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They bid him farewell, and as they walked back toward the village, Frederick remained silent, his thoughts swirling. He had never expected her to be so adept at handling people, much less someone as ornery as old Redding. Watching her in action had stirred up a measure of respect and a deepening curiosity to know more about her that he had not anticipated.

“You surprise me,” he said at last, breaking the silence between them.

Gemma tilted her head, looking up at him with a faint smile. “Why? Because I care about the tenants?”

He shook his head. “No, because you manage people with such ease. It is as though you have been doing it all your life.”

She gave a small laugh, glancing down. “It is something I learned by necessity, I suppose. When you have little control over your own life, you learn to make the most of what you can influence.”

Frederick’s gaze lingered on her, his admiration deepening. “Well, Redding seems to think highly of you now. He is not easily swayed.”

Gemma smiled, her eyes meeting his. “Everyone has something they need, Your Grace. Even the toughest of men.” She paused. “Perhaps, especially the toughest of men.”

CHAPTER 21

“Ah, here you both are. I trust the day was productive?” the Dowager Duchess greeted Gemma and Frederick as she left the library and carefully scrutinized the two of them.

Gemma felt a glow of quiet satisfaction. The day had gone better than she could have wished. Her suggestions regarding the orphaned boys and Redding’s farm had been remarkably well received and even praised by Frederick.

Gemma was inwardly thrilled by his compliments, and she smiled to herself as they walked inside. His soft and thoughtful gaze had lingered on her for a beat longer than expected as they had crossed the threshold, making her cheeks flush with self-consciousness.

Frederick turned to his grandmother with a light in his eyes that Gemma hadn’t seen before.

“Productive is an understatement, Grandmother. Miss Bradford managed to solve a rather delicate issue in the village. Thanks to her, Redding now has the help he has been needing, and the orphaned boys have found a home.”

Vivian’s eyes shone with pride and she turned to Gemma, her smile warm and admiring. “My dear, that is remarkable. I have heard that Mrs. Winslow took in those boys, but I had no idea things had become so difficult for her.”

Gemma’s blush deepened, her head dropping slightly. “It was a small thing. I only suggested it because it made sense to try.” She looked up, her cheeks still heated. “Mr. Redding needs the help and the boys needed somewhere to go. But it truly was nothing. Anyone could have seen the solution.”

Frederick raised an eyebrow, his tone gentle but firm. “I do not thinkanyonewould have thought of it.”

Vivian clasped her hands together, her face beaming with genuine approval. “I must agree with my grandson, Miss Bradford.”

“Well, that would be a first,” Frederick muttered under his breath.

Vivian waved her hand at him, dismissing his remark. “As I said, it is this sort of… kindness, and quick thinking that I seek in my companions, my dear. Well done, I say.”

Gemma smiled back, feeling a warmth in her chest that was almost overwhelming. It had been so long since anyone had taken note of her efforts or valued them. To receive such praise from both Frederick and the Dowager was more than she’d expected.

“Well, I certainly believe this is a cause for celebration,” Vivian declared as she clapped her hands with elation, her voice rising with delight. “My boy, you must stay for dinner. It would make the evening all the brighter.”

Frederick paused, his hesitation momentarily dimming his expression. “I have responsibilities at Blackridge, Grandmother. I had planned to return this evening.”

Vivian fixed him with a look that brooked no refusal, one eyebrow arching in gentle reprimand. “Come now, Frederick. There is no harm in taking one evening off. Besides, I have already sent word to the kitchen to prepare something special.” Her gaze softened as she spoke, and she added lightly, “you are already here, dear. Stay and enjoy yourself for once.”

Gemma held her breath. She was far too invested in his answer to move or breathe. She willed him to agree to stay.

The thought of spending a relaxing evening with him in the warmth of the manor’s dining hall made her heart soar to an altitude she couldn’t ignore.

Finally, Frederick relented, his expression relaxing as he glanced at Gemma and back to his grandmother. “Very well. If you insist,Grandmother. But I shall return to Blackridge tomorrow at first light.”

Vivian’s eyes sparkled with triumph, and she motioned for them both to follow her deeper into the library as she rang for a maid to bring some refreshments. “It is settled then! Let us sit for a drink and enjoy a few moments together before we dress for dinner.”

When the maid returned with glasses of rich, fragrant port, Vivian lifted hers in a toast, her eyes and smile both warm and appreciative. “To Gemma for her kindness, her quick thinking, and the gift she has shared with our village today.”

Frederick raised his glass, his gaze resting on Gemma with an intensity that made her feel both delighted and bashful.

“To Gemma,” he echoed.