Page 121 of A Devious Secret

Stephen swallowed slowly, knowing this would be the perfect time to offer for her. But he couldn’t seem to form the words, not when she was looking at him like that.

How was that possible? He had commanded a crew of hundreds of men, but he couldn’t ask the woman he loved a simple question. Although it wasn’t a simple question. It was a question that would change the direction of both of their lives.

But he wanted Gemma by his side, always. He couldn’t live, not knowing if she was happy. He was the one that wanted to make her happy.

As he opened his mouth, Lady Montfort’s voice came from behind them. “It is a lovely day we are having, is it not?” she asked politely but there was a firmness to it.

Stephen took a step back and that is when he noticed how close he had been to Gemma. No wonder why Lady Montfort had injected herself into the conversation.

“It is,” he rushed to agree.

Lady Montfort clasped her hands together. “I fear that Gemma has tarried long enough in the gardens and could use a cup of tea.”

Gemma nodded. “That sounds delightful.”

“Would you care to join us, Mr. Wycomb?” Lady Montfort asked.

Before he could reply, Gemma interjected, “Mr. Wycomb doesn’t like tea.”

Lady Montfort gave him a bemused look. “I have never heard of such a thing. But we do have biscuits, if that is more your fancy.”

“Thank you for that kind offer, but I’m afraid I must depart,” Stephen said.

“How disappointing,” Lady Montfort remarked. “Will we be seeing you at Lady George Wilcox’s soiree this evening?”

As much as Stephen wanted to stay in for the evening, he would rather see Gemma again. If it meant that he had to endure the agony of polite talk for hours, then so be it. Perhaps he could even get her alone in the gardens for long enough to offer for her. His earlier attempt had been rather pathetic, and he knew he would need time to collect his thoughts.

Botheration! Hugh had been right, and that was infuriating. He should have spent more time practicing his speech, knowing his heart was on the line. He didn’t want to botch the proposal.

Stephen brought a smile to his lips. “I intend to be there this evening.”

Lady Montfort tipped her head. “Very well,” she said before turning to address Gemma. “Shall we return to the comfort of the drawing room?”

Gemma offered him a private smile before saying, “That is a fine idea, Aunt Edith.”

After Stephen had said his goodbyes, Gemma followed her aunt into the drawing room, where Marielle and Dinah were both waiting with smiles on their faces.

Marielle spoke first. “Did my brother finally offer for you?” she asked enthusiastically.

She shook her head. “He did not.”

Her face fell. “Whyever not?”

Gemma laughed. “It will happen in due time.” At least she hoped it would happen, but she didn’t dare admit that.

“It is obvious that you two care for one another,” Marielle pressed. “I shall have a word with my brother.”

“You will not,” Gemma said. “I never want to wonder if the offer was coerced.”

Marielle let out an exaggerated sigh. “Have it your way, but I don’t know how you can just sit around and wait for Stephen to offer for you.”

Dinah gave her sister-in-law an amused look. “It hasn’t been very long since Stephen was first introduced to Gemma.”

“It feels like forever,” Marielle said dramatically.

“Perhaps you need a cup of tea to soothe you,” Dinah encouraged.

Marielle nodded. “That is a fine idea,” she responded. “Although I don’t know how you are so calm about this situation.”