Page 84 of A Devious Secret

“Do you know what his plans are for tomorrow?” Gemma asked.

With a questioning glance at her, Marielle replied, “I do not, but I can make some inquiries.”

Gemma felt a blush creeping up her neck. How forward his sister must think she was to ask such a brazen question. Tomake matters worse, she rushed out, “You don’t need to trouble yourself. I am just disappointed that Mr. Wycomb will not be accompanying us this evening. It is a shame, a really big shame.” Why did she keep rambling on?

“It is a shame, but I am sure that he will be coming to call on you tomorrow, if that is your concern,” Marielle said with mirth in her eyes.

Gemma pursed her lips as she decided it would be best if she just told her family the truth- well, the partial truth. “I do hope so since I have decided it would be best to return to Hawkinge in a few days.”

All eyes turned towards her, and her aunt’s mouth parted in disbelief. “But, Gemma…” She stopped. “Why would you do such a thing, especially after everything you told me about Lord Hawkinge?”

“After tomorrow, I will be ruined and I do not want to besmirch your family’s reputation by continuing to reside here,” Gemma said.

Her aunt moved to sit down on an upholstered armchair. “I don’t understand. Why do you believe you are to be ruined?”

Gemma’s eyes darted towards Marielle before saying, “Lord Hawkinge leaked a story to the morning newspapers about Mr. Wycomb and his time in the Royal Navy. Apparently, Mr. Wycomb was involved in a duel over a woman, and she resided in his cabin with him while they were at sea.”

“I know nothing of a duel,” Marielle said, “or of this woman.”

“It would appear that your brother has kept a part of himself hidden from you, as well,” Gemma remarked.

Marielle’s face turned determined. “There must be more to the story,” she said. “I know my brother and he is methodical on what he does. He must have had a good reason for engaging in that duel.”

Evie interjected, “I must side with Marielle. I do not believe Stephen has a dishonorable bone in his body.”

“One cannot outrun one’s past,” Gemma stated.

“You can’t just walk away, Cousin,” Hugh asserted.

Gemma clasped her hands in front of her lap. “I cannot, in good conscience, remain here, knowing that my name is associated with Mr. Wycomb’s,” she said. “It wouldn’t be fair of me; not after the kindness you have bestowed upon me.”

Hugh approached her and asked, “What of Stephen? We all would be blind if we did not notice your growing affection for him.”

“A future with Mr. Wycomb seems highly improbable now,” Gemma murmured.

“Why?” Hugh prodded.

Gemma bit the inside of her cheek to prevent her from crying. “I am not entirely sure I know Mr. Wycomb,” she said. It hurt her to admit it, but until she knew the full truth, she couldn’t possibly believe there could be a future for them. That is assuming Stephen even wanted a future with her.

The sound of Dinah’s voice drifted in from the entry hall, and Gemma was grateful for the reprieve. Once her family read the newssheets tomorrow, they would all be in agreement that she should remove herself from London. She was sure of it. For how could they not? By continuing to reside here, she would open them up to gossip and ridicule. And she couldn’t do that to them.

With a bright smile on her face, Dinah stepped into the room on Nathaniel’s arm. “We are sorry that we are late, but we do have an announcement.”

Nathaniel glanced at his wife for permission before saying, “Dinah is increasing.”

Cheers erupted in the room as everyone rushed towards the couple to offer their congratulations. It was a happy moment for the family and Gemma found herself embracing her cousin.

Nathaniel leaned back and asked, “What is wrong, Cousin?”

Gemma smiled, hoping it was convincing enough. “Nothing is wrong,” she lied. “I am just so happy for you and Dinah.”

“Thank you,” Nathaniel said as he released her. “It was unexpected, but we couldn’t be happier.”

“I am surprised that Dinah allowed a doctor to examine her, considering she believes they are all quacks,” Marielle said lightly.

Dinah let out a puff of air. “I did object at first, but I told the doctor that I refused to participate in bloodletting.”

Evie embraced her sister warmly. “You are going to make a wonderful mother,” she declared as she stepped back.