Page 85 of A Devious Secret

“I just wish that Mother was here,” Dinah said softly.

Nathaniel reached for his wife’s hand. “I know, my love,” he responded as he brought her hand up to his lips.

Tears came to Dinah’s eyes. “I must sound so ungrateful right now, especially since I have been blessed with such a loving family.”

Aunt Edith smiled tenderly at her. “It is all right to miss your mother. I know I can’t take her place, but I was most fortunate to have gained a daughter when you married Nathaniel.”

Dinah smiled through her tears. “Thank you, Edith.”

Balfour stepped into the room and announced, “Dinner is ready to be served.”

Gemma stayed back as everyone filed out of the drawing room and she let out a sigh. She loved it here, but she didn’t have a choice. She had to leave or else her family would be opened to ridicule, and that was something she was not willing to do to them.