“Have you ever seen a pink bunny?” Gemma asked as she went down to her eye level.
“No never, I love it so much thank you!” Tess exclaimed as she flew into Gemma’s arms.
“I am so glad that you like it. My mama insisted upon buying a very special wool to make this one,” Gemma told Tess with pride.
“Can Ipweezemake your mommy a drawing, miss Gemma? I would like to thank her.” Tess asked earnestly.
“Tess that would mean so very much to her. How would you like to give her the letter yourself?” Gemma asked.
“Really? May I?” Tess asked excitedly.
“Of course and soon. Best you start that drawing, then you can come visit. One more thing,” Gemma added and put her hand into her jacket pocket. When she took her hand out again, she had something closed in her fist. Tess knew this game well. She had to try and guess what Gemma had in her hand.
“A sweet?” Tess said hopefully.
“Close enough,” Gemma replied as she opened her hand to reveal a piece of candy and a tiny pencil. “I thought you may have an easier time learning to write and to draw with. You seemed to struggle with a bigger one,” Gemma said, with a grin as Tess inspected the pencil as though it had magical properties.
“Thank you so much. And for the clothes and the bunny too.” Tess said.
“You are most welcome. Do you think your clothes will fit well?” Gemma asked and Tess nodded with great enthusiasm.
Gemma checked on the other children asking them questions about their interests and how their learning wasgoing. Soon Gemma reluctantly broke away from her visit to prepare in case Lothar did call at noon as he had said he would.
It is a strange situation indeed. I am thrilled he wants to court me as he is the only man I have taken an interest in. Yet, now that he has made his intentions clear, they come with the bitter knowledge that he has more of an attraction to my family’s money. I must remain firm and do all I can to repel him,Gemma thought as she marched home with purpose.
When Gemma reached the main house, she could see a carriage approach from the main gate. She both hoped that it was Lothar as she simultaneously hoped it was not.
It would be better if he would simply stay away. Abandon this ridiculous endeavor and see that you cannot expect me to want to marry you when I do not want marriage all together.Gemma thought as she put a hand to her temple. The tension from the situation was starting to affect her. She had been experiencing many more headaches since Lothar had been here to ask for permission to court her.
I would have said yes if only you had wanted me alone and not what lines your pockets when we are wed!Gemma thought and shook her head. A small part of her could not truly believe Lothar would think that way. He had shown such love and care when he had spoken about his sisters at the stationers.Money does do the strangest things even to the most sound of mind people.
Gemma arrived at the estate to see that it was in fact Lothar’s carriage that had stopped at the main house. She made her way to her quarters to change and wash up before greeting her guest.
“Good day, My lady. You look more beautiful each day.” Lothar greeted Gemma as she walked into the tea room.
“Well then perhaps you should return in a few weeks, I should be ravishing by then, Your Grace,” Gemma said more sharply than she had intended.
“My Lady I apologize for being late,” Ashley said as she entered the room looking flushed and out of breath.
“It is quite alright, Ashley. There was no need to cause yourself so much distress,” Gemma said gently and then looked to Lothar.
“I do adore your sense of humor, My lady,” Lothar responded.
My Lady, is it? Already belong to you do I? We shall see about that!Gemma’s mind raced.
Moments passed and the room buzzed with silence.
“I find this year’s winter is cold rather early, My Lady. What do you think?” Lothar asked with a smile.
Oh you do not want to know what are in my thoughts!Gemma thought as kitchen staff delivered a tea tray with eats.
“It is very cold, Your Grace,” Gemma responded plainly.
“How is your writing going, My Lady?” Lothar asked and it almost seemed as though he was truly interested.
“It is going rather well, thank you Your Grace. I wonder, I believe your sister writes as well?” Gemma asked.
“Yes, My Lady. She is very talented,” Lothar said with obvious pride.
