Page 12 of A Devious Secret

“Regardless, I am glad that you are here.”

Stephen studied his sister for a moment. Her smile was genuine, and she appeared to radiate happiness. If he didn’t love his sister so, he would find it downright irritating.

“You seem happy,” he commented.

Marielle’s smile grew brighter, if that was even possible. “That is because I am.”

“Are you sure?” he asked. “Because if you aren’t, I will gladly remove you from this place.”

“Hugh would never let that happen.”

“I am not afraid of Hugh.”

Marielle went to sit down on the settee. “I know you aren’t, but he has been the perfect husband.”

“There is no such thing.”

“True, but he has made me blissfully happy,” she responded. “He has even fulfilled his promise not to gamble anymore.”

Stephen walked over to a yellow upholstered armchair and placed his hands on the back. “It hasn’t been that long since you two were wed. What if he changes his mind?”

“I am not concerned,” Marielle said. “He is a man of his word.”

He frowned at his sister’s response. Could she truly be that naïve? “I just fear that you are blinded by love.”

“So what if I am?” Marielle asked. “There is no shame in loving one’s husband.”

Stephen put his hand up, knowing he was fighting a losing battle. “You are right. Forget I said anything.”

Marielle eyed him curiously. “Did you just admit that I was right?”

“I did.”

“That was admirable of you, Brother,” she said. “You never admit that you are wrong.”

“That is because I rarely am.”

Marielle laughed as he had intended. “You are incorrigible.”

“What will you do when the Season is over?”

“Hugh and I intend to retire to our Brookhaven estate,” Marielle shared. “We want to be close to family but still maintain our own residence.”

“I think that is wise.”

Marielle lifted her brow. “I am surprised that you stayed in Town this long.”

“I am here to ensure you are being taken care of.” He came around the chair and sat down. “Besides, my man of business is proficient at what he does.”

“Father thought so, as well.”

The sound of the dinner bell chimed in the distance, beckoning everyone to come.

Stephen turned his head towards the noise. “I do not think I could live as you do.”

“It is not so different from the way we were raised,” Marielle said. “Our home was filled with servants to tend to our every whim.”

“I’m afraid I have become accustomed to caring for myself.”