Page 93 of A Devious Secret

Gemma let out a puff of air. “I cannot promise that, Father.”

“But you are a lady and he is—”

Speaking over him, she replied, “He is an honorable man, and I care for him.”

Her father looked displeased as he lowered his voice. “A widow can have some indiscretions, assuming they are discreet.”

“Are you suggesting that I take Mr. Wycomb as a lover?”

“It is better than being married to him.”

Gemma’s mouth dropped. “You are unbelievable.”

“I am being realistic,” her father said. “If you marry Mr. Wycomb, you will never be welcome in high Society.”

“I will take my chances.”

Rising, her father asked, “May I call upon you soon?”

“You may.”

He offered his arm. “Allow me to escort you back inside.”

“I would prefer to remain where I am.”

Her father withdrew his arm. “As you wish.”

As her father walked back towards the townhouse, Gemma lowered herself onto the bench and found herself in quiet contemplation. Her father was dying, and what scared her the most was that she wasn’t quite sure how to feel about that.