Chapter Six
June 1888
Within days of Serenity’s father’s death, a young woman named Gemma Cross arrived at the cottage. Although only a few years older than Serenity, her new chaperone had a serious, defeated air that made her seem much older. Luke had said Miss Cross was a distant cousin of his—a poor relation, Serenity gathered.
Miss Cross had been acting as a companion to Luke’s mother, the Dowager Countess of Winters, and from the moment Miss Cross stepped through the front door of the humble cottage, Serenity knew the other woman was here under protest.
Miss Cross raised her thin nose at her shabby surroundings, her dark eyes sharp and calculating. “Where is my room?” she asked after the introductions had been made, her tone making it clear that she didn’t expect much.
Serenity swallowed, feeling guilty that Miss Cross had been forced to leave her no-doubt palatial accommodations in London, where she’d probably been privy to parties and entertainments of all sorts, to come to this quiet little hamlet in Kent with no one but Serenity and Luke for company. “Right this way, Miss Cross,” she murmured, leading her upstairs. There were three bedrooms, and Gemma would be occupying the smallest one, though Serenity had done her best to make it welcoming.
“Thank you,” Miss Cross said stiffly, looking around at the bright red homemade quilt and fresh daisies on the nightstand. “May I have some time to freshen up from my journey?”
“Of course,” Serenity said with a nod, realizing she’d been dismissed.
Miss Cross did not come down from her room until much later that afternoon. She sat in a faded chair near the fireplace with a book, making no effort to be friendly. Serenity tried talking to her, but Miss Cross answered with monosyllables, and at last, Serenity faded into silence.
For someone who had been alone nearly all her life, having a woman like Miss Cross in her home made Serenity very uncomfortable. She started cooking dinner but was very aware of Miss Cross’ glowering presence in the other room.
She’d never been so glad when Luke entered the house and turned directly into the kitchen, looking tired and worn from another day at the building site. His eyes lit up when he saw Serenity, and he headed toward her, his intention to kiss her clear in his sparkling blue eyes.
Serenity frowned and gestured toward the sitting room. “Miss Cross has arrived,” she told him pointedly.
“Lucien? Is that you?” Miss Cross cried. She rushed into the kitchen, her homely, sharp-featured face glowing with pleasure.
Serenity frowned a bit at the abrupt change in Miss Cross’s demeanor, but Luke smiled and hugged his cousin, seeming to surprise her with his exuberance. “Gemma! I’m so glad you could come.”
“Thank you for inviting me,” Gemma said, flushed. “I didn’t think you even knew I existed.”
Luke grinned at her. “That’s ridiculous.”
Allowing them to catch up with each other, Serenity turned back to making dinner. Her guilt intensified at the adoration she’d seen on Miss Cross’s face. Her feelings for Luke obviously went far beyond those of a distant cousin. Serenity suspected the other woman harbored a secret love for the earl, which couldn’t help but complicate things. Gemma would undoubtedly resent Serenity even more when she realized that Luke cared for her.
During dinner, Miss Cross engaged Luke gregariously, making her taciturn arrival even more suspicious. Luke seemed a bit confused as well, though he was obviously eager to hear news of his family.
This stiff, formal meal filled with small talk made Serenity long for the time she and Luke had managed to spend together before her father’s death. Having Miss Cross here might save her reputation, but it certainly wouldn’t allow them to have any private time together. Serenity knew she should be glad for the chance to be able to stay at her home, but she would heartily miss the times she and Luke had spent laughing and talking late into the night. Not to mention the drugging kisses and increasingly bold caresses.
She caught Luke’s gaze and immediately realized he felt the same. The look he sent her, filled with promise and affection, curled her toes, and her apprehension faded. She suddenly had no doubt that he would somehow find a way to keep the intimacy between them alive.
Miss Cross cleared her throat, sounding annoyed. The look they’d shared had obviously not gone unnoticed. “I intend to take my duties as chaperone very seriously,” she said, her dismay over what she’d realized about their relationship very clear. “I hope that nothing untoward had been going on between the two of you before I arrived.”
Serenity flushed and looked down at her plate, embarrassment and a touch of shame coursing through her. She didn’t regret the time she’d spent in Luke’s arms, but she knew that if anyone knew about it, she’d be branded a fallen woman.
“I invited you here so that not a hint of scandal would ever mar Miss Pratt’s reputation,” Luke said pointedly. “I care deeply for her, and I want to make sure she is protected from any gossip.”
