Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Gemma was surprised by how slowly the day had gone by. Lothar had asked her if he could call around noon. She had tried to keep herself busy with garden work and had made good progress with the new land. Gemma had suggested that they incorporate both her and her father’s ideas into the planning of the new land her father had acquired.

Half of the land had been cleared of the wild grass and trees, and was now leased by tenants. All crops grown on their land would be shared in part with the Castwells. Furthermore, the rest of their unleased land would be used for crops as well, both to sustain their family and still have enough to sell in the market. It was a way of doing things that would grow their investment by saving money and bringing in more.

You have to be strong when he comes here today. It does no good for him to see how much you have missed him. Gemma thought as she checked on the seedlings. The winter that had been slowly creeping in was already bitterly cold.

“I would have thought that we had at least a few weeks to get these crops strong enough for the coming cold. Now I am not even sure we will have any to plant,” Gemma said with worry as she hunkered down to inspect the tiny plants that already looked weakened by the frost.

“This weather is rather unusual. It has not been this cold in nearly twenty years,” her father said as he stood with one hand to his hip and the other scratching his forehead thoughtfully.

“It could just be another difficult winter. However I did hear that a volcanic eruption last year had caused weather changes worldwide. There had been a whole page in the papers dedicated to covering it. It very well may be that we are only now starting to feel the effects thereof,” Gemma said gravely.

“Forgive me but I do not see how a volcano somewhere on the other side of the world could be making our weather cold,” her father replied with a frown.

“It is quite fascinating actually, “Gemma said as she got to her feet and dusted the soil from her hands. “Mount Tambora’s eruption was the biggest in centuries. It has to do with the fact that the volcano had thrown so much dust and ash into the air that it had covered the air in a cloud that reached for miles and miles.

Of course we might not have any of the dust or gas here, yet the effects can be felt the world over. They wrote from places like Ireland and America, stating a harsh winter that depleted crops. Why, people even froze to death, it was quite serious,” Gemma explained and as usual she found herself running away with the topic. She loved knowledge, knowing what events happened and how it affected nature and people.

“That is interesting, I had no idea. Do you have any ideas on what we can do about it?” her father asked looking on the point of panic.

“We could look into crops that do better in very cold climates. It will take long to get here granted, though I feel that while other land owners may have healthy plants before we have even planted, ours will make it to harvest.”

“Do you think it will work, dear?” her father asked.

“I have no doubt, father. I think if we work hard, we will see it all come to fruition,” Gemma answered.

“Well you have not let us down dear. Do you think it may be time for breakfast yet?” her father asked.

“We must actually begin preparations for a time when food will be scarce,” Gemma continued on, then realized he’d asked her another question.

“Right, I am going to see if it is perhaps time for tea, as I am not sure about breakfast. While I am inside, I shall speak to cook.” She then switched her focus again. “We should start keeping more quantities of food that can be stored for winter,” Gemma said emphatically, and was off towards the house.

Mother and I will have to make body blankets for the horses, Gemma thought as she made her way around the estate to the back entrance. It was where the servants would come and go as they performed their duties and was the quickest route to the kitchen. Once Gemma had made a list of what cook would be able to store for months. She handed one copy to Cook and held onto another.

“We have got to steer clear of food items that can get spoiled quickly. We need to focus on saving money were we can. I have a feeling that basic items will go up in price during winter,” Gemma explained as cook nodded enthusiastically. Cook was a neat, friendly lady. Her robust form was evidence of her fine culinary skills.

“Is there word of a famine, ma’am?” Cook asked.

“It is not so much that there is word as it seems the cold will be severe this year,” Gemma replied and noticed that cook’s eyes had glazed over. “Winter has been harsh in other parts of the world, it stands to reason that when our time comes, it will be just as harsh.”

Cook seemed to understand this more and left to stir the pots and put more logs on the fire that burned red-hot in the wood stove.

