Gemma by Maggie Nash

Author:Maggie Nash
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780645365207
Publisher: Maggie Nash

CHAPTER 3

Gemma awoke to a hand gently shaking her shoulder. She opened her eyes and sprang upright.

“Lucy, you scared me half to death!” She relaxed against the mattress.

Her friend chuckled as she sat down on the side of the narrow bed. “You need to wake up, sleepyhead. Cook is looking for you.”

Gemma shot back up and scrubbed her face with her hands. “What time is it?”

“It is almost five o’clock. It was your turn to tend the fire.” Lucy stood and threw back the covers.

“Oh, Lord!” Gemma climbed out of bed.

“Don’t worry, I’ve tended to it, but we still need to hurry to help Cook prepare the loaves for breakfast.”

Gemma searched the open trunk at the foot of her bed for a clean dress and settled on a plain grey gown from her days at the Hall. “This will have to do. I don’t have time to find my clean work clothes,” she said as she pulled it over her head.

Lucy shook out a starched white apron and held it out for Gemma, who tied it around her waist.

“What would I do without my dearest friend to get me out of trouble yet again?”

“I believe the scales are dipping further on your side of good deeds, Gem, but we don’t have time to argue the point right now. Sit down so I can put your hair to rights.”

Within minutes, with hair neatly tied back and shoes found, they both headed down the stairs to the kitchen. As they helped Cook to knead the loaves Lucy leaned over and whispered, “When we finish our morning chores I want to hear exactly what it was that had you tossing and turning all night.”

Gemma’s face burned. Of course her friend would notice something was amiss. She never slept in. It was usually she who was waking her friend, not the other way around. “I don’t know if there is anything to tell, “ she whispered back.

“From the way your face is flushed I find that hard to believe.” Lucy chuckled. “I am sure you will tell me eventually. We always share our secrets.”

Yes, we do, she thought. But what would the former Lady Lucinda think if Gemma explained the real reason for her disturbed sleep? She bit her lip, worried she might blurt out what was on her mind. That lip tingled as though remembering Darius’ kiss. She’d been kissed before, but oh, Lord, Master Darius had to be the most expert kisser she had ever met. Her breasts swelled and she imagined his hands still touching her, except this time her skin was bare, like in her dream.

“Gem?”

“Yes?” In an effort to shake off the fantasy, she rubbed her sleeve against her eyes. Her hands would have been preferable, but given that they were elbow deep in bread dough and flour, she thought better of it. “Sorry, Lucy, “she whispered back. “I was wool-gathering.”

Her friend chuckled. “I could tell. If you are still finding it so difficult to work, perhaps you should ask Cook if you may rest for a while.

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