Page 95 of A Devious Secret

“There is no certainty in life, or in love,” Nathaniel advised. “It takes but a moment to fall in love, but it takes years to truly understand what love is.”

Gemma tensed. “I said nothing about love.”

Nathaniel’s face softened. “You didn’t have to.”

“Regardless, Stephen will never be accepted in high Society,” Gemma said.

“Is that what troubles you?”

“No,” she said with a shake of her head. “I care little if Stephen is ever accepted by theton.”

Her cousin placed a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t let anyone tell you who you should love. That isn’t fair to you or Stephen.”

“Thank you,” Gemma murmured.

Nathaniel dropped his hand. “I hope I didn’t lecture you too much.”

“Not at all,” Gemma responded. “It was greatly appreciated.”

Taking a step back, Nathaniel said, “If you will excuse me, Stephen and I have an errand that we need to see to.”

“Will this errand take you into the rookeries?” Gemma asked.

“Perhaps.”

“Do be safe, Cousin,” Gemma said.

Nathaniel tugged down on the lapels of his brown, tattered jacket. “You need not concern yourself with me. I am very familiar with the rookeries.”

“And that is what concerns me the most.”

“Good day, Cousin,” Nathaniel said as he headed towards the main door.

As Gemma started up the stairs, Hugh exited the drawing room and said, “A word, Gemma.”

She stifled the groan that was on her lips and descended the few stairs that she had managed to scale. What now?

Hugh came to a stop in front of her. “My mother and Marielle were hoping that you would join them in the drawing room.”

“Can it wait?” she asked.

Marielle’s voice came from inside the drawing room. “No, it can’t.”

Hugh chuckled. “As you can see, they are rather eager to speak to you.”

With great reluctance, she said, “Very well, then.”

Gemma walked the short distance to the drawing room and noticed that Hugh wasn’t following her. She stopped and turned back around. “Aren’t you coming?”

“I think it is wise if I leave you all to it,” Hugh replied.

“Coward,” Gemma teased.

Hugh grinned. “I wish you luck,” he said before heading up the stairs.

Gemma knew that it would be best if she got this over with. She headed into the drawing room and saw her aunt and Marielle sitting on the settee with teacups in their hands. They both were eyeing her with interest as she came to sit across from them.

Marielle spoke first. “May I ask how your meeting with my brother went?”