Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Lothar could not stop smiling once since he had left Gemma. She had been the woman he had thought she was in the beginning. She had been open and charming, and she had so many interesting views on topics such as art and politics. It was not unusual for a woman to have thoughts on topics men would usually discuss. It was refreshing to hear a different stance on matters that most people simply agreed upon.

His decision to let go of Henny had allowed him to enjoy being with Gemma more. He had not felt guilty, and Gemma had been delightful. He finally realized that clinging onto the hope that Henny would change her mind was a complete waste of time.

Lothar had seen that over time love can grow between two people. In a time when arranged marriages was the norm, it was how things worked. With Henny there was no like for love to grow from… he had been a convenience.

I had deserved to be ridiculed by Henny and her and her friends. I have been at her beck and call, day and night. With Gemma in my life, Henny pales in comparison.

***

Lothar was up before the sun the next day. He could not wait to spend time with Gemma. He was touched that she trusted him enough to take him to meet children who obviously meant something to her. Her eyes lit up with fondness when she had mentioned them to him. He could not wait to start the day with her and felt the most melancholy when she had to leave or if he had to leave her.

He found children to be honest and to have a view on life that he found uplifting. He was already sure this was going to be a good day. When he had looked at his pocket watch for what felt like the hundredth time, it was finally time to leave to visit with Gemma.

***

Lothar had asked his mother to join him as Gemma’s mother had expressed her desire to meet. Lothar looked at his mother who had finally emerged from the house dressed and ready to leave.

Lothar had wished he had brought something for the children. He could remember what it felt like to grow up with few toys and amusement. His father had taught him how to carve toys from wood the moment he had been old enough to safely handle a blade.

I shall find out what each of the children’s favorite animal is and bring it to them the next time I go with Gemma to see them. Lothar thought as he started to get more excited. Every moment they traveled, he was closer to being with Gemma.

He could barely sit still when they arrived at the Castwell residence. The moment the carriage stopped, Lothar was already half out of the door, only stopping for a moment to help his mother get out too.

They walked toward the Castwell family who stood waiting to greet them.

“It is such a pleasure to make your acquaintance. Thank you so much for having us here today,” his mother said, with a warm smile.

“It is our pleasure, Lady Howard,” her father began. “It is marvelous to make your acquaintance.”

“Please would you join us for tea?” Gemma’s mother asked.

“I would love to,” Lothar’s mother replied, as she walked with them inside the estate.

Lothar turned to Gemma with a smile that made her stomach flutter.

“Would you like to go meet the children, Your Grace?” Gemma asked him.

“Gladly! After you, My Lady,” Lothar replied.

Had she always looked so beautiful? Lothar thought as he moved towards her. She has struck me with her beauty since we met that day at the shop.

The sun shone like molten gold in her hair. Yet, I look into her eyes and only now notice the tiniest, almost unnoticeable flecks of brown in her eyes.

He could not tear his eyes away from her. He felt as though he had seen her properly for the first time.

What did I ever see in Henny? Especially when I have this angelic being before me. His mind cast him to his younger years. Ten years ago, at eighteen years of age, he had thought marriage to be the worst idea ever. His parents had a healthy marriage, yet it had not appealed to him in the slightest.

Then when his father had passed, he had taken on the role of man of the house. He had done his best to work hard to ensure his mother and sisters were well taken care of. He had just managed to get on his feet, when his uncle had passed, and left him an estate that had put a permanent hole in his pocket. His decision not to marry had to be overturned to do the right thing—now that he was the new duke.

While his friends had gone to college and had started families, he had learned which fork to start his meal with and how to conduct himself in his new role. He had quickly realized that he was falling behind and had started to pursue Henny.

In his youthful arrogance, he had believed that it was only a matter of time before she would come round and want to be married to him. He could not understand why she would not want to. They had known each other since they were children. They had grown from best friends into having a relationship that seemed to be the one that would last all his life.

Every time she had ignored him or had treated him poorly, he had brushed it off and reasoned that it was only a passing female mood swing every time. He had, over time become used to how things were and had often reminded himself that Henny was his only option. If she would not marry him then surely no woman would.

Now as he walked proudly beside Gemma he felt as though the heavens itself had given him one of their own.

“These children have been through a lot, Your Grace. Their entire family passed away leaving them without anyone to look after them,” Gemma explained.

“That is tragic,” Lothar replied. He felt grateful he still had his mother, and that his father was in his life until he was in his teens. “It is good of you to have taken them in.”

“It was what anyone should have done,” Gemma replied. They walked further in silence until they came to a clearing that had a log cabin built on it. It looked new which meant it had been built recently.

Gemma even built house for the children. She genuinely takes pleasure in helping others. How long would I have been waiting for Henny if Gemma had not been in Mr. and Mrs. Baker’s shop that day? I would have let the years pass and the estate goes to ruins. Lothar decided on the spot that Henny had no place in his life and certainly not in his thoughts.

Lothar could not help but laugh at the scene in front of him. The moment the children had laid eyes on Gemma, they had run over to her and embraced her.

She would make the most amazing mother, Lothar thought with joy.

The children all looked to Lothar in silence. He crouched down to make himself look less intimidating.

“Good morning,” Lothar said softly and smiled. To his relief the children approached him. At first, they seemed apprehensive. Then slowly they came closer to greet Lothar.

“Good morning,” The smallest girl said. The other children remained quiet.

“Good morning, young lady. And what is your name?” Lothar asked with an encouraging smile.

“Tess, sir,” she replied proudly.

