Before that it was close to impossible for Gemma to make friends. Her father had bought her the biggest puppy he could find. Blossom had become her one true friend. She was patientwith her as a child and protected her no matter what it was against.
Then her mind cast her to a darker time, a time she had not thought about in years.
Oh Blossom!Gemma thought with despair as the pain of seeing her truest friend change so rapidly and suffer. She had not heard ofRabiesbefore then. It was a deeply frightening experience. The very sweet and loyal hound went from bowling her over with love, to attacking her and nearly biting her. She still felt grateful that her life had been spared that day for if she had been bitten, she would have met the same fate as Blossom.
Her father had made it plain what was needed, and he had dealt with it with bravery and respect for the hound. He had said words of love even with the hound trying to bite him and had buried the animal in a place of pride. Today Blossom’s grave could still be visited, and her father still took her flowers and soup bones.
“Good morning, dear. Did you sleep well?” her mother asked as she knocked twice and came in.
“I did yes, thank you mother.” Gemma lied. She had been awake long into the morning hours. Lothar was not like other men. It did not matter how many times she tried to tar him with the same brush, he proved her wrong every time.
She had never before been so thrilled that she had lost a game. She knew herself well enough to know that she liked Lothar. He was a gentleman who had not gloated at winning.
A lesson or two could be learned from him on humility. Especially by my grandfather who had practically danced around when I had lost!Gemma recalled with smile.
Her mother handed her a letter as Gemma was still trying to focus her eyes.
“Who is it from?” Her mother inquired.
“It is from Lothar. Gemma replied with a smile as she started to read the letter.
Dearest Gemma
I hope this letter finds you well and in time. I request that you please join me at my estate today if possible. I would like to introduce you to my family who are delighted to be meeting you. I find that I miss you the moment we part, every moment an agony until we meet again. Please send word at your earliest convenience.
P.S I also urgently need your advice on my land.
Yours Lothar
Gemma tried to swallow as she read his words. They were so filled with emotion that it took her aback for a moment.
Yours? Could I ever be?Gemma thought. The mere thought of being only his intensified her blush.
“What did he write?” Her mother asked.
“He has invited me to tea to meet his sisters. One is thirteen and the other eighteen. He wrote that they were both delighted to meet me and that he wanted my opinion on his lands.” Gemma gave her mother the gist of the letter, leaving out the more personal parts.
“Are you feeling unwell? You look as though you are running a fever.” Her mother said with a concerned frown. She put her palm to Gemma’s forehead, and she had to swallow a laugh.
How do I tell my mother that my so-called fever is due to Lothar!Gemma thought as she got out of bed.
“I am well mother. I simply overcompensated with a few extra blankets.” Gemma replied hoping her mother would accept this reasoning.
“When would they like us for tea?” Her mother asked with her eyes narrowed. The sooner one was expected to attend an invitation, the better the standing was between the two parties involved.
“He says today, if possible, he misses me.” Gemma replied with more joy than she expected to feel. She knew deep down that her mother felt a failure. She had been waiting for years to see Gemma find a husband to redeem her.
A successful mother could only be so if their child was successful. In modern society, a married woman with children was the pinnacle of womanhood and success. Meaning that if one were any different, you were considered a failure.
Her mother’s eyes went wide with excitement.
“Oh that is good news!” Her mother exclaimed. “We must get ready at once!”
“Can we at least eat breakfast first, mother?” Gemma asked as her stomach groaned, having its say in the conversation.
“Well, if we must,” Her mother replied jokingly.
Breakfast was eaten in silence as her mother did her best to eat hastily. Gemma surmised that it must be that her mother wanted to leave as soon as was possible.
