“Have you spoken to your father about this?”
Mattie turned her gaze to the stream. “There is no point since he sees nothing wrong with Emma’s behavior.”
“But you do?”
She let out a slight huff. “She is far more concerned about her elevation in status than Franny’s grief. I even suspect she is disappointed our grandfather managed to recover from the fever.”
Winston lifted his brow. “That is awful,” he murmured.
“Emma has only been home for a few hours and I already needed a moment away from her,” Mattie said. “I can’t help but think it is my fault for the way that she turned out, considering I helped raise her after my mother died.”
“You mustn’t blame yourself,” Winston stated. “Every person is responsible for their own actions.”
“But I indulged her far too often when she was younger,” Mattie responded.
Winston nodded. “My mother has spent her life indulging Elodie and Melody, but they both have kind hearts. Elodie may say outlandish things, but she truly cares about others. Melody is the same, but she stops and observes before she takes her next step. Both of my sisters are very different, yet I count them as friends.”
Mattie’s smile returned. “I adore Elodie and Melody.”
“I know you do, and they, for some reason unbeknownst to me, feel the same way about you,” Winston said, softening his words with a smile.
She laughed, just as he had intended. “Gentlemen are supposed to be charming, my lord.”
“I’m afraid I missed that course at Oxford,” he joked.
Mattie’s smile faded as she asked, “What should I do about my sister?”
“You are asking me?” he inquired. “You must be desperate.”
With a shake of her head, Mattie responded, “I am at a loss as to what I should do.”
Winston thought for a moment. “Did you do the best you could, knowing whatyou knew then?”
“I did.”
“Then you did enough,” he said. “You must recognize that Emma is forging her own path and may not want your help.”
“And if that path is wrong?” Mattie questioned, her voice tinged with worry.
Winston gave her a knowing look. “Who says it is the wrong path for her?”
Mattie leaned over and nudged his shoulder with hers. “When did you get so wise?”
“I have always been wise, but you never stopped and listened before,” Winston teased. “I am, after all, a highly sought-after barrister.”
“I don’t doubt that,” Mattie said. The way she spoke her words sounded sincere and Winston felt his chest swell with pride. Why was it that her praise meant so much to him?
As a comfortable silence descended over them, Winston chose his next words carefully, unsure of how Mattie would respond. “I want to do more with my life than be a barrister.”
“What is wrong with being a barrister?”
“Nothing,” he replied quickly. “But the things I have seen and heard…” His words trailed off. “I don’t know how much longer I can go on as I have been.”
Mattie’s eyes held compassion. “Then you must do as your heart dictates.”
“Only a foolish man listens to his heart. A wise man uses logic when making an important decision,” Winston argued.
“All right, wise man, what does your logic tell you?” Mattie said with amusement in her voice.
