “There must be a way to resolve this problem. I can understand Lord Royston being angry. He must have been a very young man at the time of his father’s death,” Caroline said.
    “He was eighteen, handsome, likable, and the ton loved him. He left it all behind and went far away to recoup his fortune.” Lord Halsford sighed. “I suppose I always knew he would return. I did not expect him to be this bitter and seeking revenge. I foolishly hoped he’d be happy with what he’d achieved.”
    “Excuse me, Papa. I have to change. Some ladies are coming to visit this afternoon. Plus, I need time to think about our conversation.”
    His heart sank, as she avoided his eyes and hurried from the room.