Page 65 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
The only negative on her mind was that she wished Gemma would experience similar joy.
***
Cressida watched as Gabriel announced his engagement to Gemma. She was seething with jealousy and hatred. Vivienne would officially not become the Duchess of Ashbourne Estate.
Cressida was overcome with hate as she gathered a group of ladies to the corner of the ballroom and confessed what she overheard the other day.
“They are only getting married because Lady Gemma, if we should even call her that, gave the duke her virtue in order to become the Duchess. Lady Gemma is nothing more than a wanton temptress who used her body to secure a marriage proposal from him. I feel for him for falling for her tactics, but her behavior is unacceptable,” Cressida said to the women.
Gasps could be heard, and murmurs of gossip started.
“The duke’s proposal is merely an attempt to preserve the tarnished innocence of his would-be bride,” Cressida explained further.
The women did not take this news lightly as they dispersed. Telling everyone they encountered what Cressida had just said.
The scandalous rumors seemed to have a life of their own, multiplying and spreading around every corner of the ballroom.
***
As Vivienne watched the ladies’ gossip, she was overcome with guilt.
“Lady Gemma is getting what is coming to her, dear daughter,” Cressida said as they both watched Cressida’s words of gossip spreading through the ballroom.
Vivienne, although an unwilling accomplice to her mother’s tirade, could not find the courage to intervene which led her to feeling guilt as she had never felt it before.
Fear wrapped around her like a second skin. She had no clue what to do but she did not want to be a part of this. She had grown fond of Lady Gemma and did not want to see her reputation become tarnished.
She had to act, but how? Her mother would always be watching.
***
Gabriel saw everyone talking and assumed they were gossiping about his upcoming nuptials so to add fire to the flames, he approached Gemma to ask her for a dance.
“Care to dance, my love?” Gabriel asked.
Gemma looked up from her seat startled by his presence, as if she had not seen him approach. He could tell from the expression on her face that she wanted to decline but with eyes on them, she could not.
“Of course,” Gemma spoke, taking Gabriel’s hand in hers.
The two made their way to the dance floor but their movement seemed mechanical. Their faces were a mask hiding the storm within.
They danced avoiding eye contact and only touching where they were required to for the dance. They could feel all eyes on them, but the air did not feel the same.
As the music finally subsided, marking the end of the dance set, Gabriel and Gemma exchanged a silent look. Their apprehensions mirrored in each other’s eyes.
They exited the dance floor, but words could be heard from the other guests.
“I heard he only proposed to protect her reputation after she gave him her virtue.”
“She is nothing but a wanton temptress trying to secure a future with the duke.”
Gemma's face paled at the words before she quickly left the ballroom, retreating from the prying eyes.
Gabriel followed after her and discreetly escorted her to a quiet parlor.
“Lady Gemma, it will be alright. Do not believe these rumors, for I will stand by your side. We are engaged and nothing will change that,” Gabriel insisted.
Gemma wiped away her tears before turning on Gabriel.
