“My Lady, I feel you must know that the baroness is here uninvited. She arrived only an hour before you and it has felt like a hellish eternity,” Lothar said looking apologetic.
“I must admit that seeing her here today did surprise me. Especially since you had extended an invitation to my mother and I.” Gemma tried to show maturity through strong jealousy.
“I meant what I said, My Lady. The baroness and I no longer have anything in common. I wish to have one Lady in my life and that is you, Gemma,” Lothar said as he came closer to take her hands in his.
Gemma could barely hear through her rapidly bearing heart. The mere mention of her name on his lips, sent her senses into turmoil.
“If you want to spend time with the baroness then I do not have a problem, Your Grace. There has to be a choice, though, meaning you could only see one of us.” Gemma replied.
“I have chosen you, My Lady.” Lothar said without hesitation. Gemma wanted to believe him. She had been rather excited to be invited to Lothar’s home. It had made it so much less special when she had seen that the baroness had arrived before her. It seemed to be a reminder that they had met first and that she had been his first love.
The sentiment did not appear to be shared by Lothar and for that, she would give him the opportunity to prove he was telling the truth.
“I hope that is true, Your Grace. Your vegetable gardens are looking well,” Gemma said as they arrived in the turned field where small pumpkins could be seen growing in rows.
“Thank you, My Lady. I had a late start unfortunately,” Lothar said with a wry grin.
“I would expand it though, Your Grace. Does your land extend to that fence?” Gemma asked, pointing to a wooden fence quite a distance away.
“Yes, it does, My Lady.” Lothar answered.
“You can do so much with this land, Your Grace. If you were to extend the vegetable garden and plant winter crops that would be a good start. Then I would lease out part of the land and get more livestock. There is certainly enough room to do so.”
“Those are all good ideas, My lady. It had not occurred to me to lease out the land. I am not even sure how to go about doing that.” Lothar said.
“I will assist you, Your Grace,” Gemma said as she looked toward the main house. “Oh dear, I do think I should see that my mother is alright.”
“Perhaps your mother could speak sense into the baroness. She does not want a marriage nor do I. There is no further point to her visiting here again,” Lothar replied.
“My mother is quite skilled, but I doubt even she can perform such a feat.”
Chapter 18
Lothar returned to the house with Gemma at his side. It felt right to have her there, it somehow felt more like home with her being here than it had before. Mrs. Castwell was having a pleasant conversation with the baroness, and he was pleased. He noted that he was more worried at the prospect of Henny being unkind to Mrs. Castwell, than he was worried about it happening the other way around.
When they arrived, he was told by a footman that his sisters did not wish to see the baroness Whitcombe and they had instead passed their time playing cards.
“Thank you,” Lothar had said as they headed to the tearoom to see how Gemma’s mother was faring.
“Having a good chat, mother?” Gemma asked with a loving smile.
“Yes, we were till now.” Henny replied.
“It is quite agreeable even though it lacks a certain level of intelligence,” her mother said as she stared Henny down.
“Enjoy your tour around what is left of the place? The meniscal pumpkins are adorable, are they not?” Henny said ignoring the older woman.
Lothar felt his temper rise to an alarming rate and opened his mouth to stop Henny.
Gemma spoke before he could.
“Actually I find this place to be marvelous. Lothar has made remarkable strides in starting to take advantage of the potential of it all,” Gemma said in a bright voice. He could hear by the tone in her voice that she was having trouble with controlling her temper as much as he was having controlling his. Gemma however had the ability to sound calm and speak quietly.
She is utterly amazing!Lothar thought with admiration.I am not used to having someone stand up for me either.
“You cannot be serious,” Henny said and laughed.
“That is enough!” Lothar yelled. “Henrietta, you have come to my home that you so easily insult, uninvited. Then on top of that, you insult my guests whowereinvited. I suggest you take your leave and do not return. Especially seeing as this is all not good enough for you!”
