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She didn’t know how to account for Nicholas’s dismissal without damning him in her father’s eyes. Despite his behavior, he did not deserve that. He had not been a part of the goings-on at Woodfield Park. Besides, her father was not oblivious to the years in between.
His eyes darkened further, and he inhaled deeply. “It is Daniel.”
She nodded. It was so much more. He knew that. It was love. Fear. Betrayal. Yes, it was Daniel. He would forever stand between her and Nicholas.
He blew out his breath forcefully, and his eyebrows gathered in a storm, not so much angry—more frustrated. “Did I not tell you? Did I not tell you no good could come of it?”
“Papa,” she started, but the argument was old, and she had no energy to renew it.
“Papa, nothing. You care too much for too many people. I should have interceded. I should have stopped you. I was selfish. We were all selfish.”
The pain in his eyes was too much. She touched his cheek. “No. It was all done in love. All of it. You cannot regret love.”
He placed his hand on hers, pressing the weight of their combined hands against his rough skin. “You love so deeply. I was sure Nick would see that. Thought he had recognized it when I’d gotten your message.”
She did not want him to be angry with Nicholas. To hate him. The burden of guilt was hers alone to bear.
“He has been through much. It is Nicholas who has lost. He has lost his youth to war. He has lost his brother.” She hesitated, but she wanted her father to see she was no longer a little girl, that she was a woman facing a woman’s consequence. “He has lost the dream girl of boyhood. That girl betrayed him. Gave herself to another.”
Her father stiffened beneath her hand.
She patted his cheek. “Figuratively speaking, Papa. You of all people know that.”
He clasped her hand and moved it to his lips. “Ah, kitten, he must know the treasure he has in you.”
A father’s love. Was there anything more true? She managed a smile. “I have not yet convinced him of my devotion. But I assure you, I will dedicate my days to it.”
He released her hand, his face radiating a renewed optimism she wished she could reflect.
“You will tempt him, I’ve no doubt. He has never been able to resist your company.” He glanced around the room, his mood visibly dampening. “It is difficult for me to leave you, to know that these walls are now your home. One crotchety old man to contend with here would be bad enough, but now with Nicholas so…” He did not finish his thought. Instead, he pulled her close and hugged her tightly.
“Stratton Hall will always be your home.” He pushed her away, firmly holding her arms. They stared at each other, her eyes welling again despite the desire to remain strong.
He pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before rising and heading for the door. When he reached it, he turned. “Your home. Always. No questions asked.”
