Page 6 of A Devious Secret

“I have no doubt that Baldwin would think this was a terrible idea. He cared greatly for the people in the village, and you are just abandoning them.”

“I will only be gone for a few months,” she argued.

“Who will care for the medicinal herbs in your garden and dispense them, as needed?”

“My housekeeper, Mrs. Wallace, has graciously agreed to take over that responsibility while I am away.”

Henry glanced over at the footman before he lowered his voice. “I do hope your desire to go to London is not an attempt to rid yourself of me for a short period of time.”

Gemma had to admit that she would enjoy some time away from Henry, especially since he was becoming increasingly familiar with her. But she didn’t dare admit that to him.

“Heavens, no,” she lied, hoping her words sounded convincing. “That is the farthest thing from the truth. I just need some time away, for my own sanity.”

Henry considered her for a long moment before he let out a heavy sigh. “Very well, then,” he said. “If you are adamant about going to London, I will go with you, and you can reside at my townhouse.”

“I would prefer to stay with my aunt.”

“For what purpose?” Henry asked, his voice rising. “Is my townhouse not grand enough for you?”

Gemma knew she needed to proceed cautiously and try to stroke Henry’s ego. “No, far from it. Your townhouse is one ofthe grandest in all of London, but there are far too many painful memories associated with it and Baldwin.”

Henry leaned back in his chair. “I know you must think me insensitive, but I promised Baldwin that I would look after you on his deathbed. And I intend to fulfill that promise.”

“I can take care of myself,” she said, knowing her words lacked conviction.

“You are just a woman, and you cannot possibly understand the depravities of men,” Henry said. “Who will protect you from the men that just want to use you and toss you aside?”

Gemma fidgeted with the napkin in her hand. “Not only will I be under my uncle’s protection, but I have my cousins, Lord Hawthorne and Lord Hugh, to see after me.”

“They won’t have time for you since they will be busy entertaining their new wives,” Henry asserted. “You will be forgotten, neglected, and you will be begging to come home.”

“I do not think that will be the case, especially since my aunt has sent a coach for me,” Gemma revealed. “It should be arriving this afternoon.”

Henry narrowed his eyes. “You already agreed to this madness?”

“I did.” Gemma lowered her eyes to her lap rather than meet Henry’s infuriated gaze. “I did not think you would object so vehemently.”

Shoving back his chair, Henry rose and walked over to the window. The silence was deafening as he clasped his hands behind his back. She didn’t dare to speak up and risk stoking Henry’s ire even more. He would speak when he was ready.

Henry turned towards her and said, “I cannot stop you, but I want you to consider the consequences of your actions.” His voice was calm, but stern.

“Which are?” she asked with dread in her voice.

Henry unclasped his arms. “You are still the Countess of Hawkinge, and I will expect you to behave accordingly.”

“I know what is expected of me.”

He scoffed. “If you did, you wouldn’t be wasting your time in London. You would remain here and be content.”

Gemma rose from her seat. “I am not doing this to spite you, my lord,” she said. “I just want to remember what it is like to laugh again.”

“Do I not make you laugh?” Henry asked, the hurt evident on his features.

Coming to stand in front of him, Gemma shook her head. “You have been nothing but kind to me, but I can’t keep hiding out here in the Dowager House. I need to do something more with my life.”

“And you think you will find it in London?”

“I don’t know, but it is worth a try,” she admitted softly.