I must be certain the children are warm enough and that their wood stored up will be enough, Gemma thought as she folded the list she and Cook had made and put it in the inside pocket of her coat. The wind had started to blow an icy chill after she had been out in the fields with her father earlier. The temperature had dropped noticeably and had given Gemma the resolve to prepare better for the coming cold.

Gemma went to the main house to retrieve the knitted clothing she and her mother had made the children. The very thought of the children not being warm enough was too much for her to stand, she had to be sure they would not get sick. She packed their clothes with care into a basket and added a few dolls and teddy bears she had made for them.

No child should go without their very own toy, Gemma thought.

She left to go see the children the moment she was satisfied with the basket she had packed.

I should be able to visit for a while before it is time for Lothar to call. That is if he does call. Gemma wished she could forget about the man. She was almost equally as annoyed by him as she was missing him.

Gemma found the children all playing outside. They ran to her when Tess was once again the first one to see her. Gemma put the basket down knowing she would soon end up wrestled to the ground by their hugs.

“Good morning!” Gemma said as they surrounded her.

“Did you bring more sweets?” Tess asked.

“Now, now children. Let Miss Gemma breathe.” Simone said as she came over to give Gemma a brief embrace as well.

“How are you?” Gemma asked Simone.

“Enjoying what seems to be a fading sun. Otherwise we are well, how are you, ma’ am?” Simone replied.

“I am well, thank you and I did, in fact bring sweets,” Gemma replied with a grin.

“The children will be glad to hear that, ma’am.” Simone said.

“Do you think they would be glad to visit us at the estate.” Simone’s eyes went wide, and she smiled a bright smile.

“Oh they would absolutely love that, ma’am!” Simone exclaimed.

“Really? Are you sure?” Gemma asked, her voice edged with doubt.

“Oh, yes ma’am. They have been speaking about wanting to see where you live for the longest time now. I think they are curious… as children are, ma’am.” Simone explained.

“I am happy to hear that. My mother misses the children and has wanted to see them. She has difficulty with her knees and at times she can barely move her hands,” Gemma said, as she fought an unexpected tightness in her throat. She had always loved her mother deeply, now that she seemed to be getting weaker, it stung a little longer to think of the fact that her mother was getting frail.

“I am so sorry to hear that, ma’am. My father had the same issues with his joints. I remember days he could barely move.” Simone responded quietly.

“It is a cruel thing, illness and age,” Gemma said, feeling rather saddened.

“Shall we go in with the children, ma’am? It seems the wind has become even colder.” Simone asked.

“It is a good thing that I have brought warm clothes with me for the children,” Gemma said, feeling uplifted.

“I do not know what we would do without you, ma’am,” Simone said as she went about getting the children together from their various play areas.

Gemma marveled at how easily Simone was able to calmly call the children to stop play.

“Now children do not sound so disheartened. Miss Gemma and her mother have been kind enough to make you all lovely new clothes.” Simone said and returned their smiles and giggles of excitement.

“They are warm I am sure, let us see how they fit,” Gemma said, as she handed each child their own parcel. Each child took their time in opening theirs, all except for Tess who tore the brown paper to pieces in her pursuit of her gift.

“It is pink!” Tess exclaimed as she lifted the knitted bunny rabbit to her face.

“Have you ever seen a pink bunny?” Gemma asked as she went down to her eye level.

“No never, I love it so much thank you!” Tess exclaimed as she flew into Gemma’s arms.

“I am so glad that you like it. My mama insisted upon buying a very special wool to make this one,” Gemma told Tess with pride.

“Can I pweeze make your mommy a drawing, miss Gemma? I would like to thank her.” Tess asked earnestly.

“Tess that would mean so very much to her. How would you like to give her the letter yourself?” Gemma asked.

“Really? May I?” Tess asked excitedly.

“Of course and soon. Best you start that drawing, then you can come visit. One more thing,” Gemma added and put her hand into her jacket pocket. When she took her hand out again, she had something closed in her fist. Tess knew this game well. She had to try and guess what Gemma had in her hand.

