“Lothar, what are you saying?” Henny said.
“Do you see what I mean about the lack of intelligence?” Gemma’s mother said.
“It is very clear now. You were correct as always, Mother.” Gemma replied.
“Who do you think you are?” Henny said in an outraged tone.
“I think I am one of the few people who would rather speak their minds than impress you,” Gemma answered in a flat tone.
“And I think…” Henny started to say when Lothar instinctively stepped closer and stood slightly in front of Gemma in a protective manner.
“I know that I have asked you nicely to leave my home. Allow me to escort you to the front where your carriage awaits as it always does.” Lothar had never been that angry with Henny in all their shallow, one-sided relationship. He now saw her with new eyes and could not find one thing he liked.
I must have looked the picture of a fool in love. Most people must have known how she really is and have wonderedwhy I was by her side. No wonder my mother had such a difficult time accepting Henny!
“Lothar, now I know that I have upset you but there is no need to raise your voice. I will leave and come back when you have come back to yourself.” Henny said with a smile.
“Do you mean when I once again follow you about and am at your call, when you need me day and night? That is no longer an option and will not be in the future either, so I suggest you do not waste your time in returning.” Lothar knew he meant every word. That he was well and truly free of the hold she had once held on him.
Lothar walked only to the door with Henny. He could be clearly seen from where Gemma and her mother stood. He was not going to give Henny the chance to get him alone in order to attempt to convince him back on her side. Lothar turned the moment he could see her carriage ride away and could not wait to return to Gemma’s side.
“I apologize Mrs. Castwell, My Lady. Henrietta might be an old friend, but she has no right to speak to anyone in a rude manner. I hope you will forgive me any insult caused.” Lothar said with genuine embarrassment.
“It is not your fault, Your Grace.” Her mother said.
“I agree, Your Grace.” Gemma said.
“Your Grace. I do not mean to sound forward but perhaps you should not be so harsh on the baroness. I take it the two of you have been friends quite long?”
“Since we were teenagers, My Lady.” Lothar replied.
“Your Grace, perhaps you should not throw that away, in case after our three months we do not get married.” Gemma said gently.
“I think you both have a few things to discuss. I saw a lovely, seated area near the front entrance. I shall wait there until you are done,” Mrs. Castwell said.
“I would not want to inconvenience you Mrs. Castwell. I could call tomorrow or another day.” Lothar offered.
“Do not worry, Your Grace. I need to move about, or these old limbs will not let me make it to the carriage later,” her mother said with a smile. The moment Gemma’s mother moved out of earshot, Lothar went closer to Gemma.
“Are you alright, My Lady?” Lothar asked and found that he was deeply concerned for Gemma’s wellbeing and had not felt any remorse for his outburst towards Henny.
How dare she speak to other people in that disrespect way. She had looked down on me and my farm, but it had nothurt as much as when she had been so snide to Gemma.Lothar thought as he took a seat next to Gemma.
“I am fine, thank you Your Grace. I am more concerned how you are currently,” Gemma said with concern.
“I was embarrassed, My Lady. Henny was someone I would vouch for. Well I would have till now,” Lothar replied.
“And what has changed, Your Grace? I very much doubt years of knowing someone and having them in your life can simply go away after one short conversation.” Gemma gave him a gentle smile. There was no anger or jealousy, only understanding. It only made Lothar more attracted and in awe of her.
“What changed is you, My Lady. I see her now for how she really is instead of my idea of her,” Lothar answered.
“Your Grace,” Gemma started to speak and then paused for a moment before she continued. “Love does not go away. It may become less or more but it does not go away. I will help you with your land, Your Grace. I do not think that we will get married after our three months are over. I would hate to think that I had ruined your chances of being with the woman you love. Think of it this way, Your Grace. In less than a year you could have your estate thriving and upon seeing how great it could be, the baroness could change her mind by then. You would then have the home you have always wanted and thewoman you love to share it with,” Gemma said with a lot more enthusiasm than he felt.
The home I have always wanted, with the woman I love? That would be you, Gemma.Lothar thought as it dawned on him that Gemma was still no closer to wanting to marry him than when they had started their courtship.
“I do not want to see her again,” Lothar said with frustration.
“That does not mean that you will not feel differently in a few hours or days, Your Grace.”
