Gemma was not convinced by the act though there was something in the way he looked at her that took her back to a time when the world had been theirs. For a moment she felt as young and free as she had when they had been together.
She had been sixteen and Edward had been eighteen. She had not known about heartbreak. She had not even learned that people could be deceptive. She had been having a lovely tea with Edward when he had told her that he no longer wanted to see her.
“My Lady, you are still young. You should first know who you are before you get married.” Edward had said all those years ago. He had made it sound as though he was thinking of her and her wellbeing when he had wanted to break their engagement off without the argument or bitterness that went with rejecting someone.
“Why? What did I do wrong? Tell me and I will make it right,” Gemma had pleaded. She felt ashamed at how she had acted. She had begged him to stay with her as though her world would end if he refused.
It had felt almost that bad if not worse. Love was a cruel teacher the first time it crept into one’s heart.Gemma thought as she smiled at Edward and took a step back.
Gemma wanted to tell Edward to leave but felt some kind of responsibility towards him. She did not owe him a thing, yet she could not bring herself to be horrid to him. She had in their time apart wanted to give him a stern talking to and now that he was before her, she simply could not.
Is this what Lothar has been facing with Henny? This strange feeling of being beholden to a lost love? One thing I know for sure is that Edward pales in comparison to Lothar. He must be telling the truth about his heart being mine and mine alone!Gemma thought as her heart soared. She felt so elated that she was not as annoyed with Edward as she had been moments before.
Gemma could not help but laugh. She felt so much happiness in her at the thought of there being a real chance for her and Lothar.
“Edward, what you did to me all those years ago is long forgotten. I do not want you to spend time making it up to me. Infact I must be perfectly honest with you. I do not want to spend time with you at all.” Gemma said and turned to leave and not look back this time, to not waste a single second on the past.
“My Lady how can you be so cruel?” Edward said to her retreating back. Gemma bit down on her teeth in order to stop herself from turning back to reply.He is just grasping at straws. Do not let him drag you into letting him back into your life.Gemma thought as she walked further away. Edward did not seem to understand that she did not want his company and ran towards her to stand in front of her, blocking her path.
“Edward this is ridiculous, now please get out of my way.” Gemma said as she moved to go around him. He moved again and Gemma side stepped. She took a deep breath and tried one more time. This time when Gemma made the same move to go around Edward, he grabbed onto her wrist and pulled her to him. Gemma lost her balance and found herself caught in his arms.
Gemma moved to get out of his grasp, but he held her firmly in place. Gemma realized for the first time that she was in danger. That he had led her far away from the house and that it was unlikely that anyone would be around.
“Let go of me.” Gemma said as fear and fury made her fight back. She felt his grip tighten on her and then he made a grave mistake. The hand he had on her shoulder moved to her head. He moved her chin to face him and in doing so pulled her hair.
Gemma saw red. Whether he had meant to do so on purpose did not matter. She had been teased most of her childhood and even into adulthood. Boys had pulled her hair and shoved her when she had gone to town. She could not stand the sensation. Gemma’s pulse raced as she acted out of instinct.
She found unnatural strength within the fear she felt and broke free from Edward’s hold. Gemma stumbled back and nearly fell onto her back but regained her balance in time. Gemma was breathless from the effort and dared not try to outrun him. She may be taller but knew her dress would slow her down. She knew from experience that a swift kick did not always land its target, and she would most likely not make it back to her home in time.
“Fine Edward, why not have some fun for old time’s sake?” Gemma said.
“Why the sudden change of mind?” Edward asked.
“I am tired of fighting it. I have missed you, Edward.” Gemma lied and hoped he would be convinced.
“What about the duke?” Edward asked nastily. It took so much effort from Gemma not to respond that she could have sworn she had just broken a tooth.
“I do not care about him,” Gemma said. Tears welling up in her eyes at the pain the words were causing her.
“Is that true, My Lady?” A deep voice asked from behind her.
Lothar!Gemma’s mind raced as she turned to face Lothar.
I am safe at last!Gemma thought as she rushed to his side. Only he looked past her to Edward with an expression that could only be described as murderous.
“I came to see you, My Lady. It would seem you are otherwise engaged.” Lothar said as he looked at her with disgust.
“Lothar, wait. That was said in order for me to get away from him!” Gemma cried out in earnest.
“Those are not words one says to be rid of someone, My Lady.” Lothar looked at her with sheer disappointment.
“Lothar please, wait.” Gemma pleaded looking behind her to see Edward standing there with a smug smile.
“You wretch!” Gemma said and followed Lothar rather than stay near Edward. Gemma looked down for a moment andsaw that her dress had been ripped at the shoulders exposing a slim glimpse of skin.
No wonder Lothar had looked so alarmed!Gemma thought with panic.
Chapter 22