“A sweet?” Tess said hopefully.

“Close enough,” Gemma replied as she opened her hand to reveal a piece of candy and a tiny pencil. “I thought you may have an easier time learning to write and to draw with. You seemed to struggle with a bigger one,” Gemma said, with a grin as Tess inspected the pencil as though it had magical properties.

“Thank you so much. And for the clothes and the bunny too.” Tess said.

“You are most welcome. Do you think your clothes will fit well?” Gemma asked and Tess nodded with great enthusiasm.

Gemma checked on the other children asking them questions about their interests and how their learning was going. Soon Gemma reluctantly broke away from her visit to prepare in case Lothar did call at noon as he had said he would.

It is a strange situation indeed. I am thrilled he wants to court me as he is the only man I have taken an interest in. Yet, now that he has made his intentions clear, they come with the bitter knowledge that he has more of an attraction to my family’s money. I must remain firm and do all I can to repel him, Gemma thought as she marched home with purpose.

When Gemma reached the main house, she could see a carriage approach from the main gate. She both hoped that it was Lothar as she simultaneously hoped it was not.

It would be better if he would simply stay away. Abandon this ridiculous endeavor and see that you cannot expect me to want to marry you when I do not want marriage all together. Gemma thought as she put a hand to her temple. The tension from the situation was starting to affect her. She had been experiencing many more headaches since Lothar had been here to ask for permission to court her.

I would have said yes if only you had wanted me alone and not what lines your pockets when we are wed! Gemma thought and shook her head. A small part of her could not truly believe Lothar would think that way. He had shown such love and care when he had spoken about his sisters at the stationers. Money does do the strangest things even to the most sound of mind people.

Gemma arrived at the estate to see that it was in fact Lothar’s carriage that had stopped at the main house. She made her way to her quarters to change and wash up before greeting her guest.

“Good day, My lady. You look more beautiful each day.” Lothar greeted Gemma as she walked into the tea room.

“Well then perhaps you should return in a few weeks, I should be ravishing by then, Your Grace,” Gemma said more sharply than she had intended.

“My Lady I apologize for being late,” Ashley said as she entered the room looking flushed and out of breath.

“It is quite alright, Ashley. There was no need to cause yourself so much distress,” Gemma said gently and then looked to Lothar.

“I do adore your sense of humor, My lady,” Lothar responded.

My Lady, is it? Already belong to you do I? We shall see about that! Gemma’s mind raced.

Moments passed and the room buzzed with silence.

“I find this year’s winter is cold rather early, My Lady. What do you think?” Lothar asked with a smile.

Oh you do not want to know what are in my thoughts! Gemma thought as kitchen staff delivered a tea tray with eats.

“It is very cold, Your Grace,” Gemma responded plainly.

“How is your writing going, My Lady?” Lothar asked and it almost seemed as though he was truly interested.

“It is going rather well, thank you Your Grace. I wonder, I believe your sister writes as well?” Gemma asked.

“Yes, My Lady. She is very talented,” Lothar said with obvious pride.

“Perhaps then, Your Grace, she would be interested in getting her work published? I find it very rewarding to know my writing is being read by a number of people,” Gemma said, forgetting to be as boring as possible and getting wrapped up in her enthusiasm for one of her greatest passions.

“I do not think that is a good idea, My Lady,” Lothar replied.

“Why ever not, Your Grace?” Gemma asked.

“Well, My Lady. Her poetry is very good but having it published will give her ideas of having a career instead of what she should be focusing on,” Lothar explained.

“And what is it she should be focusing on?” Gemma asked feeling anger prickle down her spine at the answer she was almost convinced she would get.

“Marriage of course. She needs to focus on being a good wife and mother. Poetry is a hobby and should stay that way,” Lothar replied.

Gemma felt as though she wanted to strike him, knock some common sense into the man.

I can never marry this man! He stands for everything I stand against and will never allow me to be myself! I will not give up the things I love to have a husband. I will never marry you Lothar Howard!