Page 54 of A Devious Secret

“Wonderful,” Stephen said. “I shall call upon you tomorrow.”

Gemma held up his handkerchief. “I shall have this laundered and returned to you at once.”

“I would prefer if you kept it.”

Stephen swore that her smile faded a little, growing softer, more intimate. He watched as she moved to stand next to Hawthorne, accepting his proffered arm.

As Hawthorne led his wife and Gemma back into the ballroom, Stephen found that his smile had not dimmed in the least. He was making progress with Gemma, and he couldn’t wait until he could see her tomorrow.

He walked over to the back gate and exited the gardens. There was no reason for him to return to the ballroom. He had done what he had set out to do.

Gemma woke up to the sun streaming into her bedchamber. She sat up in bed and stretched her arms. For the first time inages, she felt rested, and she couldn’t wait to see what the day would bring forth.

The door opened and Lydia slipped into the room, holding a tray. “Good morning, my lady,” she greeted. “I see that you are finally awake.”

“Did I oversleep?”

Lydia placed the tray down on the dressing table. “Breakfast was served nearly an hour ago and Lady Montfort has been inquiring after you.”

“I hadn’t meant to sleep so long.”

“I would imagine your body needed the rest.” Lydia walked over to the wardrobe and opened it. “What would you like to wear today?”

“I would prefer my green gown,” Gemma replied as she put her legs over the side of the bed.

Lydia retrieved the gown and went to drape it over the back of her settee. “Would you care to eat first or shall we style your hair?”

“I can eat while you style my hair.” Gemma rose and sat down at the dressing table. She picked up a piece of toast from the plate and took a bite.

Lydia removed the cap from her head and started brushing her hair. “It was late when you returned home from the ball and we didn’t have a chance to talk,” she said. “How was the ball?”

Gemma brought her hand up to her mouth as she chewed. “It was…” Her words trailed off as she tried to think of a way to describe it. Finally, she settled on, “It was blissfully eventful.”

“What does that mean?”

After she swallowed the bite in her mouth, Gemma replied, “I danced the waltz with Mr. Wycomb.”

“You did?”

Gemma bobbed her head. “At first I was hesitant, but I am glad that I danced with him.”

“Is it because he is incredibly handsome?”

“Is he?” Gemma asked innocently. “I’m afraid I haven’t noticed.”

Lydia laughed. “You are a terrible liar, my lady.”

“All right, I may have noticed that he is exceptionally handsome,” Gemma said. “But that was not the reason why I accepted his invitation to dance.”

“Then why did you?”

Gemma wiped the crumbs off her hands as she confessed, “I think I have developed feelings for Mr. Wycomb.”

“And?”

Gemma turned in her seat to meet Lydia’s gaze. “Are you not the least bit surprised?”

“Not in the least,” Lydia replied as she made a motion with her hand, indicating that she should turn back around. “I have heard the way you speak about him, and I only assumed you had feelings for him.”