Page 56 of A Devious Secret

Gemma brought a smile to her lips. “I promise.”

“Very good,” Henry said. “I was hoping to take you on a carriage ride around Hyde Park today during the fashionable hour.”

“As fun as that sounds, I’m afraid my afternoon is already spoken for,” Gemma said. “I intend to visit the museum.”

“May I ask with whom?”

Gemma clasped her hands in her lap. “Mr. Wycomb. He is the brother of Lady Hugh.”

Henry looked unimpressed. “If you would like to see the museum, I would gladly accompany you,” he said. “You don’t need to waste your time or energy with a man like Mr. Wycomb.”

“What exactly does that mean?”

“Mr. Wycomb is common, and you are a countess. My countess,” Henry said.

“That is only until you marry, and then I become the dowager countess.”

Henry moved closer to her on the settee. “Yes, and your actions affect me. Imagine what the gossips would say if the Countess of Hawkinge was mingling with commoners.”

“Mr. Wycomb and I are friends,” Gemma said.

“You must be careful who you make friends with because they could reflect poorly on you,” Henry advised.

Gemma tried to create more distance by moving to the side of the settee, but that did little to deter Henry. It wasn’t long before she was pressed up against the side of the settee.

A serving maid stepped into the room with a tea service and placed it down on a table in front of them.

In a soft voice, the maid inquired, “Would you like me to pour?”

“No, but would you inform my aunt that we have company?” Gemma asked.

The maid dropped into a curtsy. “Yes, my lady.”

As the maid departed from the room, Gemma leaned forward in her seat and asked, “Would you like some tea?”

“Yes, I think that would be nice.”

Gemma poured him a cup of tea and extended it towards him.

Henry accepted it and took a sip of his tea. He pressed his lips together as he went to put the cup and saucer onto the tray. “I am surprised that Lady Montfort would serve this tea.”

“What is wrong with it?”

“It is much too bitter for my tastes.”

Gemma poured herself a cup and took a sip. “I do not think it is bitter,” she said as she lowered the teacup to her lap.

Henry gave her a haughty look. “I’m afraid my palate is much more refined than yours, my dear,” he said. “Now, what were we speaking about before we were interrupted?”

“I think you were chastising me on the friends that I was keeping.”

“Not chastising, but I was advising you,” he corrected. “You are naive to the ways of the world and need to be protected.”

“I do thank you for your concern, but I do believe it is unfounded.”

Henry leaned closer to her. “It is my duty to watch over you, and I do not shirk my responsibilities.”

“That is kind of you, but I am residing with my aunt and uncle for the remainder of the Season.”