Page 114 of A Devious Secret

“He is,” Marielle rushed to say. “I thought my heart would never recover once I heard his ship went down.”

“You had already suffered so much with the loss of your parents.”

“It is true, but everyone has their shares of heartache and sorrow.”

“That doesn’t make it easier.”

“No, it doesn’t,” Marielle agreed softly.

Balfour stepped into the room and met Gemma’s gaze. “Lord Hawkinge has requested a moment of your time, my lady.”

Gemma forced a smile to her face, hoping it appeared cordial enough. “Please send him in,” she ordered.

Balfour nodded his understanding and left to do her bidding.

Marielle leaned closer and whispered, “You do not seem pleased by Lord Hawkinge’s arrival.”

“Is it so obvious?”

“It is to me.”

Before she could reply, Henry stepped into the room and his eyes quickly fell to her. There was a seriousness to them that she found to be disconcerting.

“Good morning,” he greeted before executing a bow.

“Morning, my lord.” Gemma rose and gestured towards Marielle. “Have you been introduced to Lady Hugh Calvert?”

Henry smiled at Marielle. “I have not had the pleasure.”

Marielle tipped her head in response. “My lord,” she murmured.

Turning his attention back towards her, Henry asked, “May I speak privately with you for a moment?”

Gemma hesitated. She no more wanted to speak privately to him than she wanted a thorn in her boot. But it would be intolerably rude of her to refuse him.

“We could take a turn around the gardens,” she finally suggested.

Henry looked pleased by her response. “That sounds wonderful.” He offered his arm. “Shall we?”

With reluctance, she placed her hand onto his arm and resisted the urge to snatch her hand back when he moved it to the crook of his arm.

They walked in silence as they headed towards the rear of the townhouse. A footman opened the door, then proceeded to follow them outside.

Once they started walking down a path, Gemma went to remove her hand, but Henry held firm to it.

“I prefer when you are close, my dear,” Henry said, glancing at her.

Gemma didn’t quite know what to say to that and remained silent. The endearment on his lips grated on her ears, but she didn’t dare admit that to him.

“I have decided that it is time for you to return home,” Henry remarked. “I indulged you by allowing you to stay as long as you have, but now you are in a position to do irreparable harm to my reputation.”

“I disagree…”

Henry spoke over her as if she hadn’t said anything. “My coach will arrive this afternoon and you should be home before nightfall.”

“That is a kind offer, but…”

Henry stopped and turned to face her. “This is not open to negotiation,” he declared. “You will do what I say.”