Chapter 26

CHAPTER 26

“ N ewfield, you’ll be useful yet!” Frederick quipped, handing Andrew the fishing rods.

Andrew Newfield set about unloading baskets and blankets. The earl raised an eyebrow at Frederick’s words, feigning insult.

The warmth of the late afternoon sun spilled across the glen, lighting up the greenery and casting a gentle glow over the brook that wound through their picnic spot.

Gemma, settled comfortably on a plaid blanket, smiled at Frederick as Vivian, watching from her cushioned seat, offered guidance to them with an air of authority.

Gemma had carefully planned the day, which included a picnic, fishing, and a spot of hunting. The gentlemen were as visibly excited as children with new toys.

“Useful? My dear Blackridge, I am nothing if not the glue that holds this entire outing together,” Andrew replied, his tone light and his eyes twinkling. “Besides, without my charming company, how would you survive your grandmother’s meticulous scheming?”

Vivian chuckled at this, barely hiding her amusement. “If I am a schemer, Lord Newfield, it is only because I can recognize a good match when I see one.”

Gemma’s cheeks warmed, though she hid her blush with a polite smile, finding herself entirely entertained by the trio’s banter.

She had grown to appreciate Andrew’s presence. He had a way of keeping Frederick lighthearted and bringing out a side of him she hadn’t often seen. Frederick was serious by nature, and that only dissipated when Andrew was around.

Andrew gave Gemma a sidelong grin as he set the rods in place by the stream. “Tell me, Miss Bradford, have you ever fished before?”

“Once or twice,” Gemma replied, settling next to him with an interested look. “But I do not think I was very successful.”

“Then we will remedy that today,” he declared confidently, preparing the bait with exaggerated skill. “Fishing is really about patience, calmness… and, of course, the ability to distract the fish by talking their ears off.”

“Scaring them away entirely,” Frederick chimed in dryly, earning an amused eye roll from his friend.

Vivian reclined in her seat, clearly content. “I cannot think of a better way to spend a day. Nature, good company, and sunshine…what more could we ask for?”

Andrew cast a wink in Gemma’s direction as he tossed his line into the water. “I am clearly the main attraction here. Imagine for a moment if you would, Miss Bradford, how dull this would all be without me.”

“Oh, indeed, Lord Newfield,” Gemma played along, her laughter ringing through the glen. “We would be mired in His Grace’s solemn silence, and I do not believe that we would be able to endure it.”

Frederick scoffed, though his lips curved into a small smile. “Let it be known that my silence is a choice; one I rarely make around you, I might add.”

“See?” Andrew grinned, gesturing toward Frederick. “There is hope for him yet. Though tomorrow, Miss Bradford, we shall really see if he is any good out in nature. I have roped him into a hunt.”

“Oh, have you?” Gemma’s curiosity was piqued as she looked to Frederick. “I did not know that you hunted.”

Frederick gave a slight nod. “I have been known to go hunting every now and then, though only when I can convince myself that it is worth the early rise.”

Andrew laughed. “He tries to sound noble, but the truth is, Blackridge can barely stand to rise before noon. But, as he has been dutifully attending these social events as of late, I felt he owed me the pleasure of his company and a hunt.”

“It is the least I can do after watching you suffer through four balls in two weeks,” Frederick said, casting his line into the brook. “If it was not for Grandmother’s plotting, I doubt I would have been in attendance and could have saved you from the same fate.”

“Oh, do not be so dramatic, Freddie,” Vivian teased, her smile warm. “Your friend Andrew is a dear for putting up with you at all.”

“Freddie?” Gemma echoed, and Frederick glared at her.

Do not even think of calling me that , Frederick silently communicated to Gemma.

Gemma merely smirked at him, which told him all he needed to know.

As they settled by the brook, each casting a line, Andrew grinned, clearly in his element as he launched into his tales.

“So, you will love this one,” he said, leaning slightly toward Gemma and Frederick. “Just last month, I was out riding near Sedgewood, minding my own business, when I came across a very cross-looking sheep in the middle of the road. I had never seen a creature more displeased with the world. So, naturally, I tried to guide it off the path, but the thing charged at me like a bull!”

Frederick raised an eyebrow. “A charging sheep, Newfield? I am sure it was all of a mild trot.”

“No, I swear! It was like the spirit of a bull had entered its woolly body.” Andrew clutched his chest dramatically. “I barely escaped with my life. My horse got a fright, tossed me off, and bolted back down the road, leaving me to fend for myself.”

Gemma laughed, a hand to her mouth. “And here I was thinking hunting would be the only danger you faced in the countryside.”

“Oh, hunting has its own hazards,” Andrew replied with a grin. “There was the incident with the pheasant, if you will recall, Blackridge.”

