Chapter 20

Chapter 20

Lothar held both letters in his hand and felt quite confused. He had received a letter from Gemma and her father. He knew them to be a close family. Surely, they would tell each other they were going to write.

Unless if one letter was meant to arrive before the other? Lothar thought as he tried to decide what to do. He knew already that he would read Gemma’s one first. He broke the seal with care and began to read her words. He had not heard her speak this way before. He felt that they may in fact have a chance of being together as husband and wife.

He read the note over and over again and smiled more every time. Lothar wanted to see Gemma as soon as he could and almost forgot about her father’s letter. Lothar opened it to find less encouragement in his words.

To Lothar Howard, Duke of Exeter.

It pains me to write this letter as I felt when you asked for my blessing, that you, sir, were a good, honest man. Now I ask that you call round at your earliest convenience as we have urgent matters to discuss.

Andrew Castwell

Lothar felt sickened and confused.

What had he meant by saying he thought I was honorable? That would mean that I have done something that changed his mind, but what? Lothar thought as his mind tried to make sense of what both people were telling him.

Either way it would be best for me to get to the Castwell residence as soon as I can. Lothar thought as he prepared to leave at once. He had thought by Gemma’s letter that they now had a chance.

Last time when I spoke to Mr. Castwell, all was well. What could have happened in this short amount of time? Could Henny have something to do with it? I had perhaps hurt her feelings but why would she want Gemma and I not to get married? Had she finally realized what she had let go of? It does not matter and never will again.

She should have chosen me instead of her first husband! Lothar thought as he made his way to his carriage. He felt torn. He had to see Gemma more than anyone, especially after her letter. It would be best to see her father first and then her. Then there was Henny. He wanted to know what seed she had planted and what he was walking into.

If this did not have anything to do with her, I shall be surprised. I have not done anything to offend and hope I can repair any done damage. Lothar thought as he asked his driver to head for the Castwell residence.

I will have to speak with Henny another time. I have not seen her since she had been so insulting at the tea. Even though Gemma suggested that I do, I truly do not wish to see her for a long while.

Lothar rushed to his quarters where he changed into a formal attire including his best hat. With a quick look in the mirror to confirm that he looked tidy, he asked that his carriage be prepared. While he waited, he let himself wonder on what possible explanation there could be. Both Gemma and her father wanted him there.

It must have something to do with Gemma and me. Of that much, I am sure. Lothar thought as the wait seemed to last forever. Lothar understood that horses took time to led from the stable and to be fed and watered first. Then they both had to be properly fastened to the carriage using a series of straps, which would be fastened one by one until they were comfortable, and the rider could direct them properly.

Knowing all this did not calm his nerves. Once he was called, finally and told that his carriage was prepared. He rushed to board announcing that they would leave immediately.

Lothar still felt filled with urgency. He kept looking out the carriage window hoping every time the carriage slowed down, that he had arrived at his destination. The sun disappeared behind the mountains faster than they had a few days earlier. It was getting dark, and he knew it was not safe to be traveling after sunset. He had thought he could make it in time and had not thought further for once.

The roads were fields that had been travelled on so regularly that paths had formed. As carriages used them more often, trees and rocks were removed from the path by drivers. As the years had gone by, they now formed the sides of the well-known roads. During the day the rough terrain took skill to navigate. At night it was nearly impossible to predict the next turn in the road or bump that could smash a wooden wheel to pieces in an instant.

The carriage shook as one such dent in the dirt road could not be avoided. Soon they arrived at the Castwell residence much to Lothar’s great relief.

He got out from the carriage and was surprised to be greeted by an older lady. Lothar stepped forward and removed his hat to greet her.

“Good evening, Ma’am. I am Lothar Howard.” Lothar said.

“Pleased to meet you, Your Grace. Do not let me regret that,” she said and turned on her heels. Lothar paused a moment and when she did not turn back, followed her into the house. Lothar had expected to see Gemma and the family he had tea with the last time he was here.

This time he was greeted by more than ten gentlemen and taken by them to another room. He was offered a seat and looked around the room. He recognized only her father and one or two men he had met before.

Though he was greeted politely he could not help feeling as though he were on trial. The faces in the room all looked back at him stone faced.

“May I inquire as to why I am here, that is in this room.” Lothar asked loudly as he was unsure who he should address.

“You are here, Your Grace, to discuss a matter that has come to our attention. We are all members of the Castwell family, some by blood and some by name. Now let us be clear from the beginning, Your Grace. Our family protects our own and we feel there is reason to believe your actions are a direct contradiction to that,” one of the men said. He looked a lot like Gemma’s father.

He would wager that he was a brother. He had the same pale blue eyes that seemed to run through their family, his features were similar, and his way of speaking spoke of the same heritage.

“Your Grace,” Gemma’s father got up from his chair and came closer to Lothar. “When you came to me and asked for my blessing, I was under the impression that you were a good, honest man.” His expression was a clear mixture of hurt and anger. Lothar waited and as the room all glared at him, he realized it was his turn to speak.

