Page 32 of A Devious Secret

“I won’t disagree with you there,” Mr. Wycomb remarked.

“I am of the mindset that you and Hugh are more alike than you realize,” Marielle said.

Mr. Wycomb reared back slightly. “I am nothing like Hugh and I resent the implication.”

“Stop being so sensitive, Brother,” Marielle responded. “Besides, you two get along now.”

“Only because of you,” Mr. Wycomb asserted.

Gemma sat down next to Dinah and reached for the teapot. She glanced up at Mr. Wycomb and asked, “Would you care for a cup of tea?”

“No, thank you,” Mr. Wycomb said. “My position has not changed on it.”

Gemma smiled. “Does your sister know about your aversion to tea?”

Marielle lifted her brow. “When did you stop liking tea?”

“I tolerate tea,” Mr. Wycomb said. “Although, I would prefer to drink anything else.”

Dinah put a hand to her stomach and winced. “You must excuse me, but I think it is time I go rest.”

“Are you feeling unwell?” Evie asked.

“Nothing that a good rest won’t cure,” Dinah said as she rose and walked out of the room.

Evie’s eyes trailed after her sister. “I do hope she feels well soon enough.”

Marielle exchanged a pointed look with Gemma, then said, “She should, in about seven or eight months.”

With wide eyes, Evie asked, “You think she is increasing?”

“I do, but I am not a doctor,” Marielle said. “I have encouraged her to seek out a doctor, but she is under the impression they are all quacks.”

Evie gave her an understanding look. “When my sister was younger, she used to get terrible headaches and the doctors treated it by bloodletting.”

“Did it help?” Gemma asked.

“No, they only got worse, and she grew weaker every time they put those leeches on her,” Evie replied. “It wasn’t until the doctors stopped bloodletting that she started to feel better.”

“How terrible,” Marielle murmured.

“Ever since then, she has avoided doctors,” Evie said.

Gemma poured herself a cup of tea and remarked, “I can see why.”

Rising, Evie said, “I should be going as well. I’m afraid I have some things I need to see to before supper.”

Mr. Wycomb bowed. “It was good to see you again, Lady Haddington.”

Evie gave him a kind smile. “Do take care of yourself,” she said before she walked over to the door.

Marielle shifted in her seat and said, “That went well.”

Mr. Wycomb lifted his eyes heavenward. “You had to press the issue.”

“Aren’t you glad that I did?” Marielle asked. “As you can see, there is no animosity between you two.”

“There never was,” Mr. Wycomb said.