Page 106 of A Devious Secret

“It went well.”

Gemma waited for Nathaniel to expand, but when no additional information was forthcoming, she asked, “You don’t intend to tell me, do you?”

“I do not.”

“That is infuriating.”

Nathaniel chuckled. “It might please you to know that I invited Stephen to dinner this evening, and he is waiting in the drawing room.”

A thrill of excitement coursed through her at her cousin’s words. She smoothed down her dark blue gown with a square neckline as she tried to appear indifferent.

“I suppose I should not keep him waiting,” Gemma said.

Nathaniel did not look fooled by her lackluster response. “It is all right if you are anxious to see him,” he said as he went to walk past her.

Gemma continued down the hall until she reached the grand staircase. She descended the stairs with quick steps and arrived at the drawing room. She was anxious to see Stephen, which was absurd since she had seen him earlier that day.

As she stepped into the room, she saw Stephen was staring out the window, his hands clasped behind his back, and he had a solemn look on his face.

“Good evening, Stephen,” she greeted.

Stephen unclasped his hands and turned to face her. “Good evening, Gemma.” His tone was cordial enough, but it sounded strained.

Gemma took a step closer and asked, “How did Nathaniel convince you to join us for dinner?”

“It wasn’t that difficult to convince me, considering it gave me an opportunity to see you again,” Stephen replied.

She felt the familiar blush come to her cheeks. “That is kind of you to say.”

“It is merely the truth.”

They stared at one another for a long moment and Gemma knew that she would never tire of looking into the depths of his eyes. For in them, she saw love, deeply embedded. It both scared and terrified her.

A maid stepped into the room and went to sit in the corner.

Gemma gestured towards the settee. “Would you care to sit while we wait for the dinner bell to be rung?”

“I would.”

She walked over to the settee and sat down, leaving more than enough space for Stephen to sit next to her. To her disappointment, he sat across from her.

With a wave over the tray, Gemma said, “I would offer you some tea, but I daresay I already know that answer.”

“I am sorry to disappoint you.”

Gemma smiled. “I do not care one whit if you enjoy tea.”

Stephen returned her smile, but it didn’t quite meet his eyes. It was a sad smile and that concerned her greatly.

“Whatever is the matter?” she asked.

“Nothing that I wish to burden you with.”

Gemma felt her back go rigid. “Do you think of me as a simpering miss that cannot handle the harsh realities of life?”

“I did not mean to imply that.”

“Then what did you mean?” Gemma pressed.