Page 126 of A Devious Secret

Chapter Eighteen

Gemma sat in the darkened coach as she kept her gaze firmly on the window. She wasn’t in a mood to converse. Her mind kept reeling as to why Henry was so angry about her not selling the property to him. What was he about? Was it truly a generous offer or was there more to the property than Henry had let on? What if it wasn’t as worthless as he had led her to believe? Could Henry be keeping other things from her, as well? Perhaps it was time to seek out Baldwin’s solicitor and make some inquiries.

She adjusted the sleeves of her primrose-colored ballgown and resisted the urge to sigh. She was dressed in a gown that she could scarcely afford, her hair was neatly coiffed, and she had every reason to be happy. But Henry’s last words still haunted her. Would she regret not selling the property to him? Was she a fool to pass up such a large sum of money?

Nathaniel’s voice broke through her musings. “You are quiet this evening, Cousin.”

Gemma met his gaze. “I’m afraid I have a lot on my mind.”

“Anything you wish to share?”

“Not at this time.”

Nathaniel exchanged a look with Dinah before saying, “I understand that Lord Hawkinge returned to speak to you.”

Gemma shifted uncomfortably in her seat. “He did.”

“May I ask what he wished to speak to you about?” Nathaniel pressed.

“He wanted me to sell my property to him, but I didn’t think it was prudent of me to do so,” Gemma said.

“Why is that?” Nathaniel asked. “I thought the property was worthless.”

“It is, at least that is what Henry told me,” Gemma responded.

“You have reason to doubt him?”

Gemma winced. “I never did before, but I think it might be best if I become well-acquainted with the property.”

“Would you care for me to make some inquiries?” Nathaniel asked. “I can speak to Baldwin’s solicitor and see if he has any insight into this.”

Gemma nodded. “I had the same thought.”

Nathaniel smiled. “Great minds think alike.”

“Thank you, Nathaniel,” Gemma said.

Dinah spoke up. “Do you have any desire to sell the property?”

Gemma shook her head, causing the curls that framed her face to sway back and forth. “I do not,” she replied. “It was the last thing that Baldwin gave me, and he did so for a reason.”

“You have never visited the property?” Dinah asked.

“I have not,” Gemma admitted. “I know I should have, but I couldn’t quite bring myself to do so.”

Dinah’s face softened. “You do not have to explain yourself to me.”

“But I feel as if I must,” Gemma said.

“Perhaps you are just trying to convince yourself,” Dinah responded.

The coach came to a jerking stop in front of a grand townhouse and Gemma saw the line of people slowly making their way inside.

“This is acrush,” Gemma said.

“Lady George’s social events do not disappoint,” Dinah shared. “She usually invites the highest echelon of high Society.”

Gemma had to wonder if that was the case then why was Stephen invited. Not that she was complaining, but he didn’t exactly hail from the aristocracy.