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Gemma couldn’t help but smile at that.

And for the first time since her arrival, she allowed herself to hope that maybe—justmaybe—she could find a way forward here.

CHAPTER 7

“Good morning, Miss. Can I help you with anything?” a maid asked when she noticed Gemma lingering at the door of the breakfast hall.

Gemma glanced around. “Where is everyone?” she asked, her tone laced with uncertainty. “The Duke and the Dowager Duchess?”

The large room was silent, the long table set with an extravagant spread, yet there was not a soul in sight. She had stood in the entrance, unsure of whether she should sit and eat alone or wait for someone to join her.

The maid gave a polite smile. “His Grace always takes his breakfast in his study, miss. He prefers to dine in silence. As for the Dowager, she is not an early riser, and likes to take her tea in her chambers.”

“Oh,” Gemma muttered, nodding as the information sank in. “Thank you.”

The maid curtsied and continued on her way, leaving Gemma standing in the stillness of the grand hall.

She frowned as a knot tightened in her stomach. If she wanted to stay longer—if sheneededto stay longer—Frederick would have to soften towards her.

Her mind was still racing from the quarrel with Frederick the night before. The tension between them had simmered to the point of near combustion, and she knew she couldn’t afford to antagonize him any further. If she was going to survive here, at least for now, she would need to tread carefully.

Last night’s argument, while invigorating in its own way, hadn’t done her any favors. She had to find a way to make amends, or, at the very least, get in his good graces for now.

A decision formed in her mind. Before she could second-guess herself she walked purposefully toward Frederick’s study.

The corridors of the house were quiet, except for the occasional sound of servants’ footsteps as they went about their morning duties. Gemma’s heart quickened as she approached the heavy oak door of the Duke’s domain at the end of the hall. She paused for a moment, gathering her courage.

Then, with a sharp intake of breath, she knocked.

There was a brief silence before a low, steady voice beckoned from within, “Enter.”

Gemma turned the handle and stepped inside. The study was dimly lit by the morning light that streamed in through the tall windows, casting long shadows over the shelves of books and the large desk that dominated the room.

Frederick sat behind it, his brow furrowed in concentration as he scanned a document. His dark hair was slightly disheveled and the sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his elbows, giving him an air of casual authority.

He glanced up as she entered, his expression unreadable, though a flicker of surprise crossed his face when he saw her.

Gemma felt a self-conscious warmth spread across her cheeks as he scanned her from head to toe.

“Miss Bradford,” the Duke greeted her, his voice calm but cool. “What brings you to my study so early?”

Gemma straightened her back, determined not to let her nerves show. “I wanted to thank you, Your Grace,” she began, her voice steady despite the tension in the air. “For allowing me to stay the night, despite… the circumstances.”

Frederick leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened.

“I was not about to throw you out into the night,” he said, his tone guarded. “But that does not mean you are free to stay as long as you wish.”

“I understand,” Gemma replied quickly, her heart sinking a little at his words.

She wasn’t expecting a warm welcome, but his bluntness stung more than she’d anticipated.

Unfazed, she continued. “I have no intention of overstaying my welcome.” She paused, then added, “I also wanted to apologize. I realize I may have come across as… difficult last night.”

Frederick raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by her choice of words. “Difficult is one way of putting it.”

Gemma felt a spark of irritation at his tone but repressed it.

“After the convent… I mean, well, I do not revel in being told what to do,” she admitted, a hint of defiance slipping into her voice. “But I am not here to cause trouble. I am only requesting safe and temporary shelter. I’m grateful for your kindness, truly.”