Page 21 of A Devious Secret

Gemma tensed. “It doesn’t matter what I want. My father is not one to consider another’s feelings.”

“May I ask of your mother?” Mr. Wycomb asked.

“I’m afraid my mother passed on many years ago,” Gemma revealed. “She loved my father, but he didn’t love her in the same regard.”

Mr. Wycomb unclasped his hands and brought them to his sides. “The worst kind of agony comes from loving someone you can never have.”

Gemma cocked her head. “Pardon me for saying so, but you seem to speak from experience.”

“I’m afraid I attempted to court a woman, but my offer of courtship was rejected.” Mr. Wycomb turned and stared out over the water. “It is a time that I hope to soon forget.”

Her horse neighed behind her, startling her. Gemma knew she had intruded on Mr. Wycomb’s time for long enough. “I should be going, but I do thank you for your time.”

Gemma wasn’t certain but she thought she saw a flash of disappointment on his features.

Mr. Wycomb approached her and held his hand out. “May I assist you onto your horse?” he asked.

“I would greatly appreciate that, sir.”

He intertwined his fingers together and bent down. Gemma positioned her foot into his hands before placing her own hands onto his broad shoulders. He gently assisted her onto her horse before he took a step back.

“I do hope that today finds you well, my lady,” Mr. Wycomb said.

Gemma accepted the reins from the footman and adjusted them in her hands. “I apologize for intruding on your solitude.”

Mr. Wycomb held her gaze as he said, “You could never be an intrusion.” The way he spoke his words, she believed him.

Bandit started barking at Mr. Wycomb’s heels as he tried to get his master’s attention.

Mr. Wycomb glanced down at Bandit and shook his head. “If I can offer you a piece of advice, I would tell you to never acquire a puppy.”

“I shall heed your advice,” she said. “Good day, Mr. Wycomb.”

As she urged her horse away from Mr. Wycomb, she realized that she was smiling.