“Good morning, young lady. And what is your name?” Lothar asked with an encouraging smile.
“Tess, sir,” she replied proudly.
“That is a very beautiful name. I am Lothar, pleased to meet you,” he said and bowed his head slightly. Tess giggled and the tension was broken. The rest of the children started to ask questions.
“Are you Miss Castwell’s husband, sir?” The eldest boy asked.
“If I am very fortunate then I shall be,” Lothar answered.
The girls giggled at his answer. He looked to Gemma and though she was a short distance away, he swore he could see a blush creep into her cheeks. It only made her look more beautiful.
“How old are you, sir?” Another young lady asked.
“I am twenty-eight. What is your name and how old are you?” Lothar asked.
“I am Stacy, Sir. This is my big brother Harvey, and this is Tess. Over here are Angel and Veronica, she is only a year older than me. Then the shy one is Harry,” Stacy said with so much excitement that she almost said all of it in one breath.
“It is a pleasure to meet all of you, thank you Stacy,” Lothar replied.
“Some of us have manners, sir.” Stacy said with pride.
Lothar chuckled and wondered when last he had been that happy. A young woman came over and introduced herself as Simone. She took Gemma one side for a moment. It looked as though it was bad news. He did not mean to infringe on their privacy. He looked over and saw when Gemma put her hand to her chest, her expression sorrowful. Lothar wanted to go to her and comfort her, but he knew it was not his place to do so.
He waited for her to return. She had regained her composure and was smiling at the children. He was invited to see their lesson and enjoyed being part of their day. After, when it was playtime, Lothar looked around and noticed that Harvey was sitting alone to one side. He went over to the boy and asked if he could sit with him.
“Of course, sir.” Harvey said looking up at Lothar.
“It seems as though something is bothering you,” Lothar said.
“No sir, I just feel tired,” Harvey replied.
“Do you not get rest?” Lothar asked with concern.
“I do sir, only I still feel tired,” the young man answered. “I wish I had friends. I love my siblings, sir. It is just that they are younger than me, and they hardly have the same interests.”
Lothar was surprised to hear Harvey speaking about his wishes, as the boy had only just met him. He thought on it for a while, trying to find a solution to either help Harvey feel better or to find him friends his age.
“Harvey, do you perchance have any interest in woodwork?” Lothar inquired.
“Yes, sir. I have tried it, though it is not easy,” Harvey bemoaned.
“Carvings sell well at the market. When I come again, that is if it is alright by Miss Castwell,then I shall bring my tools and I shall teach you how to make your own toys. You could sell a few at the market. That way you could meet children your age. Perhaps see a few old friends,” Lothar said, with a hopeful smile.
“Do you think so, sir?” Harvey asked looking slightly more cheers.
“I think you will make friends quickly Harvey, you are a fine young man,” Lothar replied and meant it. He had no inclination as to why people where not lining up to take them in.
They have no title or money. That must be it.Lothar thought as he looked at Harvey with fresh understanding. He could remember being looked down upon even as a young child.
Those who had to be addressed with an honorific were often not worthy or aware of honor at all. He had hated becoming a duke, the very sort of person he disliked the most. Then when it had helped keep a roof over his and his mother’s head, he had felt as though he had made a deal with the devil himself.
Gemma must feel the same way to an extent. She may have grown up with a better lifestyle however, her kindness does not fit in with most privileged woman. Most often kindness stems from understanding.His admiration for Gemma was growing at an exponential rate.
“Your Grace, I think we should go see how our parents are. I would hate to think that we are leaving your lovely mother waiting for us,” Gemma said, as she approached them with a smile.
“I think it may be your parents in need of rescuing from my very frank mother,” Lothar responded with good humor. They made their way back to the main house to find their parents conversing in good cheer. Her grandmother was enjoying the fire made in the tea room while their mothers were deep in conversation. Her father joined in where he could. Her grandfather was deeply engrossed in a game of Chess against himself.
Gemma walked to her grandmother first and took her hand. Grandmama, your hands are so cold, where are your gloves?”
