“I beg that you meet him, great-grandmother. Make your decision after spending time with him.” Gemma pleaded.
“So you wish that I forgot what I heard for a fact in hoping that I find his company pleasant, am I correct?” Her great-grandmother asked and narrowed her eyes.
“No, great-grandmother. I know of this, and Lothar assures me that he does not feel anything but friendship for her.” Gemma said and had no idea what to do with her hands. They felt clammy and her great-grandmother made Gemma feel more on edge than usual.
“I will honor your father’s wishes for now and give him a chance, for now.”
Chapter 20
Lothar held both letters in his hand and felt quite confused. He had received a letter from Gemma and her father. He knew them to be a close family. Surely, they would tell each other they were going to write.
Unless if one letter was meant to arrive before the other?Lothar thought as he tried to decide what to do. He knew already that he would read Gemma’s one first. He broke the seal with care and began to read her words. He had not heard her speak this way before. He felt that they may in fact have a chance of being together as husband and wife.
He read the note over and over again and smiled more every time. Lothar wanted to see Gemma as soon as he could and almost forgot about her father’s letter. Lothar opened it to find less encouragement in his words.
To Lothar Howard, Duke of Exeter.
It pains me to write this letter as I felt when you asked for my blessing, that you, sir, were a good, honest man. Now I ask that you call round at your earliest convenience as we have urgent matters to discuss.
Andrew Castwell
Lothar felt sickened and confused.
What had he meant by saying he thought I was honorable? That would mean that I have done something that changed his mind, but what?Lothar thought as his mind tried to make sense of what both people were telling him.
Either way it would be best for me to get to the Castwell residence as soon as I can.Lothar thought as he prepared to leave at once. He had thought by Gemma’s letter that they now had a chance.
Last time when I spoke to Mr. Castwell, all was well. What could have happened in this short amount of time? Could Henny have something to do with it? I had perhaps hurt her feelings but why would she want Gemma and I not to get married? Had she finally realized what she had let go of? It does not matter and never will again.
She should have chosen me instead of her first husband!Lothar thought as he made his way to his carriage. He felt torn. He had to see Gemma more than anyone, especially after her letter. It would be best to see her father first and then her. Then there was Henny. He wanted to know what seed she had planted and what he was walking into.
If this did not have anything to do with her, I shall be surprised. I have not done anything to offend and hope I canrepair any done damage.Lothar thought as he asked his driver to head for the Castwell residence.
I will have to speak with Henny another time. I have not seen her since she had been so insulting at the tea. Even though Gemma suggested that I do, I truly do not wish to see her for a long while.
Lothar rushed to his quarters where he changed into a formal attire including his best hat. With a quick look in the mirror to confirm that he looked tidy, he asked that his carriage be prepared. While he waited, he let himself wonder on what possible explanation there could be. Both Gemma and her father wanted him there.
It must have something to do with Gemma and me. Of that much, I am sure.Lothar thought as the wait seemed to last forever. Lothar understood that horses took time to led from the stable and to be fed and watered first. Then they both had to be properly fastened to the carriage using a series of straps, which would be fastened one by one until they were comfortable, and the rider could direct them properly.
Knowing all this did not calm his nerves. Once he was called, finally and told that his carriage was prepared. He rushed to board announcing that they would leave immediately.
Lothar still felt filled with urgency. He kept looking out the carriage window hoping every time the carriage slowed down, that he had arrived at his destination. The sundisappeared behind the mountains faster than they had a few days earlier. It was getting dark, and he knew it was not safe to be traveling after sunset. He had thought he could make it in time and had not thought further for once.
The roads were fields that had been travelled on so regularly that paths had formed. As carriages used them more often, trees and rocks were removed from the path by drivers. As the years had gone by, they now formed the sides of the well-known roads. During the day the rough terrain took skill to navigate. At night it was nearly impossible to predict the next turn in the road or bump that could smash a wooden wheel to pieces in an instant.
The carriage shook as one such dent in the dirt road could not be avoided. Soon they arrived at the Castwell residence much to Lothar’s great relief.
He got out from the carriage and was surprised to be greeted by an older lady. Lothar stepped forward and removed his hat to greet her.
“Good evening, Ma’am. I am Lothar Howard.” Lothar said.
“Pleased to meet you, Your Grace. Do not let me regret that,” she said and turned on her heels. Lothar paused a moment and when she did not turn back, followed her into the house. Lothar had expected to see Gemma and the family he had tea with the last time he was here.
This time he was greeted by more than ten gentlemen and taken by them to another room. He was offered a seat and looked around the room. He recognized only her father and one or two men he had met before.
Though he was greeted politely he could not help feeling as though he were on trial. The faces in the room all looked back at him stone faced.
“May I inquire as to why I am here, that is in this room.” Lothar asked loudly as he was unsure who he should address.
