Page 117 of A Devious Secret

Stephen came to stand next to her and Gemma felt buoyed by his nearness.

Henry put his hands up. “I am a smart enough man to know when to bow out,” he said before turning his attention towards her. “But this is not a goodbye, Gemma.”

He didn’t bother to wait for her reply. He turned on his heel and walked back towards the townhouse, as if he didn’t have a care in the world.

All the men shifted to face her with concerned looks on their faces.

“I am all right,” she rushed to assure them. “I am just thankful you arrived when you did.”

Nathaniel put his hand on her shoulder. “You will remain here, under our protection, assuming that is what you want.”

“It is,” Gemma responded.

Her cousin removed his hand. “Very good,” he said in approval. “May I walk you back inside?”

Gemma snuck a glance at Stephen. “If it is permissible, I would like to take a turn around the gardens with Stephen.”

Nathaniel bobbed his head. “Be mindful that Marielle and my mother are watching you from the drawing room window.”

Turning her head towards the window, she saw Marielle waving at her, showing no sign of remorse at being caught staring.

Hugh followed her gaze and chuckled. “My wife is a delight,” he said, his words filled with pride.

As her cousins started walking back towards the townhouse, Gemma turned her attention towards Stephen and saw that his jaw was clenched.