"If he suggests one more time that she return to England, I may just do that."
Santos smiled. "I'll tell the crew to ready his ship."
Lucian laughed.
"At least someone is laughing," Zeena said, walking out onto the veranda.
"What's wrong?" Lucian asked, his thoughts immediately of Catherine.
"That father of hers is insisting she'd get better care in England during her delivery and that she should return for her baby's sake."
"He's upsetting her?" Lucian asked standing.
"Very much," Zeena insisted angrily. "Her hands are shaking and she looks close to tears."
"That does it," Lucian said, and stormed to the parlor where he knew all of them would be waiting before supper.
o0o
"Think on it, Catherine," her father said. "If there is a problem with the delivery there would be a trained physician to tend you. Not some island native."
"She's not going anywhere," Lucian said, marching into the salon and straight up to Abelard. "Catherine is staying here with me."
"Don't be so selfish," Abelard said, not backing away from Lucian's imposing stature.
"You are the one who is selfish," Lucian accused. "Have you bothered to ask Catherine if she wishes to leave here? Have you bothered to notice how much you've upset her since your arrival?"
"She requested that I come. She wrote that she needed me."
"For what reason, Abelard? Think about it. For what reason?"
"Because I am her father and she trusts me."
"You're a fool," Lucian snapped. "She told you plainly the day of your arrival that she wished us to talk. That is the reason she sent for you. Not for herself, but for you and me."
"At the moment my concern is for her and her condition, and as the father of her child you should be —"
"I will take care of Catherine and my child. Your opinion doesn't matter."
"I'm her father," Abelard shouted, turning a furious red.
"Her stepfather," Lucian corrected. "And a poor excuse for one."
"Enough," Catherine cried out. "I've had enough."
Lucian turned. She stood in front of the settee striking in all white with a white ribbon entwined intricately with her braid.
"The bickering has been endless, driving everyone within this house crazy. And it is all my fault."
Her father attempted to speak; she silenced him with a wave of her hand. "I will have my say, Papa. I thought you both cared enough for me to end this torment. But both of you are so stubborn that I find myself having to issue an ultimatum."
Lucian raised a brow in warning.
She shook her head at him. "It will be my way or else."
"Have your say, Catherine, but don't think you will be leaving this island," Lucian said forcefully.
Catherine forged ahead, realizing she had no other choice and hoping she wouldn't be forced to carry out her threat. "Settle this thing between you tonight or tomorrow I sail for England with Aunt Lilith and Dulcie. Once there I will reside with my aunt, never speaking to either of you again."
"Catherine," Lucian threatened furiously through clenched teeth.
She held up her hand to him, her green eyes pleading softly and turned her attention to her father. "Tell him, Papa."
Abelard gasped. "You know."
"Yes, I know, and now he must hear it from you or I will" — she took a deep fortifying breath — "never call you Father again."
Her remark shocked Lucian as did her strong defense of him. At that moment Lucian realized the extent of her love for him and he felt his heart swell with the same unconditional love for her.
"I'm willing to talk with you, Abelard," Lucian offered.
Catherine sent him a grateful smile. "Papa?" she said, looking to him.
Abelard nodded slowly.
Catherine walked up to her father and kissed his cheek and then she walked over to Lucian and kissed his lips. "This is difficult for him. You will understand why shortly. Please remember how loving someone can hurt," she whispered, and fled the room, her aunt following.
Chapter Thirty-one
The door clicked shut behind Catherine. The two men stood alone.
"A drink?" Lucian offered.
Abelard declined. "I want a clear head when we speak."
"Then shall we begin?" Lucian suggested, and directed him to two high-back chairs arranged alongside each other near an open window.
Abelard sat silent, staring at Lucian.
Lucian waited, judging by Catherine's words that the tale the older man had to tell wasn't going to be easy for him. He took some comfort in knowing that whatever it was Abelard had done, he had been troubled by it these many years.