She turned around, looking for Wei. Needing his help to manage this disaster.
But he was gone.
Thirty-Eight
Dr. Abernathy arrived within an hour. After a thorough examination, he pronounced that Papa had suffered a mild concussion but should be right as rain after some rest. Relief bloomed in Glory. She watched her mama sitting by her father’s bedside, tenderly brushing a lock of hair from his forehead whilst he slept, and guilt twisted around her heart, the thorns digging in deep.
This is my fault. I should have told Papa the truth from the start. How will he ever give his blessing to me and Wei now?
Her fear of disappointing him had led to a calamity worse than she could have imagined. She didn’t know what to do with regards to her father…or with Wei.
Recalling his rage, she shivered. She didn’t know if Wei had gone after Rothwell. She tried to reassure herself that he was a skilled fighter who could take care of himself, and despite his wrath, he wasn’t foolish.
I want to help you, my love, she thought in despair, but I don’t know how. I don’t know if you even want my help any longer. If you want me.
She slipped out of her papa’s room and was greeted by Greaves in the corridor.
“I am sorry to disturb you, my lady,” the butler began.
She gave him a wan smile. “I ought to be the one apologizing, Greaves, for the disturbance I caused. I hope you didn’t suffer any injuries?”
“Thank you for your concern, my lady, but it is unnecessary.” The old retainer’s eyes were kind. “I wanted to inform you that Matthew Winslow is still in the drawing room and wishes to speak with you. Shall I tell him you are indisposed?”
Glory exhaled. “I’ll take care of it.”
Mr. Winslow rose the moment she entered, his face creased with concern.
“How is the duke?” he asked.
“Papa is fine,” Glory said. “Thank you for staying.”
“I am relieved to hear His Grace suffered no damage.” He paused. “But there is another reason I am here.”
She tilted her head. “Oh?”
“It concerns Chen’s slander of my uncle,” he said.
The truth is not slander.
“Such nonsense cannot be credited, of course,” he went on. “I am familiar with my uncle’s history inside and out, and I can, and will, vouch for the fact that he has never stepped foot in Canton. It will be my word, the word of an English gentleman, over the lies of a foreigner. A crazed and violent one at that.”
Anger surged in Glory, but her instincts told her to keep it in check. To find out what Winslow was after.
“What is it that you want, sir?” she asked.
She saw him calculate his next move.
His expression turned charming. “You are a young and sheltered miss, Lady Glory, and to be forgiven for not understanding the ways of the world. For being misled in matters of the heart. It is not your fault that you were taken in by the Chinaman’s lies.”
She bit her tongue. Hard.
“But your innocent error in judgment could have devastating consequences…not only to your reputation but that of your papa. You see, His Grace’s future is tied to my uncle’s. Any scandal that reaches Rothwell will taint your papa as well. It will destroy His Grace’s chances of stopping the opium trade and his political ambitions.”
The threat was even more chilling due to the pleasant way it was uttered.
“There is a way to sweep this mess under the carpet, however,” Mr. Winslow said. “A way to protect your good name and that of your family. A way to codify my uncle’s support for your papa’s campaign and fulfill all His Grace’s aspirations.” He took her hand. “You would like that, wouldn’t you?”
“What, exactly, are you proposing?”
