Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

“ G ood morning, Miss Bradford. You slept quite late—is all well?” the chambermaid said lightly.

A gentle knock at the door brought Gemma back from the depths of her slumber.

She sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes as the chambermaid entered, looking mildly concerned.

Gemma had crept back into her own chamber during the earliest hours of the morning, carefully avoiding any servants who might be about that early.

“Oh, yes, perfectly fine,” Gemma smiled reassuringly. “Just a little too much wine at dinner, I think. And, well… His Grace and I stayed up far too late talking.”

It had been… an unforgettable night.

Her thoughts drifted to the way he had touched her, as though she was something precious and fierce all at once. Though she knew a shadow of guilt should be hovering over her—it had been drilled into her mind that only a husband should know her in such a way—she felt nothing of the sort. Instead, there was a quiet satisfaction in knowing she had tasted life on her own terms.

A small, daring smile crept over her lips.

She had made her choice, and Frederick had seemed to understand that without her saying a word.

She only hoped he understood what that meant going forward, for she was not looking for promises, only for the feeling of freedom.

The chambermaid nodded knowingly, her brow clearing. “It is no surprise, then. His Grace woke late too and had just a quick breakfast before he took his leave.”

Gemma’s stomach fluttered in disappointment, but she gave a casual nod, hoping it didn’t show on her face. “Ah, I see. Did he mention where he was off to?”

“Back to Blackridge, miss. I believe there was a bit of business needing his attention.” The maid stoked the fire, making the room a little warmer as Gemma swallowed her sadness.

Of course he has responsibilities.

Perhaps it was best that he had left. She didn’t want him to think she was expecting anything in the wake of their tryst. She’d wanted a night of freedom and passion and that was precisely what she had received.

With a sigh she rose from her bed, allowing the maid to help her into one of her simpler dresses. She smoothed the fabric, giving herself a final look in the mirror before heading down to the dining room, her stomach reminding her that she’d skipped dinner the previous evening.

The dining room was empty, but there were fresh rolls, fruit and a pot of tea waiting. Gemma selected a piece of bread and a bit of fruit, savoring the sweetness as she let her mind wander.

Last night’s kisses, the way Frederick’s hands had felt warm and sure on her skin, and the unfamiliar soreness that lay deep within her heightened the memory. Gemma blushed and smiled to herself.

The room’s quiet was interrupted by the sound of the Dowager Duchess’ footsteps as she swept into the room. The lady looked pleased, her eyes brightening as she caught sight of Gemma.

“There you are, my dear,” she greeted, settling into the chair beside her. “I was hoping you were feeling well enough this morning. I had not wanted to wake you.”

Gemma swallowed, smiling warmly. “Oh, I am perfectly fine, truly. I just… slept a bit late.”

Vivian chuckled. “A sign of a pleasant evening, I would say. And good because I was hoping you would agree to accompany me to a ball tonight.”

“Another ball?” Gemma’s brows lifted.

Although the recollection of the ladies who had interrogated her made her stomach clench, the possibility that Frederick would be there lessened her anxiety.

“Of course, I would be happy to go. Is it nearby?” she added.

“Yes, just a half-hour’s ride.” Vivian chuckled. “The earl hosting it has been very eager to curry favor with Frederick, and though my grandson detests balls, the nobility around here never seems to tire of inviting him. Now, do not misunderstand me. I am sure that he enjoys them well enough, but the prospect of eager mothers and debutantes tends to send him into a sour mood.”

Gemma laughed. “I can imagine. In my opinion, balls are not at all tedious. Meeting new people can be… distracting, even entertaining.”

Vivian nodded, her eyes twinkling. “Yes, there is much to see when people are at their most polished. And you, my dear, are exactly the breath of fresh air they need. You will bring something new and genuine to the affair.”

Gemma felt herself blushing and concealed her smile by nibbling on a roll. Her thoughts kept slipping back to Frederick and the possibility that she would see him again that evening.

It would be one thing to see him among the members of the ton, but quite another to act as though she didn’t remember every detail of the night they’d just spent together.

“Are you sure you have had enough breakfast?” Vivian’s voice pulled her back to the present, her brows knitted with concern as she looked at Gemma’s nearly untouched plate.

“Oh, yes,” Gemma replied, covering her amusement with a sip of tea. “I have had plenty, truly.”

Vivian nodded with a slight smile on her lips as she regarded Gemma. “Well then, I thought we might go for a little walk around the grounds. It is a lovely morning, and I was hoping to check on the gardens.”

“I would like that very much,” Gemma replied, feeling her spirits lift.

She took a final sip of tea, grabbed a fresh roll to bring with her on their walk, and linked her arm with Vivian’s as they left the dining room.

Outside, the morning was crisp, the sun soft and bright over the dewy grass. They strolled along the gravel paths, passing rows of late-blooming flowers in shades of amber, blush and violet. Gemma inhaled the aroma of the earth and the flowers, the pureness of their scents cleansing her mind and brightening her mood.

“I must say, Gemma,” Vivian began, watching her with an approving gaze, “you have adapted well to life here. It is as if you have always been one with our northern parts.”

“It feels like home,” Gemma admitted, smiling down at the gravel path. She hesitated, then added, “Your kindness and… understanding have made all the difference. I cannot say that I expected to feel so welcome.”

Vivian’s expression softened. “You are always welcome here, Gemma. And I have to say… you and my grandson make an interesting pair.”

Gemma’s cheeks reddened but she kept her tone light. “I imagine Frederick does not consider himself the type to be paired with anyone.”

