Page 60 of A Devious Secret

Her face grew solemn and she didn’t speak for a moment. Then, she shared, “Baldwin was loyal, charming, and preferred nothing more than the solitude of our country estate. He would help his tenants when needed and I don’t believe I ever heard him complain about it.”

Stephen remained quiet, hoping Gemma would continue to confide in him.

Gemma continued. “He was really talented at woodworking, and he would whittle animals out of wood as gifts for the children of his tenants. I suppose he was always looking for a reason to brighten someone’s day.”

“He sounds like a good man.”

“He was; the best of men, in my opinion.” Gemma gave him a weak smile. “I do apologize. I’m afraid I could go on and on about Baldwin.”

“As well as you should,” he said. “I meant what I said before. I want to know the whole you and Baldwin helped to make you the way you are now.”

“Yes, but speaking about one’s deceased husband is hardly romantic.”

Holding her gaze, he asked, “Who gets to decide what is romantic?”

Gemma was about to respond when Marielle and Hugh walked into the drawing room. Stephen promptly rose and turned towards his sister.

“I apologize for the delay, but Hugh was meeting with his solicitor,” Marielle explained.

Hugh gave them a wry smile. “I’m afraid I was not properly notified about our trip to the museum.”

Marielle gave him an amused look. “I did tell you, but you weren’t listening.”

“I always listen to you, my love,” Hugh said.

“Apparently not,” Marielle teased.

Hugh slipped his arm around his wife’s waist. “Well, I am here now, and I am pleased to spend the afternoon with my wife and cousin.”

“And Stephen,” Marielle prompted.

“And Stephen,” Hugh repeated, albeit reluctantly. “I have seen to our carriage being brought out front.”

“That wasn’t necessary since I brought a carriage,” Stephen attempted.

Hugh furrowed his brow. “Surely you can’t be serious,” he said. “My family has some of the finest carriages in all of London.”

“I think my carriage is adequate.”

“Yes, but I do not want to parade my wife and cousin around in a carriage that is merely ‘adequate’, do you?” Hugh asked.

As much as Stephen wanted to argue with Hugh, he knew that it would just waste his time with Gemma. “Very well,” he said. “We shall take your carriage.”

Hugh clasped his hands together. “Wonderful,” he declared. “I knew you would be sensible about this.”

Stephen offered his hand to Gemma. “Allow me to escort you to the carriage.”

“Thank you, sir,” Gemma said as she placed her hand in his.

Once Gemma was standing, he took her hand and placed it into the crook of his arm. “Did I mention how lovely you look today?”

“You did not.”

“Then you must allow me to correct that grievous error right now,” he said as he led her towards the entry hall. “Your beauty outshines even the brightest star.”

Gemma scrunched her nose. “That was terrible.”

Marielle interjected, “I must agree with Gemma. You are no Lord Byron.”