Page 96 of A Devious Secret

“It went well,” Gemma replied, not wanting to give too much away.

It was evident that Marielle was not pleased by her vague response by her next question. “Did my brother grovel?”

“There was no need to grovel,” Gemma said. “He informed me of the circumstances around the duel and I found his explanation to be satisfactory.”

“I see,” Marielle murmured. “Are you two engaged now?”

“We are not,” Gemma replied.

Marielle let out a dramatic sigh. “That is most unfortunate.”

Her aunt took a sip of her tea, then said, “I find myself more curious as to why your father came to call.”

Gemma shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “He informed me that he has cancer and that his death is imminent.”

Her aunt let out a soft gasp. “That is terrible news,” she said. “But I daresay that my brother is too surly to die.”

“I hope that is the case,” Gemma responded.

Leaning forward, her aunt placed her teacup down and picked up the teapot. She poured a cup of tea and extended it towards Gemma.

She accepted it and murmured her thanks.

Her aunt gave her a look that was filled with compassion. “Is there anything that I can do for you?”

“Not at this time,” Gemma replied. “I am still just trying to process what my father told me.”

“That is to be expected.”

Gemma sipped her tea before lowering it to her lap. “I know this may sound foolish, but I find myself angry at my father,” she said. “Even after he told me about his diagnosis, he spent his time berating me about associating with Stephen.”

“Your father is a complex man,” her aunt attempted.

“He has never been a father to me so why should I care if he lives or dies?” Gemma asked.

“Because you are nothing like him.”

“Thank heavens for that,” Gemma declared. “He even had the ridiculous notion that I should go reside with him until his death.”

“Would that be so terrible?” her aunt asked.

Gemma stared at her aunt in disbelief. “It would be awful,” she said. “I refuse to live under the same roof as my father and stepmother.”

“It might be your only chance at reconciliation,” her aunt pointed out.

With a shake of her head, Gemma said, “My father may claim he wishes things were different, but I know better. He just wants one more opportunity to control me.”

Marielle spoke up. “Do you still intend to depart for Hawkinge?”

“I think it would be best if I stayed,” Gemma hesitated, shifting her gaze towards her aunt, “assuming that is all right?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?” her aunt asked.

“I assume you read the morning newssheets this morning,” Gemma started.

Her aunt bobbed her head. “Your uncle and I did read the article about Mr. Wycomb this morning, but we found it to be a little underwhelming.”

“Are you not worried about the scandal, considering my association with Stephen?” Gemma asked.