Was he a lovely man? I do not know him any better than these women do. Why am I so angry that they speak of him?
No, they are being quite mean, she thought. They are not just having a discussion. Gemma was too lost in thought to try to join the discussion again and decided to get a refreshment. She tried to get Samantha’s attention to say she was going, but she was too deeply entwined in town gossip. Gemma smiled.
She has not changed one bit!Gemma’s memories of their school years flooded her mind. Samantha could be pulled into a discussion so easily that she’d been late for class several times, only so she could catch up on gossip. The one thing that made Samantha a good friend was the fact that she would listen to gossip yet never offer it. Gemma had, on numerous occasions, heard her defend their friendship. She would not soon forget that. She tried one last time and made a mental note to see her that evening again.
The table was laden with every fruit, savory tart, and sweet meat Gemma had ever seen, along with a few that she had not even seen before. She circled the table and took one of the plates from the side that had them stacked with cutlery beside it.
Gemma carefully selected only her favorites and made sure she did not take more than she could eat. Gemma reached over to retrieve a sweet pastry when she sensed someone had come to stand behind her. She was about to turn around to make conversation when the person greeted her first.
“We meet again, Gemma,” Lothar’s deep voice enchanted her ears once again. Her name had never sounded that good! “Oh but I do apologize for being so familiar, Miss Castwell.”
“We do indeed, Your Grace, and no apology needed, Your Grace,” Gemma replied. She had no idea why seeing him made her so happy. She smiled and continued to select nibbles to eat.
“So how do you know Miss Harper?” Lothar asked.
“She is my cousin. One of my dearest friends as well, Your Grace,” Gemma said, inspecting the cakes.
“I believe her mother, your aunt, is an old friend of my mother’s. Truly, though, I have no idea what I am doing here, I tend to feel improper at these types of gatherings,” Lothar said, selecting from the savory tarts.
“Well, I could say the same, Your Grace. These parties are less about enjoying the garden and more about finding a spouse. They should just stop being coy and call it a matchmaking party,” Gemma said more bitterly than she had intended.
Lothar chuckled. A deep, rumbling sound that seemed to reverberate in her ribs. It was the type of laugh that coerced you into joining in. Gemma did so, and felt the tension in her shoulders relax.
“So you aren’t here in search of a suitor?” His voiced was laced with humor.
“I’m afraid not. I don’t think I’m quite suited for marriage. After all, the idea of giving up who I am, and most especially, my writing? I’m not sure that’s what I—” she suddenly stopped, realizing who she was talking to.
“That is quite refreshing, I must say,” Lothar said with a smile that lit his face up. “Of course I too despise these schemes, however,” he paused. “However, there is so much pressure to marry, it is after all necessary for some of us I suppose.”
Gemma looked at him then, unsure what he had meant by that.It was probably just another way of saying how odd I am.Gemma thought and plated more cakes. Her frayed feelings fueled her appetite.Why does it matter if he thinks I am odd?Gemma thought but knew that he had made an impression on her. Perhaps he would make a great husband. If only his heart was his to give!
Gemma turned to face Lothar. Again, she was struck by how tall and handsome he was. She looked up at his handsome face as she searched for her next words.
Just then, Gemma felt someone push her from behind. The unexpected jolt caused her to immediately lose her balance. She bumped into Lothar, expecting them both to topple over. Gemma blinked, confused. Her hands were on his shoulders, and his were around her waist. He was not holding on to her too tightly, yet she felt her skin tingle where he held her.
He caught me!Gemma thought with a start.
She looked up at him, expecting him to be irritated by her clumsiness, but his face seemed a combination of amusement and surprise. Gemma willed herself to speak, and then shewilled Lothar to speak. They both gazed into each other’s eyes for a long moment. A moment in which the room was empty but for the two of them. A moment where time itself stopped and allowed them the brief moment to themselves.
Chapter 4
Lothar held on to Gemma. At first, it had been to help her keep her balance. Now it was because he enjoyed having her so close to him. She smelled of a delightful mix of apple, honey, and something else.
Vanilla!He thought as he breathed in her scent. He noticed some of the food she had been selecting had unfortunately landed on her bosom and her beautiful dress.
“Phillip! I have told you so many times. Look where you are going!” Her aunt yelled at Gemma’s young cousin. “Your Grace, I do apologize for my son. Oh, Gemma, your dress, I am so genuinely sorry.”
Lothar moved back, making sure she had her balance, and offered her his handkerchief. He could feel the blood pool in his cheeks as he handed her the piece of fabric. He wanted to help and not embarrass her.
“It is quite alright, ma’am. I remember being quite the handful as a small boy. If you can even imagine such a thing,” Lothar said, making light of the situation. He went over to young Phillip and messed his hair up in a playful gesture. The young man smiled up at Lothar, and he smiled back at Phillip.
“I am sorry, Your Grace, cousin Gemma,” he said, almost tearfully.
“Now Phillip, do not be sad, it is just a dress, and I do think the raspberry preserve gives it a splash of color, literally,” Gemma said to Phillip to soothe him.
“Thank you,” Her aunt said as she took Phillip by the hand and led him off.
“Good evening, Your Grace,” Gemma said and made a hasty retreat.
