Chapter Forty-six : Playboy's Obsession

Author's POV

Madeline's heart skipped a beat as she turned around to see her mother, Anne coming down the stairs.

"Mum, what are you doing here? I thought you and dad were supposed to be back in a few days time," she said, not failing to express her shock.

"Well, the meeting didn't take as long as we had thought it would. We had to return early because we missed you and Marie so much. So now, back to my initial question. What are you asking your aunt Gemma not to tell anyone?" Anne asked.

"Well... Ummm…Uhmmm"

For a minute Madeline stammered, attempting to think of a plausible tale to cover up her true secret. She was aware of her mother's keen perception. Seeing that Madeline was struggling with what to say, Gemma decided to chime in.

"Oh, Anne, that's nothing. Madeline and I were just talking. You know, aunt-to-niece talk. You shouldn't pry," she said.

Anne raised her hands in surrender and gave up asking what the secret was.

"Well, Madeline, you have to get to bed now. You know y