Page 52 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Vivienne gasped at her mother’s words. They cut through her heart and left her feeling worthless.
There was no way that Gabriel was interested in Gemma. She was his ward, and he was her guardian. Then again, he had been watching her intently. Could it be more than just a guardian’s concern?
“I refuse to let Lady Gemma and the duke wed. You must try harder in your pursuits. Do you understand me?” Cressida said with biting hatred. “This is absolutely non-negotiable. You must give this everything that you have, Vivienne.”
Vivienne nodded, unaware of just how hard that was going to be.
Cressida’s words hung heavy in the air, even after she had left the room, leaving Vivienne rooted in her spot. A cold dread creeped up her spine. If she failed her mother, who knew what would become of her in the end?
Vivienne thought that she had made a grand impression on the duke, but it seemed his mind was otherwise occupied, and she was unaware of how she should handle everything now.
What was she supposed to do to win over his affections?
Vivienne had grown to become fond of the duke. He was nice and witty but there was no spark. Vivienne knew she would not marry for love, but she had hoped she would feel some type of way for Gabriel.
But it seemed that it was not to be. Vivienne was silent up to her room, ignoring the tears running down her face.
Chapter 22
Gemma went back to the mural to see if she could figure out what the clue meant. As she gazed at the mural, she realized a corner of the mural was a different texture than the rest of it.
Reaching up, she pulled on the corner and a letter fell to the ground. It was the next clue.
Gabriel and Gemma must have missed it when they were busy sharing their first kiss. Gemma trembled at the thought of their shared first kiss. A feeling of reminiscence flowed through her body. She quickly stamped the feeling down, ignoring the ache it left behind.
Gemma exited the storage closet and made her way down the hall with the letter held firmly in her hands. She was eager to read it but needed peace and quiet to do so.
In the drawing room, Gemma finally opened the note. Reading it, she was yet again met with confusion on the words but not before the door to the drawing room burst open.
Shocked, Gemma dropped the note onto the table as Gabriel walked into the room.
“Oh, I didn’t realize you were in here,” Gabriel said, taking a step back as if he had been bit by a snake. He began to back out and close the door when his eyes fell on the paper on the table and then noting the guilty expression on Gemma’s face. “What is that?”
Gemma swallowed but knowing the letter was meant for them both she confessed.
“I returned to the mural and found this note in the corner.”
She held it out for Gabriel to take.
Out loud he read, “Lost and alone, a widow finds her home.”
“What does that mean?”
“I actually think I know this one, may I accompany you on this venture?”
Gemma paused, unsure of her response. She did not feel like being dragged over the coals any longer with this man.
Part of her wanted to spend more time with Gabriel but with the way he had been acting recently she didn’t know if it was a good idea. It might just lead to her heart aching more.
“I promise to be good,” Gabriel said with innocent eyes. He must have read her mind.
Gemma didn’t believe a word he was saying but she nodded.
“Come, follow me,” Gabriel said.
The two walked side by side out of Ashbourne Manor. Gemma sneaking glances at Gabriel, and she was sure he was doing the same.
As they walked past the gardens, Gemma was overcome with a strange feeling. She had not been to this part of the estate grounds before.
