Page 79 of A Sinful Virgin for the Duke

The anger and hurt that Gemma had kept at bay for all those years rushed up her body like a geyser, threatening to break through her controlled exterior. She willed herself to remain calm. “I was hardly given a choice in the matter.”

Frederick’s presence felt closer now, his gaze trained on her, but she avoided meeting his eyes, choosing to keep her focus entirely on her mother. His silence only intensified her anger.

Elizabeth, her face pale, reached forward tentatively, her eyes filled with emotion. “Gemma,” she whispered, almost pleading, “I have always wanted to meet you, to know my sister.”

Lady Treston’s hand clamped down on Elizabeth’s arm, her expression venomous.

“You need not concern yourself, Elizabeth. Your sister and I—” she paused, her lip curling in distaste. “It is not as though we move in the same circles.”

“Of course,” Gemma replied icily, her voice as sharp as glass. “I would never wish to intrude upon such illustrious company.”

Vivian’s gaze shifted between the two women, her lips pressed tightly together as she assessed the situation. Finally, she turnedto Frederick, her voice steely. “Well, Frederick, perhaps we should proceed with tea.”

Frederick straightened, his expression cautious as he beckoned to the staff, who promptly brought in the tea service. He approached Gemma, his gaze imploring, but she met his eyes with a look of unadulterated anger. The magnitude of his betrayal crackled in her chest as the bond between them cracked under the weight of his actions.

Vivian poured the tea while maintaining her calm outward appearance, although her glance at Frederick held a distinct warning. Lady Treston, her mouth puckered into a thin line, accepted her cup without a word, her gaze briefly alighting on Gemma before turning back to Vivian.

“So,” Lady Treston began, her voice carrying an air of icy dismissal, “this is the life you have chosen for yourself, Gemma?”

Frederick’s jaw tightened, and Gemma’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I have chosen to live my life on my own terms,” she replied coolly. “Something you would never understand.”

The hostility in the room was palpable, and a heavy and unyielding silence descended upon its occupants.

Gemma’s hands gripped her teacup tightly as Lady Treston droned on, her words barbed with thinly veiled insults. Each comment she made felt like needles poking into Gemma’s skin.

“Of course, dear Elizabeth would make an excellent match for a man of standing,” Lady Treston said smoothly, a genteel smile plastered across her face as her gaze drifted dismissively over Gemma. “Such poise, such grace…and so naturally inclined to the life of the ton. I dare say she would suit a man of Frederick’s standing quite well.”

Gemma’s grip on her teacup tightened as her mother’s words snaked through her mind. She could feel the sting of the tears that were threatening to surface but blinked them back, forcing herself to appear indifferent to her caustic remarks.

“Elizabeth has a remarkable way with people,” Lady Treston continued, her tone oozing false pride. “She is adaptable and graceful, exactly what a man of Frederick’s station requires.” She shifted, directing her next comment squarely toward Frederick with a saccharine smile. “A gentlewoman who is ready for society’s eye, don’t you agree, Your Grace?”

Frederick’s expression was inscrutable, but he gave Lady Treston a short, polite nod. “Elizabeth is indeed very amiable,” he said evenly, his gaze resting on Elizabeth, who blushed under his attention.

The comment stung and Gemma looked away, unable to bear the scene unfolding before her. It was as if she had once again become invisible, a mere shadow in the corner of the room. Every word her mother spoke drove the wedge deeper, leaving her both isolated and lost.

Sensing Gemma’s discomfort, Vivian cast Lady Treston a look that was equal parts steel and elegance. “It is true that Gemma has always had a mind of her own,” she said calmly, her tone supportive as she glanced over at her future granddaughter-in-law with obvious warmth. “It is one of her many qualities that I have come to admire greatly.”

“Oh, naturally,” Lady Treston replied with a dismissive wave, her voice dripping with forced sympathy. “But one must acknowledge that certain… qualities are better suited to the quieter corners of life, do you not think?” She looked at Gemma as though she was nothing better than a simple peasant.

Gemma could feel the hateful words sinking into her. She looked over at Frederick, her heart heavy when she suddenly saw that he had deliberately invited her mother as a way to finally be rid of her. A cold wave of understanding washed over her, and she felt herself withdrawing and protectively encasing her heart in steel.

Her mother’s voice floated over the room once more. “Perhaps,” Lady Treston mused, her gaze alight with the false care she often used when pretending to be considerate, “it would be wise to bring Gemma back into the family fold. A quiet country estate, perhaps. That way, Elizabeth and I could prepare for her future appropriately. I am only thinking of her benefit, naturally.”

The implication was clear. Lady Treston wanted Gemma hidden, out of sight, and out of the way. Gemma ground her teeth and kept her eyes fixed on the tea in her lap, her heart thuddingpainfully in her chest. Her breathing was tight and shallow as she listened to the echoes of her mother’s manipulative words.

Lady Treston’s gaze landed on Frederick again. “And, Your Grace, you have already been exceedingly kind to Gemma. I am certain your assistance will be remembered in the highest esteem. Perhaps we can discuss it further?”

Gemma fought to maintain her self-control. She felt Vivian’s supportive hand wrap around her forearm but was incapable of looking at her without losing her composure.

Gemma stood, measuring her words. “I think… I think I need some air,” she said with barely disguised strain.

Vivian reached out, her face etched with concern. “Gemma, darling…”

“No,” Gemma said softly, gently pulling her arm out of Vivian’s grasp. “I will be fine, truly. I just need… a moment.” She managed a tight smile, but her voice broke just enough to betray the turmoil beneath.

Vivian nodded although she was clearly concerned. “Very well, my dear,” she said gently.

Without waiting for further objections, Gemma slipped out of the room, her steps quick and determined. She held herself together until she was beyond the stifling walls, finally reaching the gardens where she could breathe freely. The cool air brushedagainst her skin but did little to soothe the anger and heartache writhing within her.

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