Page 124 of A Devious Secret

Dinah shifted in her seat to face Evie. “Not that I am complaining, but what brings you by today?”

“I wanted to ensure you were well,” Evie said as she accepted the teacup from her aunt.

Dinah placed a hand on her stomach. “Today has been a good day,” she shared. “I have only thrown up once.”

“That is wonderful news,” Evie said.

Dinah seemed to beam with pride as she shared, “Nathaniel has been so attentive of me as of late.”

“As well as he should,” her aunt said. “His life will never be the same once your baby is born.”

A yawn escaped Gemma’s lips and she rushed to cover it with her hand before anyone noticed. But she was not so lucky.

Her aunt gave her an odd look. “Did you not sleep well, Gemma?”

“I’m afraid not,” Gemma replied.

“Then you must go rest before Lady George’s soiree,” her aunt counseled. “Her social events go well into the morning.”

Gemma rose. “I do believe I will heed your advice.”

As she walked out of the drawing room, she heard a knock at the main door and watched as Balfour hurried across the entry hall. The door was opened, and she heard Balfour say, “You are no longer welcome here, my lord.”

Henry’s disgruntled voice came from the threshold. “I demand to see Lady Hawkinge.”

“I’m afraid that is impossible,” Balfour said. “Lord Hawthorne gave strict orders that you were to be denied entry.”

“That is unacceptable!” Henry exclaimed. “Lady Hawkinge is family!”

Gemma knew that Henry wouldn’t leave without a fight and she saw no harm in speaking to him at the door.

She walked over to the door and said, “It is all right, Balfour. I will speak to Lord Hawkinge.”

Balfour frowned. “But, my lady, Lord Hawthorne gave strict orders to turn him away.”

“I am well aware, but it would be best if I spoke to him before he makes a scene.”

A reluctant look came to Balfour’s face before he took a step back. She was grateful that he remained close.

Gemma turned to face Henry. “What is it that you want, Henry?” she asked bluntly.

Henry gave her an apologetic look. “I wanted to apologize for my disreputable behavior earlier and do hope you will forgive me.”

“You hurt me,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

“That was not my intention,” Henry insisted. “I was just trying to get your attention.”

“And you got it, but I was not interested in what you were offering.”

Henry had the decency to look ashamed. “That is why I have come here with a peace offering.”

“Which is?”

Reaching into his jacket pocket, Henry pulled out a piece of paper. “Considering the circumstances, I thought it would be prudent if I bought your property for five thousand pounds.”

“Five thousand pounds,” she repeated back in surprise. “I thought the property is worthless.”

“It is, but consider it a gesture of goodwill,” Henry said.