Revealing the Truth by Dudley Lorri

Author:Dudley, Lorri
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Wild Heart Books
Published: 2023-11-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

The previous day's events ran through Stephen’s head like a bad play, repeating the same dramatic act over and over. He tossed and turned, wishing he’d done things differently. But as pink streaks formed in the morning sky, he abandoned his efforts to sleep and threw the covers aside. Kneeling at the foot of his bed, he prayed.

Lord, I thought I knew Your will, but now I wonder if it was my own that I was following. Guide me and give me wisdom for this situation. Help Kate to forgive me...and Julia. I didn’t mean to be a cad. He prayed until words no longer seemed adequate and stumbled downstairs to prepare for the day.

He entered the breakfast room where his mother sipped a steaming coffee.

“You’re up early.” She motioned for another cup of the brew to be brought for Stephen.

“I couldn’t sleep.” He plopped into the chair next to his mother.

She offered him a sympathetic smile. “You have a lot on your mind, I presume.”

He sucked in a deep breath and blew it out. “You could say that.”

His mother studied him over the rim of her cup.

Stephen propped his elbow on the armrest and rested his face between his thumb and index finger. His vision clouded as he stared across the room, trying to shake the haunting hurt in Kate’s eyes. He could feel his mother’s gaze on him.

“Business decisions come so easily to me.” He exhaled, puffing his cheeks. “But women are another matter. They’re very complicated.” His gaze flicked to his mother’s face. “No offense.”

“We are complex creatures. I presume you’re having a difficult time now that Miss Julia has arrived.”

“I had been convinced that Julia was the right woman for me, but now I’m not sure.”

“What has changed?”

He rubbed his face with both hands. “I seem to have developed feelings for Miss Vernon.”

Mother’s lips curled into a small smile, but her eyes pitied him.

“Julia was the logical choice.” He stared at the cream swirling in the coffee the footman set before him. “She’s from a wealthy family of good breeding and social standing, and her cousin is the Viscount of Phelps. She’s also one of four siblings and seems suitable for childbearing.”

“You sound like you’re purchasing a horse, not deciding who you want to spend the rest of your life with.” She raised a questioning eyebrow and drew her coffee cup to her lips.

“I’m trying to be wise. I’m ready to settle down and set up a nursery, but I must consider all aspects.”

“Have you taken your heart into consideration?” She patted his arm. “I know you take the weight of your responsibilities seriously, and more often than not, members of the peerage marry based on titles or for financial gain. Your father and I, however, don’t want that for you. We want you to marry the woman God has chosen for you—someone who will love you and respect you. I know you worry about our financial situation, but God will provide. He always does.”

“I’m trying to be a good steward.

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