Vivian laughed softly. “Indeed, but he might surprise himself. Just as he might surprise others. And that is something worth waiting to see.”

They walked a while longer, talking about the flowers and the season, but Gemma’s mind kept drifting to the evening ahead. She tried to quiet her bubbling anticipation and reminded herself to be patient, but she couldn’t help but hope Frederick would be there, and that their next meeting would carry the same thrill as their last.

The carriage jostled slightly as it wound along the narrow road and the twilight deepened around them.

Gemma adjusted the folds of her dress as the warm glow of lanterns from the carriage lit the soft green and golden hues woven into her gown. Delicate embroidery traced leaf-like patterns along the bodice and trailed down her sleeves, adding an air of understated elegance to the dress. Small, fragrant flowers had been woven into her hair by her maid, creating a halo of blooms nestled among her dark curls.

Vivian, sitting across from her, smiled approvingly. “You look enchanting, my dear. The flowers in your hair are a beautiful touch.”

Vivian wore a deep forest green dress, her own nod to the evening’s theme, while Gemma’s was a lighter, almost ethereal shade, blending soft olive and ivory tones.

Gemma’s cheeks colored and she glanced down, brushing a finger over one of the leaf patterns on her sleeve. “Thank you. It was a rather… whimsical decision,” she admitted with a soft laugh. “Though I do wonder why they chose such a broad theme as nature.”

Vivian chuckled. “The countess has always favored the outdoors and felt it fitting for the season. It may be a rather generic theme, but it is charming in its own way. And tonight, everyone will be part of the décor. Living, breathing art.”

As they swayed with the rhythm of the carriage, the landscape opened up before them and a small bridge loomed ahead.

Gemma could see the lantern-lit pathway beyond the bridge casting a gentle glow on the aged stone walls of the manor that awaited them. Shadows danced over ivy-covered arches and windowsills, giving the structure a timeless, almost enchanted feel. Light spilled from tall, mullioned windows, hinting at the lively scene within. As the carriage rolled closer, the soft murmur of music floated out to greet them.

“Enchanting,” Gemma murmured, unable to take her eyes off the ivy-wreathed manor that seemed both stately and welcoming.

“I thought you would appreciate it,” Vivian replied, a satisfied smile touching her lips. “The earl’s family has been here for generations, and he is quite proud of the estate’s history. In his younger years, he was an avid traveler, but he always claimed there was nowhere he loved more than his home.”

The carriage drew to a halt and the footmen helped them step down, adjusting their cloaks as the cool evening air drifted over them.

She felt as though she’d stepped into another world, one where she could both blend into the scene and stand out as a singular part of it.

Inside, the sound of laughter, music and mingling voices grew louder. The ballroom awaited them at the end of a short, elegantly decorated corridor. When they reached it, an attendant announced their arrival, and all eyes turned toward them.

Gemma straightened, heart fluttering at the sudden attention. She felt the familiar surge of discomfort as whispers and glances settled on her.

However, Vivian’s presence at her side was steadying, and Gemma found herself taking a calming breath, her shoulders easing as she surveyed the room.

A servant passed by, offering her a glass of champagne from a silver tray. She accepted it gratefully, hoping it might lend her an added touch of courage for the evening that lay ahead.

As she sipped her drink a handsome couple approached, their expressions radiating warmth and hospitality.

“Gemma,” the Dowager Duchess said, turning with a gracious smile, “allow me to introduce the Earl and Countess of Atherton, our hosts for the evening.”

The countess, an elegant woman in her early fifties, reached out to clasp Gemma’s hand warmly. “Miss Bradford, we are honored to finally meet you. The Dowager Duchess has spoken of you with such fondness.”

Gemma felt herself blush. “Thank you, Lady Atherton. It is a pleasure to be here, and I am grateful for your hospitality.”

The earl, a silver-haired gentleman with a dignified but kind expression, inclined his head. “Miss Bradford, your dress is absolutely perfect. The detail is remarkable,” he noted, gesturing to the finely embroidered leaves and blossoms. “I see that you have embraced the theme beautifully and I commend you on your exquisite taste.”

“It was too lovely an opportunity to resist,” Gemma replied, smiling. “Nature has always been close to my heart, and I could not help but indulge for the occasion.”

“And we are all the better for it,” the countess interjected, her eyes warm as she admired Gemma’s attire.

As Vivian and the countess engaged in conversation, Gemma took the opportunity to admire the lively scene before her. She felt a rush of excitement for the night ahead as a flicker of anticipation curled in her chest.

She wondered if Frederick would make an appearance. It had been only one day since their last, passionate encounter, but he had a way of lingering in her thoughts.

The countess caught her thoughtful look, mistaking it for admiration of the decor.

“Ah, a beautiful scene, is it not?” she said, smiling. “The natural beauty of the world around us has always been a source of comfort to me, and I hoped it might provide the same for our guests tonight.”

“It is enchanting,” Gemma agreed, her tone sincere. “I feel as though I have stepped into a woodland dream.”

The count chuckled, raising his glass in agreement. “Then my wife has achieved precisely what she had hoped for. I do hope you will make yourself at home here tonight, Miss Bradford.”

Gemma’s heart warmed at his words, and as she smiled, she knew she would carry this evening with her.

Tonight, she felt both a part of this world and separate from it, free to be an observer and a participant in her own right.

And as she took another sip of her drink she wondered how the evening would unfold, the possibilities glimmering before her as brightly as the lights that surrounded her.