Page 62 of A Devious Secret

As he walked away, Marielle approached her with a curious look and asked, “Where is Stephen going?”

“He said he needed a moment alone,” Gemma replied, her eyes remaining on his retreating figure.

“From you?”

Gemma gave her a weak smile. “I do believe I asked one too many questions about his time in the Royal Navy.”

An understanding look came to Marielle’s eyes. “Stephen can be rather tight-lipped about his time aboard his ship.”

“I shouldn’t have pried,” Gemma said.

Marielle shook her head. “You did nothing wrong. Stephen is fighting a battle deep within himself, and only he can determine the outcome.”

“I wish I could help him.”

“A person can only be helped if they are willing to put forth an effort to change, and Stephen just needs more time to come to terms with what happened to him.”

Gemma turned towards Marielle and asked, “What did happen to him?”

“Terrible things, I’m afraid,” Marielle replied. “But it is not my story to share.”

“Do you think Stephen will ever confide in me?”

Marielle nodded. “I do.”

Hugh stepped next to his wife and said, “I think we have explored Sir William Hamilton’s paintings for long enough. Shall we move onto the Egyptian antiquities?”

“I think that is a fine idea,” Marielle responded.

Gemma glanced at the doorway that Stephen had disappeared through. Where had he gone? Perhaps she should go after him to ensure he was all right.

“He will come back,” Marielle assured her.

“I know, but I am just worried about him,” Gemma said.

Hugh offered his arm to his wife. “Stephen is a grown man,” he insisted. “He has managed perfectly well on his own, and he doesn’t need you chasing after him like a nursemaid.”

Gemma sighed. “You are right.”

“Of course I am,” Hugh responded before he started leading Marielle towards the next exhibit.

Gemma reluctantly followed them and listened to Hugh as he started to identify a few of the Egyptian antiquities.

Her eyes strayed to a golden scarab amulet that was on display and she leaned closer to examine it. She had learned that these amulets were believed to have different powers and the wearer could access these magical powers.

Stephen’s voice came from behind her. “It is beautiful.”

“It is,” Gemma agreed as she turned around to face him. “Amulets were very popular with the Egyptians, and they would wear them even into death.”

“That is fascinating.”

“Did you know that amulet meant protector in the dynastic period?” Gemma asked. Why was she rambling on about useless facts about amulets?

Stephen looked amused. “I did not realize that.”

“I read that in a book,” Gemma said as she pressed her lips together. Good heavens, why couldn’t she stop herself from talking? What did Stephen think about her?

With a smile, Stephen responded, “I’m afraid I have yet to read that book.”