Frederick chuckled, nodding. “Ah, yes, the infamous pheasant.”

Andrew leaned in, casting a sly glance towards Gemma and Vivian. “Picture this. I am poised, ready to fire at a fine bird perched in the trees, waiting for the perfect shot. I aim and I fire, only for the wretched creature to swoop down and, I swear, aim right for my head as though seeking revenge!”

The Dowager gasped, half-laughing. “Did it strike you?”

“It was close!” Andrew replied, eyes wide with mock horror. “Feathers everywhere. I may have let out a rather unmanly squeal, which our dear Freddie here has never let me live down.”

Frederick shook his head, a bemused smile playing on his lips. “If I remember correctly, you shouted something about being ‘pursued by a feathered beast of vengeance.’”

Gemma laughed heartily, her eyes gleaming with mirth. “I do not think I have ever heard of such brave and daring hunts, Lord Newfield.”

Andrew shrugged, a grin spreading across his face.

“What can I say? Some men face bears and wolves. I face cantankerous sheep and furious pheasants. No one ever warned me about the hazards of the English countryside!”

Frederick shook his head, stifling another laugh. “One day I am certain you will be famous, Newfield. The man who defended England from the invasion of the poultry.”

Andrew joined in the laughter, feigning offense. “Well, when I am a hero in the annals of country lore, you will all be begging me to tell these stories again!”

They continued fishing, laughter filling the quiet air as Andrew recounted even more of his mis adventures. From the incident where he nearly fell off a cliff trying to save a lost hat to the time he convinced a neighboring lord’s prized hound to follow him home, only to be chased half a mile when the owner came looking for it. Each story grew wilder, prompting fresh rounds of laughter from his friends.

“Ah, close calls make the best memories,” he declared, attempting to pull his line in only to wobble dangerously at the edge of the bank.

“Steady there, Newfield,” Frederick said, unable to suppress a grin. “This is not the first time I have had to keep you from tumbling headfirst into a river.”

Andrew only chuckled, shrugging. “A close call is all the more memorable, my friend.”

Vivian sighed, her gaze settling contentedly on the scene playing out before her. “Fishing or hunting, I do wish the two of you could enjoy your time together more often. It is clear you are both happiest when in one another’s company.”

“I am afraid Frederick only tolerates me, Your Grace,” Andrew replied, feigning a look of distress. “But I like to think I bring out the best in him.”

Frederick gave a small chuckle. “You most certainly bring out something,” he replied, his voice warmed by his obvious affection for his friend.

They passed the rest of the afternoon in pleasant conversation and laughter, occasionally catching small fish that they released back into the stream.

The sunlight grew softer, casting a golden hue across the glen as they finally set aside their fishing rods and opened the baskets of food.

Gemma’s stomach growled.

Thankfully, the Dowager had instructed the maids to pack them a delightful array of treats. They had small sandwiches, fresh berries and sweet pastries, all carefully chosen for their outing.

As they ate, Lord Newfield leaned back, his gaze thoughtful.

“Miss Bradford, I do not suppose you will be joining the marriage mart this year?” he asked, his tone curious rather than teasing.

Gemma shook her head with a faint smile. “I am afraid marriage is not in my plans, my lord. I would much rather focus on building something of my own, perhaps a life of purpose… much like what Her Grace has created here.”

“A wise choice,” Frederick murmured, his gaze meeting hers with quiet understanding.

“Indeed,” Vivian added approvingly, her voice kind. “Marriage is not the only path open to a woman. If it is a life of purpose that you desire, Gemma, I can see you doing remarkable things.”

Touched by the Dowager’s words, Gemma nodded thoughtfully. She could see herself someday becoming a woman like Vivian; strong, independent and committed to helping those in need.

As the sun dropped lower in the sky, Frederick turned to Andrew with a wicked glint in his eyes. “And you, Newfield, are you truly planning to join me tomorrow morning for hunting?”

“Oh, without question,” Andrew replied, clapping a hand on Frederick’s shoulder. “Provided you manage to drag yourself out of bed, that is.”

“I think you will find me a rather competent hunter,” Frederick said, rising to the challenge, a rare playful light in his eyes.

“Ah, we shall see about that,” Andrew replied, smirking.

The two exchanged a look of camaraderie, their shared laughter echoing through the glen.

As they packed up to begin the walk back to the manor, Gemma looked around the glen one last time.

It was truly a place of quiet freedom; a memory she would cherish. She knew that she would leave here with not only warm memories, but a new sense of purpose. One that she hoped would lead her toward a future as bright as the sunlight filtering through the trees.

However, it would be a future without Frederick, and her heart sank at the thought.