“You are here, Your Grace, to discuss a matter that has come to our attention. We are all members of the Castwell family, some by blood and some by name. Now let us be clear from the beginning, Your Grace. Our family protects our own and we feel there is reason to believe your actions are a direct contradiction to that,” one of the men said. He looked a lot like Gemma’s father.
He would wager that he was a brother. He had the same pale blue eyes that seemed to run through their family, his features were similar, and his way of speaking spoke of the same heritage.
“Your Grace,” Gemma’s father got up from his chair and came closer to Lothar. “When you came to me and asked for my blessing, I was under the impression that you were a good, honest man.” His expression was a clear mixture of hurt andanger. Lothar waited and as the room all glared at him, he realized it was his turn to speak.
“Mr. Castwell. I am an honest man. I am not sure what it is I have done to make you think that way, that I am a dishonest man,” Lothar answered truthfully.
“My grandmother who greeted you at the door, her cousin is related to the baroness’s late husband. She had a rather interesting conversation about your relationship. A relationship that we understand continues to this day,” Gemma’s father said in a tone that reminded him of when his own father had had been disappointed in him.
“It is true that the baroness and I are old friends and that I had thought at one time we would get married. But then it became very clear that we did not have a future together,” Lothar replied truthfully.
“Then, Your Grace, you mean to tell me that my Gemma is second choice. Do you imagine I, any father for that matter, would be content in that knowledge?” Gemma’s father said, his anger growing with every word.
“Sir, your daughter has not, and will never be second to any person, let alone another woman,” Lothar started, and the older man scoffed at his words.
No, you will hear me.Lothar thought as he too got up from his seat.
“Sir, the baroness was a first love. What I feel for Gemma, not Henny, nor any other woman can hold a candle to it,” Lothar declared.
“You have caused my family a blow to our reputation, our standing by your actions. You owe us reparations for that at the very least. More than that I need to know how my daughter will be treated, Your Grace.” Gemma’s father said.
“Sir I will always treat your daughter well. I will do my best to provide for her every need and more. Your family will have more than its original standing when Gemma is my wife,” Lothar replied.
“Your Grace, your actions have disappointed me. It has made me look as though I make poor decisions for my family’s sake,” Gemma’s father said.
“Sir, my intentions were never to cause you harm or grief. Please allow me to show you that I can be a good husband to your daughter,” Lothar replied.
“What happens when the baroness decides that she has made a mistake and does want to marry you, Your Grace?” Gemma’s father asked.
There were murmurs that broke out among those in the room. Gemma’s father walked back to his seat and spoke quietly to the other men in the room.
Are they deliberating?Lothar thought feeling out of place by all of this. Lothar was reminded of being in school and waiting to be excepted. He had the title, and he had made enough money to pay for his tuition. The final step was to be considered a good representation of the college. He had sat there years before as he was now, perspiration forming on his forehead as he tried to hear what they may have decided.
I had thought all those years ago that it would end my life not to make it onto college. I now know that it meant little compared to lose the one person you feel was made for you.He watched as Gemma’s father walked towards him with a stern expression on his face.
“Sir as I have said, the baroness is a friend and will stay that way. If she decides she wants me for a husband she will find that the position is already filled, both in my home and my heart,” Lothar replied.
Gemma’s father looked at Lothar for a moment before he spoke. He did so slowly and seemed to still be hesitant to give him any opportunity.
“We have decided to allow you the final two months, Your Grace. If by the end of that period we, or my daughter, decidethat marriage will not be the conclusion, you must honor this wish.” Gemma’s father said.
Lothar nodded. “Thank you. I will prove to you and your daughter that I am worth the chance you are willing to take on me,” Lothar said with relief.
“There is one more thing, Your Grace. I have made a promise to you concerning funds I shall pay onto you after the two months are finished. Further than that our money does not come with the marriage agreement. If you love my daughter as you say you do then you will want to marry her to be with her, not her money,” Gemma’s father replied.
“I agree, sir.” Lothar replied without giving it another thought. He had heard that he would still have time with Gemma, the stipulations were not important. Gemma’s father narrowed his eyes at Lothar for a moment and then extended his hand to him. Lothar could not recall a time when he had been more thrilled to agree on terms.
The inquisition seemed to adjourn as the gentlemen started to leave the room. Lothar knew that he was exhausted and that it was sheer joy keeping him up on his feet. He got up on shaky legs and followed the men out of the room. He was led to the tea room where a fresh tray was brought in. Lothar was famished and at the same time felt unable to eat. His stomach still felt in knots.
It was right what they had all done. It is what I expect from a good family.Lothar thought as he took a steadying sip of sweet tea. He took a deep breath and felt more at ease. Then he saw Gemma and every ache and pain he had vanished into thin air.
She is worth anything or anyone I gave to go through to be withher. Lothar though as she made her way directly to him, much to his great delight.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace.” Gemma said.
“Good afternoon, My Lady. You look breathtaking,” Lothar said, as he took in her appearance. She wore a formal evening dress; the flowing silver material made her pale blue eyes almost look the same color. It held onto her trim waist yet left everything else to the imagination.
Her long, pale hair was tied in a series of braids and done in an up style that accentuated her jawline and graceful neck. Lothar had admired her beauty since the moment he had met her. Tonight she looked even more stunning than she had before as Lothar wondered if it was not because he was truly over Henny.