“That is a very beautiful name. I am Lothar, pleased to meet you,” he said and bowed his head slightly. Tess giggled and the tension was broken. The rest of the children started to ask questions.

“Are you Miss Castwell’s husband, sir?” The eldest boy asked.

“If I am very fortunate then I shall be,” Lothar answered.

The girls giggled at his answer. He looked to Gemma and though she was a short distance away, he swore he could see a blush creep into her cheeks. It only made her look more beautiful.

“How old are you, sir?” Another young lady asked.

“I am twenty-eight. What is your name and how old are you?” Lothar asked.

“I am Stacy, Sir. This is my big brother Harvey, and this is Tess. Over here are Angel and Veronica, she is only a year older than me. Then the shy one is Harry,” Stacy said with so much excitement that she almost said all of it in one breath.

“It is a pleasure to meet all of you, thank you Stacy,” Lothar replied.

“Some of us have manners, sir.” Stacy said with pride.

Lothar chuckled and wondered when last he had been that happy. A young woman came over and introduced herself as Simone. She took Gemma one side for a moment. It looked as though it was bad news. He did not mean to infringe on their privacy. He looked over and saw when Gemma put her hand to her chest, her expression sorrowful. Lothar wanted to go to her and comfort her, but he knew it was not his place to do so.

He waited for her to return. She had regained her composure and was smiling at the children. He was invited to see their lesson and enjoyed being part of their day. After, when it was playtime, Lothar looked around and noticed that Harvey was sitting alone to one side. He went over to the boy and asked if he could sit with him.

“Of course, sir.” Harvey said looking up at Lothar.

“It seems as though something is bothering you,” Lothar said.

“No sir, I just feel tired,” Harvey replied.

“Do you not get rest?” Lothar asked with concern.

“I do sir, only I still feel tired,” the young man answered. “I wish I had friends. I love my siblings, sir. It is just that they are younger than me, and they hardly have the same interests.”

Lothar was surprised to hear Harvey speaking about his wishes, as the boy had only just met him. He thought on it for a while, trying to find a solution to either help Harvey feel better or to find him friends his age.

“Harvey, do you perchance have any interest in woodwork?” Lothar inquired.

“Yes, sir. I have tried it, though it is not easy,” Harvey bemoaned.

“Carvings sell well at the market. When I come again, that is if it is alright by Miss Castwell, then I shall bring my tools and I shall teach you how to make your own toys. You could sell a few at the market. That way you could meet children your age. Perhaps see a few old friends,” Lothar said, with a hopeful smile.

“Do you think so, sir?” Harvey asked looking slightly more cheers.

“I think you will make friends quickly Harvey, you are a fine young man,” Lothar replied and meant it. He had no inclination as to why people where not lining up to take them in.

They have no title or money. That must be it. Lothar thought as he looked at Harvey with fresh understanding. He could remember being looked down upon even as a young child.

Those who had to be addressed with an honorific were often not worthy or aware of honor at all. He had hated becoming a duke, the very sort of person he disliked the most. Then when it had helped keep a roof over his and his mother’s head, he had felt as though he had made a deal with the devil himself.

Gemma must feel the same way to an extent. She may have grown up with a better lifestyle however, her kindness does not fit in with most privileged woman. Most often kindness stems from understanding. His admiration for Gemma was growing at an exponential rate.

“Your Grace, I think we should go see how our parents are. I would hate to think that we are leaving your lovely mother waiting for us,” Gemma said, as she approached them with a smile.

“I think it may be your parents in need of rescuing from my very frank mother,” Lothar responded with good humor. They made their way back to the main house to find their parents conversing in good cheer. Her grandmother was enjoying the fire made in the tea room while their mothers were deep in conversation. Her father joined in where he could. Her grandfather was deeply engrossed in a game of Chess against himself.

Gemma walked to her grandmother first and took her hand. Grandmama, your hands are so cold, where are your gloves?”

“They are uncomfortable,” her grandmother replied.

“Then at least put your hands under the blanket to keep warm,” Gemma said. Lothar watched as she went to her grandfather next.

“If you move the black rook three spaces line six, you will have check. If you move your knight, then checkmate for sure,” Gemma said. Her grandfather shook his head and looked up at her.

“How do you always do that?” he asked, with a mixture of awe and fondness.

“It must be because I learned from the best,” Gemma replied.

“I may have taught you too well, my girl. I have not been able to win a game against you in weeks,” her grandfather replied. “Do you play, young man?” He said looking a Lothar.

“Yes sir, I do enjoy the game occasionally,” Lothar replied.

“Good. I hope you have better fortune than I do,” he said getting up from his chair. He moved to sit next to Gemma’s father. Gemma took her grandfather’s seat and looked up at Lothar.

“What do you say, Your Grace. Would you care for a quick game of chess?”

Lothar was delighted to play a game with Gemma. He had been playing against himself since his father had passed. He took a chair from nearby and took his seat at the opposite side of the table.

“I would be delighted, My Lady,” Lothar replied.

Gemma quickly had Lothar cornered and that one game turned into rematch after rematch. Lothar did not care if he won or lost, he was enjoying having another person to play against.

We have so much in common that this union could be something special. Lothar thought as he examined the chess board. This was the fourth time in a row that he had lost.

She is remarkable! Lothar smiled at her triumphant face. He was disappointed though, when his mother said it was time for them to leave. Lothar looked out the window that overlooked part of the garden and the patio.

The trees and flowers he could usually see there were gone as it had grown dark outside. He grew hopeful when Gemma’s parents offered them to stay the night for safety. His mother felt too strongly that they were imposing and so he found himself having to say goodbye to Gemma.