Page 113 of A Devious Secret

“It is about time,” Grenton said. “It was evident by the way he spoke of her that he cared for her deeply.”

“I encouraged Stephen to work on his speech because it is easy to get befuddled when you confess your feelings to the woman you love,” Hugh shared.

Grenton bobbed his head. “I second that sentiment,” he said. “There is nothing more nerve wracking.”

“But it worked out splendidly for both of you,” Stephen remarked.

“Only by the grace of God,” Hugh said.

Stephen reached for a glass. “I daresay you both are exaggerating. I will just say what needs to be said and be done with it.”

Hugh gave him an amused look. “Good luck with that.”

As Stephen took a sip of his drink, he started to think of everything that he wished to say to Gemma. He didn’t want to botch up the proposal… again.

With the morning sun streaming into the windows, Gemma sat on the settee and worked on her embroidery. She was content, which was something she hadn’t felt in a long time. And she knew the source of what her contentment was- Stephen. He had a way to make her feel valued and- dare she believe- loved.

Her heart had been broken when Baldwin died, and she thought it could never be happy again. But she had been wrong. She knew without a doubt that all the broken, shattered, forgotten pieces of her heart were worth putting back together again, because she had found love once more.

Marielle spoke up, breaking the silence. “You are awfully quiet this morning,” she said.

“I suppose I am,” Gemma responded.

“Anything you wish to talk about?”

“Not particularly.”

Marielle pulled the needle through the fabric. “We could discuss the fact that you were about to kiss my brother yesterday when I walked in on you.”

Gemma’s eyes shot towards the door. “Shh,” she admonished. “What if Edith hears you?”

“Perhaps she will finally acknowledge what we all know.”

“Which is?”

Marielle lowered the needlework to her lap and replied, “That you and Stephen are meant for one another.”

Gemma knew there was no point in arguing with Marielle. “I do care for Stephen, but I do not presume to know his feelings for me.”

“My brother is not one to toy with a woman’s affections.”

She reached over and placed her needlework onto the table. “I know, which is one of the many things I adore about him.”

Marielle grew solemn. “My brother deserves to be happy, and I do believe that you are his best chance at that.”

“I want nothing more than for Stephen to be happy.”

Marielle smiled, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I assume that my brother has shared some of his past with you.”

“He has,” she replied, seeing no reason to deny it.

“I’m glad, because everyone needs someone to talk to, to confide in,” Marielle said. “It is not good to walk this earth alone.”

Gemma cocked her head. “Doesn’t he confide in you?”

“He has shared a few things with me, but he tries to protect me from the truth.” Marielle paused. “He always has.”

“Stephen seems to be a good brother.”