Page 40 of A Devious Secret

“Very good, sir,” the shopkeeper responded. “You have exquisite taste. I shall prepare it for you.”

Stephen met Lady Hawkinge’s gaze and he could see amusement in her eyes.

“Marielle is fortunate to have a brother that is most attentive to her,” Lady Hawkinge remarked. “I have no doubt that she will treasure your gift to her.”

“You are too kind, my lady,” Stephen acknowledged.

Lady Montfort removed the hat from Lady Hawkinge’s hand. “I will go see this boxed up,” she said. “I will be back in a moment.”

“Thank you,” Lady Hawkinge murmured.

Stephen stood there, feeling immensely awkward. “I should be going.”

“Not before you get your hat,” Lady Hawkinge encouraged.

He let out a nervous chuckle. “Yes, there is that.” Why was he acting like such a buffoon around Lady Hawkinge?

Lady Hawkinge seemed to take pity on him and said, “If you would like, I would be willing to give Marielle the hat.”

“That would be most helpful.” He started backing up. “She might even wear it this evening.”

Lady Montfort handed Lady Hawkinge a box and informed him, “Ladies do not wear hats to balls, Mr. Wycomb.”

“Of course not,” Stephen said. “Silly me.” His back bumped against the back of the door and he let out a sigh of relief. “Good day, ladies.”

He quickly departed from the shop, wondering what in the blazes had he been thinking going in there in the first place.

Gemma resisted the urge to smile as she watched Mr. Wycomb depart or should she say “flee” from the milliner’s shop? He had appeared uncomfortable in the shop, but she had enjoyed conversing with him, even if it was for only a few moments. Frankly, she was beginning to look forward to these unexpected meetings. He always managed to brighten her spirits.

Her aunt gave her a knowing look. “It would appear that Mr. Wycomb fancies you.”

Gemma shook her head. “No, you are mistaken.”

“Then why would he come in a milliner’s shop to speak to you?”

Gemma bit her lower lip. Could Mr. Wycomb hold her in high regard? That thought both thrilled and terrified her. Knowing Lady Montfort was still waiting for her response, she replied, “I do believe he came in for a hat for Marielle.”

Thankfully, before her aunt could respond, the shopkeeper walked up with a hat box and said, “The gentlemen left without his hat.”

“I shall take it and put it on my account,” her aunt responded.

“Yes, my lady,” the shopkeeper said as she extended her the box.

Her aunt accepted it and turned towards her. “Shall we go home now?”

“Yes, please,” Gemma replied.

After they exited the shop, they handed their packages to their servants and approached the coach. A footman opened the door and assisted them inside.

Gemma went to sit across from her aunt. “I cannot thank you enough for your generosity.”

“It is the least I can do,” her aunt responded as the coach jerked forward. “Besides, I have enjoyed spoiling you.”

As she played with the strings of her reticule that hung around her wrist, she said, “I must admit that I hate that Baldwin left me in this position.”

“What position is that, dear?”

“Forcing me to live off the good graces of others,” Gemma admitted. “I wish that Baldwin had left me a jointure rather than some piece of land.”