“Mr. Castwell. I am an honest man. I am not sure what it is I have done to make you think that way, that I am a dishonest man,” Lothar answered truthfully.

“My grandmother who greeted you at the door, her cousin is related to the baroness’s late husband. She had a rather interesting conversation about your relationship. A relationship that we understand continues to this day,” Gemma’s father said in a tone that reminded him of when his own father had had been disappointed in him.

“It is true that the baroness and I are old friends and that I had thought at one time we would get married. But then it became very clear that we did not have a future together,” Lothar replied truthfully.

“Then, Your Grace, you mean to tell me that my Gemma is second choice. Do you imagine I, any father for that matter, would be content in that knowledge?” Gemma’s father said, his anger growing with every word.

“Sir, your daughter has not, and will never be second to any person, let alone another woman,” Lothar started, and the older man scoffed at his words.

No, you will hear me. Lothar thought as he too got up from his seat.

“Sir, the baroness was a first love. What I feel for Gemma, not Henny, nor any other woman can hold a candle to it,” Lothar declared.

“You have caused my family a blow to our reputation, our standing by your actions. You owe us reparations for that at the very least. More than that I need to know how my daughter will be treated, Your Grace.” Gemma’s father said.

“Sir I will always treat your daughter well. I will do my best to provide for her every need and more. Your family will have more than its original standing when Gemma is my wife,” Lothar replied.

“Your Grace, your actions have disappointed me. It has made me look as though I make poor decisions for my family’s sake,” Gemma’s father said.

“Sir, my intentions were never to cause you harm or grief. Please allow me to show you that I can be a good husband to your daughter,” Lothar replied.

“What happens when the baroness decides that she has made a mistake and does want to marry you, Your Grace?” Gemma’s father asked.

There were murmurs that broke out among those in the room. Gemma’s father walked back to his seat and spoke quietly to the other men in the room.

Are they deliberating? Lothar thought feeling out of place by all of this. Lothar was reminded of being in school and waiting to be excepted. He had the title, and he had made enough money to pay for his tuition. The final step was to be considered a good representation of the college. He had sat there years before as he was now, perspiration forming on his forehead as he tried to hear what they may have decided.

I had thought all those years ago that it would end my life not to make it onto college. I now know that it meant little compared to lose the one person you feel was made for you. He watched as Gemma’s father walked towards him with a stern expression on his face.

“Sir as I have said, the baroness is a friend and will stay that way. If she decides she wants me for a husband she will find that the position is already filled, both in my home and my heart,” Lothar replied.

Gemma’s father looked at Lothar for a moment before he spoke. He did so slowly and seemed to still be hesitant to give him any opportunity.

“We have decided to allow you the final two months, Your Grace. If by the end of that period we, or my daughter, decide that marriage will not be the conclusion, you must honor this wish.” Gemma’s father said.

Lothar nodded. “Thank you. I will prove to you and your daughter that I am worth the chance you are willing to take on me,” Lothar said with relief.

“There is one more thing, Your Grace. I have made a promise to you concerning funds I shall pay onto you after the two months are finished. Further than that our money does not come with the marriage agreement. If you love my daughter as you say you do then you will want to marry her to be with her, not her money,” Gemma’s father replied.

“I agree, sir.” Lothar replied without giving it another thought. He had heard that he would still have time with Gemma, the stipulations were not important. Gemma’s father narrowed his eyes at Lothar for a moment and then extended his hand to him. Lothar could not recall a time when he had been more thrilled to agree on terms.

The inquisition seemed to adjourn as the gentlemen started to leave the room. Lothar knew that he was exhausted and that it was sheer joy keeping him up on his feet. He got up on shaky legs and followed the men out of the room. He was led to the tea room where a fresh tray was brought in. Lothar was famished and at the same time felt unable to eat. His stomach still felt in knots.

It was right what they had all done. It is what I expect from a good family. Lothar thought as he took a steadying sip of sweet tea. He took a deep breath and felt more at ease. Then he saw Gemma and every ache and pain he had vanished into thin air.

She is worth anything or anyone I gave to go through to be with her. Lothar though as she made her way directly to him, much to his great delight.

“Good afternoon, Your Grace.” Gemma said.

“Good afternoon, My Lady. You look breathtaking,” Lothar said, as he took in her appearance. She wore a formal evening dress; the flowing silver material made her pale blue eyes almost look the same color. It held onto her trim waist yet left everything else to the imagination.

Her long, pale hair was tied in a series of braids and done in an up style that accentuated her jawline and graceful neck. Lothar had admired her beauty since the moment he had met her. Tonight she looked even more stunning than she had before as Lothar wondered if it was not because he was truly over Henny.

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 love you, 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 place that had never seemed as big or quiet before. Now every time he went home, even though his mother was there, he felt lonely.