That day when he had told Henny to leave, he had been so taken aback by her blatant disregard for other people and how they might feel. Something had changed that day and started to loosen the hold she had on him.
After that he had not thought about Henny that much—he was sure he did not miss being summoned when she felt in the mood for his presence or had found a use for him. His affections for Gemma had only grown deeper as the days went by. He now found himself completely under Gemma’s spell.
I deserve your family being cautious. I will prove to them and to you how much I loveyou, Lothar thought as he listened to every word she spoke in that sweet voice of hers.
“Thank you, Your Grace. You look quite dapper yourself this evening,” Gemma replied.
“That is very kind of you, My Lady. I wanted to greet you before I left,” Lothar said.
“Leave, Your Grace?” Gemma asked.
“Yes, My Lady. I came here as both you and your father sent me a letter asking me to be here as soon as was possible. I did not know that you had family over. I would not want to intrude,” Lothar replied.
“Please do not go, Your Grace. I would like you to stay as my guest. Also, if father invited you then you are most welcome to stay, I am sure.” Gemma said.
It was true that he had been led here and not shown to leave. It was in its own an invitation to join them. It was important to Lothar that Gemma want him to be here.
“Since you want me to stay, My Lady, I shall stay.” Lothar replied with a warm smile.
They enjoyed tea that was served and spoke well into the evening. Lothar was taken aback when Gemma’s expression became grave.
“I wonder if they truly will allow us to have our two months.” Gemma said.
“I was hoping for more than just that, my lady,” Lothar replied.
Dinner was soon announced, and they took their seats. Lothar noticed that his every move was being watched by her family. Lothar tried his best to relax and enjoy the evening though the atmosphere was rather tense. Gemma seemed to notice the tension as well and invited Lothar for a walk as soon as dinner was done.
They walked a distance from the house before one of them spoke.
“Is it my imagination or was there tension at dinner?” Gemma asked.
“It could be to do with the small meeting I attended before dinner,” Lothar answered.
“What meeting?” Gemma asked and Lothar felt he may have said something he was not supposed to have said.
“As I said, My Lady. Your father sent a letter as well. He wanted to speak to me about our courtship.” Lothar replied.
“Speak to you? What about, Your Grace?” Gemma asked looking worried.
“Your family has concerns, My Lady, and rightfully so. I would also be concerned if I believed my child was not getting the very best,” Lothar said in a cheerful way that he hoped would chase away the panic in her eyes.
“What were their concerns, Your Grace?” Gemma asked.
“It was about the baroness. I assured them as I do you, My Lady. That is all something that is well in the past.” Lothar reached for her hand. He had missed her so much being apart for only a few hours. He was unsure how he would fare when it was time to bid her good night and leave for his home. A placethat had never seemed as big or quiet before. Now every time he went home, even though his mother was there, he felt lonely.
Chapter 21
Gemma bid Lothar goodnight with a sinking feeling in her stomach. Not only did she miss him the moment he left but, now she was certain her great-grandmother had not been completely forward with her. She had not even been aware that there was to be a dinner, and that family would travel from far and wide to attend. She had been told that a quiet dinner was being planned and that she was more than welcome to invite Lothar if she felt she must.
Two letters sent out with the same purpose could be coincidence. Though it is still highly unusual.Gemma thought as she felt overwhelmed with fatigue. The entire day had been long and confusing, except the parts that involved Lothar.
She had hoped as she washed up and changed into sleeping attire that the next day would be easier. Gemma awoke the next morning thinking of Lothar. She noticed that she had more faith in him as time went on.
She had not expected him to give the baroness up as a friend or even a marriage prospect. Yet he had in his own right decided to spend time with her and make a commitment only to her. Gemma knew she had always been a good judge of character and Lothar was being honest with her.
The gesture was unexpectedly romantic and made Gemma feel special, wanted. If she were honest with herself, she would admit that she had fallen in love with Lothar. She knew it likely had started long before then, the way she felt about him. It must have been there all along and had grown from the moment they had met.
There was one thorn in her side, and it pained her that it was her own family. Her great-grandmother had managed to turn their lives around in the shortest amount of time. Gemma understood that she was the oldest living member in their family and in all things, she would have the final say. That did not mean that Gemma would simply accept her fate, she would with all due respect, fight for what she stood for, and she would fight for her and Lothar.
