He hit the clay disc, and it dissolved into pieces.
“Good shot!” Andrew exclaimed and playfully gave Lothar a smack on the shoulder. He called a few more times and only missed once more. Jonathan made a hand signal and Andrew waved back. “We have run out of discs. I shall be sure to order more. We should be able to return within a few weeks.”
“I would like that,” Lothar answered, and they left the shooting area to return to the study.
“I have a drink I have been meaning to try, it was a gift. Would you care to enjoy a glass of Madeira?” Andrew asked.
“I would be honored to share your gift, sir,” Lothar replied.
“Correct answer. We still have much to discuss,” Andrew said as they entered the house.
They were soon back in Andrew’s study. Lothar took the glass offered and lifted his glass. “To family,” he said and awaited Andrew’s response.
“To family,” Andrew said as he touched Lothar’s glass with his in a toast. “Do you know why people do that before they drink?” Andrew asked.
“No, I do not, sir. Though I would like to! Please, enlighten me,” Lothar said with genuine interest.
“It started as a way to prove you had not put poison into someone’s drink. When you toast, you are supposed to do it with enough force to exchange fluid from both cups. That way if one person intended to poison another, they would themselves be poisoned,” Andrew offered.
“That is truly fascinating, sir. I find it rather interesting how things come to pass,” Lothar answered.
“I think it would be a good time for you to meet the rest of the family. I will allow you to court my daughter if you agree to a term of no less than three months. After which you shall receive a third of what our fortune amounts to.
That is to say, whether the two of you marry or not, you will receive the funds to better maintain your estate,” Andrew said. “Perhaps I should mention now that Gemma isn’t all that keen on getting married. You might have your work cut out for you in that regard.”
All that Lothar was focused on was the elation he felt at the prospect of courting Gemma.
With that type of financing, I can make my estate more worthy of a place for Gemma to live.Lothar thought with a surprising amount of relief.
“Do we have an agreement?” Andrew inquired.
“Yes sir, we do,” Lothar said, offering Andrew his hand.
“Very well, then you shall meet with the family and Gemma. I shall allow you to attend tea with her here, with her ladies' made present. You should meet her and get to know her before you make your decision,” Andrew said, as he took Lothar’s hand in his for a firm handshake.
“Sir, I have made your daughter’s acquaintance twice before now. First at the stationers and then at the garden party. I find her to be a happy, intelligent, beautiful woman… with all due respect, sir,” Lothar replied.
“I am pleased you mentioned this. You see, my daughter has made mention of meeting you. I wanted to see if you would be honest with me. I am more content than ever to give you my blessing to court Gemma,” Andrew said, giving Lothar a nod of approval.
Lothar could not recall a time when he had been more elated in his entire life.
Chapter 7
Gemma listened at the door. Her ear was pressed against the wooden door to give her a better chance of hearing what was being said. Gemma hoped that what she thought she had heard had been her imagination trying to decipher the mumbled words.
He wants to court me intending to marriage, why? I explicitly told him. Didn’t I? Well, Father certainly did let on that I was not seeking marriage. It is all so sudden, is it not? I suppose it does make sense that he would want marriage.
All he gives me is a title that makes everyone address me as Your Grace. From my side, he will receive enough funds to revive his estate and live at a better level. Not fair, especially when what I want the most, I shall never receive from him. I shall never have his heart.
Gemma moved away from the door as the voices inside became much louder.
Gemma continued to move further away, heading to the parlor to remain undetected. She heard the door to her father’s study open and both men speaking.
“Thank you once again for seeing me, sir, and for giving me the opportunity to get to know your lovely daughter better,” she heard Lothar say.
I am sure you are happy about the opportunity to spend our family fortune!Gemma thought as she listened. Not once had she heard the duke express any affection or admiration for her. Though admittedly, she had hoped he would be interested in courting her, she had hoped it wouldn’t have been for the money. But it appeared like all the others before, that’s what it was about.
“I believe every person should get a chance once they ask for it,” her father replied.
