She’d pushed her way into The Garland. She’d claimed it, pronouncing to one and all she had proof that Andrew had left it to her.
She believed he had. Shehopedhe had.
But would the magistrate agree?
After all, she only had a letter.What is mine is yours.The desperation that had initially driven her deserted her. In its place was fear... because if she lost The Garland, she’d lose her dream. Then what would become of her?
“Gemma, aren’t you happy? This will all be settled.”
Before she could answer, she heard the sounds of voices outside and she knew that her reckoning was on her doorstep.
Gemma looked to Clarissa. “What if he refutes it?”
“Why would he do that? If your uncle gave it to you, The Garland is yours.”
“But it will be the men who decide,” Gemma answered, feeling slightly faint. “It is always the men who make the decisions. And they choose against us.”
Clarissa put her gloved hands on Gemma’s arms above the elbow and gave her a little shake. “Not this time,” she said as if she understood Gemma’s fears. “This time you haveuswith you. The matrons are strong. Look at what they have done for me. Think of your dreams, Gemma, and don’t be afraid.”
“I’ve never met a man I can trust.” She looked at Clarissa. “Do you trust the earl to be fair?”
“I can’t abide him. A more self-centered person you will never meet.”
“That is not reassuring. And, isn’t the earl a member of the Logical Men’s Society?” She hated the hollow feeling in her stomach.
“Yes, it was started by his great-grandfather. But don’t expect the worst. We areallon your side, Gemma. The matrons found Lord Marsden at Mr. Thurlowe’s house and they are bringing him to you. We believe in you.Ibelieve in you. You have made me see that a woman doesn’t just have to do what people tell her. She can have a dream. She can, if she is fearless enough, take care of herself.”
Gemma was barely attending. The fear had left her. In its place was fury. “The earl was atMr. Thurlowe’shouse?”
“Yes, apparently, he returned from London and spent the night there as a guest,” Clarissa confirmed helpfully.
“And the good doctor knew that all along?”
Clarissa looked momentarily confused. “He should have. The earl was under his roof.”
And here he had been all that was solicitouslast night. Gemma could have growled her anger. She’d almost trusted him.
The bell on the main room door tinkled as it opened. Gemma went through the taproom to see the matrons come pouring in, chattering happily. They brought with them a tall, unshaven nobleman who definitely appeared the worse for wear.
Chapter Twelve
The dowager and Mrs. Warbler took immediate control, herding everyone into the main room. There had to be at least thirty ladies present, perhaps even more. They fanned out, lining the walls and standing by the tables as if awaiting orders.
There were some gentlemen in the crowd, as well—the Reverend Summerall, Squire Nelson, several husbands, who stood beside their wives.
Gemma was a bit taken aback to realize she knew most of them, at least by name. She’d made their acquaintance in the short period of time she’d been in Maidenshop and now here they were to support her. She blinked back the sting of tears, not wanting to be too sentimental, and yet, deeply humbled. It was as if they were saying theywantedher to be a part of them.
They wanted her.
The last place where she’d truly felt wanted was at her gran’s. Her father had loved her, of course, and yet he’d judged her with a critical eye.In Maidenshop, she’d rediscovered that lovely sense of belonging.
The Earl of Marsden stood amongst the organizing, swaying slightly and not offering any help. Instead, he yawned and watched with sleepy interest. Gemma was surprised at how young he was, and how tall. She had pictured him as gray and stodgy. Instead, he was actually handsome albeit a bit rough-looking. He had the loose air of a highwayman, or someone accustomed to doing whatever he pleased.
“This is the man you can’t abide?” she said to Clarissa.
“Look at him. He is slovenly. He’s not even wearing a hat. How can anyone respect or trust him?”
“I pray we can do both.” Gemma’s words were heartfelt.
