“Could I not see you tomorrow, My Lady?” Lothar asked.
“I think it would be best that you settle your argument with the baroness, Your Grace. Mend things with your friend and then we are free to enjoy the last two months.” Gemma replied.
I will go see her, My Lady. Only because it is something you want me to do. I personally have no reason to speak with her.” Lothar replied.
“I am sure you will thank me in the future, Your Grace.” Gemma said even as her stomach felt uneasy at the thought of Lothar going to see the baroness. She was not the type of woman to expect to be everything to her husband. She understood that he would have interests and friends beyond her. Then there was the fact that Lothar had told her that he no longer felt the same about the baroness. It did nothing to ease the jealousy that crept in.
She felt like she missed him the moment he said goodbye to her. Gemma watched as he left and heard a commotion in the house. Gemma turned to find her mother in a near state of panic.
“Your great grandmother is arriving today.” Was all her mother said as she whirled past her. Her mother did not have to say much else. Her father’s mother was the only great grandparent she had and was the only person who made her mother so frazzled. She did not visit unless something had upset her, and she was on her way to make things right. Making things right usually meant that she wanted something her way and would accept nothing less.
Gemma looked for her mother to see where she could be of assistance. Servants rushed about the house cleaning where it had already been cleaned. Cook was hard at work preparinga meal that would suit her very specific requirements, while Gemma paced around helping where she could. They had just sat down to rest and have tea when it was announced that her great grandmother had indeed arrived.
Gemma went to greet her great grandmother with a knot already fired in her stomach. The woman had a presence about her that exuded sternness and cruelty. Gemma’s mouth went dry the moment she laid eyes on the older woman.
“Must it take you such a long time to greet me! I did send word after all,” she said as her grandparents and parents stood together to greet her. “Decided to grace us with your presence Gemma? Oh I still dislike that name so. Why not go with Emma and at least such a manly young lady would have a chance in society.”
Her grandmother said in a disgusted tone. Her piercing blue eyes danced up and down as she seemed to scrutinize every inch of her appearance. She stood at nearly half the height of Gemma, but her meanness made her an imposing figure.
She could not easily forget as a child how she had frightened Gemma. She had always felt safe and protected with her parents and had been excited to meet her father’s grandmother. The woman had looked at her excited little face as though she was an insect.
She could not understand why this woman disliked her or what was wrong with her. She had then seen how poorlyher grandmother had treated her parents and had returned the dislike.
“At least tell me you have found a husband.” Her great-grandmother said not bothering to greet her.
“Actually Grandmother,” Gemma’s mother said. “Gemma is currently in a courtship with a duke.”
Her mother looked very satisfied to deliver the news.
Finding a way to help everyone understand that I do not want marriage is going to be more difficult than being married.Gemma thought as she watched in silence as her future was being decided in front of her.
“Is this the same duke who has been in disgraceful pursuit of another woman, even when she was married?” Her grandmother asked and her heart sank.
“Mother, we have met the duke, and he is a good man. The woman in question is merely a part of his childhood,” her mother replied. Gemma smiled at her mother’s defense of him.
“A childhood he has yet to grow out of it would seem. I met with The baroness Whitcombe herself and she seemed perfectly of sound mind. She told me that she still sees thegoodduke. I will not allow our name to be dragged through the mud!” Her great grandmother yelled. The walking cane she had till nowconcealed in her overcoat could be heard banging on the wooden floors as she spoke.
“Grandmother, do not get upset over rumors,” her father said, intervening when the conversation seemed to get heated.
“Girl, is it true or not that this duke of yours is not only having tea here?” Her great grandmother asked in a way that made known that an answer was wanted promptly.
Put in that manner it did put Lothar in a bad light.Gemma thought as her mother replied to her great-grandmother. Gemma did not hear what she had said
Gemma had been too deep in thought. Gemma had hoped that she could introduce Lothar and that she might like him. Now that she had first heard only negative things about him, she may as well forget about seeing him at all.
“I asked you a question, girl,” her great grandmother snapped in her direction.
“Pardon me, great-grandmother.” Gemma apologized.
“Well it is no small wonder you do not have a husband! You cannot even focus for a few sentences,” Her great grandmother spat out and demanded to be taken to where she could get something to eat.
Gemma stood there feeling very unsettled. It was not that she wanted her great Grandmother’s blessing. She had only a few moments ago told Lothar that she still did not believe that they had a future together. Yet now being told that her decisions were being made for her, made her want to rebel and cling to Lothar.
Dare I do it? Dare I forget that he has in fact seen the baroness as an option for marriage until recently? Perhaps if it was only to show my great-grandmother that I would not be told what to do when it came to my love life.Gemma thought as she reluctantly followed her parents and her great-grandmother.
“Not you,” her great-grandmother said, and closed the door to the tea room.
This is about my future, and she has the nerve to shut me outside!Gemma thought as she made to storm off but then decided to stay, thinking she could hear what was being said if she listened carefully. Gemma was not in the habit of listening in on other people’s conversations. Lately with Lothar and her great-grandmother, it had felt like a necessity.
