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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.

CHAPTER 24

“Frederick! I was beginning to think you were avoiding us altogether, dear boy. Imagine my surprise,” Vivian teased, “to see you attend a social function of your own accord.”

After being forced to listen to the Earl of Atherton drone on about trade and recent developments in the county’s crop yields he had extricated himself from the conversation and made his way over to his grandmother and Gemma.

Frederick couldn’t help but grin. “And disappoint you, Grandmother? Impossible,” he replied, leaning down to kiss her hand. “Besides, I believe you said it was my duty to enjoy the company of my peers more frequently.”

“That I did,” she agreed with a pleased nod. “And do you not think it is high time you took to the dance floor? Far too many ladies in this room could use a decent partner.”

Frederick hesitated, but before he could respond the earl joined them and immediately seconded the Dowager’s suggestion with a glint in his eye. “Dancing always loosens one’s nerves, Your Grace. I am sure my young wife would be delighted.”

Frederick cringed inwardly, but his grandmother, quick as ever, interrupted. “Nonsense! You have dragged Frederick here against his will, Atherton—let him dance with someone he actually enjoys.” She looked pointedly at Gemma.

Gemma.

The golden light from the chandeliers fell upon her like a spotlight, illuminating the soft greens and delicate floral designs on her gown, making her appear as though she was part of a woodland fantasy.

Her wide, bright eyes met his for only the briefest of moments, but a surge of primal need immediately drew him to her.

He’d barely thought of anything else since their last night together. He had been too occupied replaying each moment, each heated glance and every touch.

He wanted her so fiercely that he wondered if he was losing his mind.