Page 76 of A Devious Secret

“That is a fair point.”

Her aunt released her hand and reached for a biscuit. “Although a wedding wouldn’t be the worst thing, considering you are enamored by the charming Mr. Wycomb.”

“I most certainly am not,” Gemma lied.

“You are a terrible liar, my dear,” her aunt teased. “You can deny it all you want, but your eyes light up when you look at him.”

Gemma bit her lower lip. “Am I a terrible person?”

Her aunt’s expression grew bemused. “Why would you ask such a thing?”

“Baldwin has only been dead for a little over a year and a half and I am already becoming too familiar with another man.”

“You did not die alongside Baldwin,” her aunt asserted. “You are free to experience life, and that means pursue another chance at love.”

“I just love Baldwin so much.”

“No one is disputing that, but you are in danger of living a life so comfortable and soft that you will die without ever experiencing true joy again.”

Gemma grew quiet. “I do care for Mr. Wycomb, but we are such different people,” she murmured.

“Differences in a marriage can make your relationship stronger, but only if you let them.”

“I said nothing about marriage.”

Her aunt leaned closer and patted her cheek. “You didn’t have to.”

Balfour stepped into the room and announced, “Lord Hawkinge has come to call on Lady Hawkinge.”

As much as she wanted to send Henry on his way, she knew that would be intolerably rude of her to do so. “Please send him in,” she ordered as she rose.

A moment later, Henry stepped into the room and his possessive eyes landed on her. “You are looking as enchanting as ever, my lady.” He bowed before turning his attention towards her Aunt Edith. “Lady Montfort,” he acknowledged.

Her aunt tipped her head. “Good morning, Lord Hawkinge.”

Henry smiled broadly. “It is a fine day, is it not?” he asked.

Gemma eyed Henry curiously. He was not one to be exuberant, making her wonder what he was about. “It is a fine day,” she replied. “My aunt had said something similar just a short time ago.”

“Seeing that it is such a fine day, would you care to take a tour around the gardens with me?”

Drats. She saw no way out of this without appearing rude. “What a lovely idea,” she said, hoping her words sounded convincing enough.

Henry approached her and offered his arm. “May I escort you to the gardens?”

“Thank you,” Gemma said, placing her hand on his arm.

Without asking for permission, he reached for her hand and moved it to the crook of his arm. “Have you become accustomed to the gardens here?” he asked.

“Not overly familiar, no,” she replied.

“That is a shame,” he said as he led her out of the drawing room. “You should always acquaint yourself with the state of the gardens to encourage conversation.”

Gemma remained silent as he offered criticism. There was no reason to argue with him since it only incited his anger.

Henry stepped into the parlor and grew visibly frustrated. “This townhouse is a maze,” he declared. “How in the blazes do we get to the gardens?”

Gemma resisted the urge to smile. Henry always liked being in control, but even he couldn’t control the layout of the townhouse. “Would you like for me to show you, my lord?”