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“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 hopedwould 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.

CHAPTER 27

“Iquite enjoyed that,” Vivian remarked, smiling as she looked out the carriage window. “Lady Somerville never disappoints with her gatherings.”

“She certainly has a talent for bringing people together,” Gemma agreed, still savoring the lightheartedness of the afternoon. “It was lovely. And it is always good to become familiar with the local society.”

Vivian gave her a knowing smile. “And you managed quite well with all the attention, Gemma. I must say, you handled Lord Cunningham with grace. But I could not help noticing that someone else seemed quite captivated with you.”

“Who do you mean?” Gemma asked, playing coy even as a knowing smile tugged at her lips.

“Frederick, of course.” Vivian chuckled softly. “My dear, he may try to hide it, but everyone could see how he watched you today.”

A soft blush colored Gemma’s cheeks as she shook her head. “Vivian, I think you are reading into things. He was simply being polite.”

“Oh, I know Frederick well enough to recognize that particular look. It is not out of politeness, Gemma. There is something genuine there, whether he admits to it or not.”

Gemma hesitated as her thoughts tangled together.

There was no denying that Frederick’s attention stirred something in her, something she tried extremely hard to ignore, but she was aware of the reality of their situation. Soon, they would each return to their respective paths, and the connection they had shared—whatever it was—would come to a rest in the quiet arms of Vivian’s estate.

“Perhaps,” Gemma replied softly. “But His Grace has his own plans, as do I.”

Vivian’s eyes softened and she reached over, gently patting Gemma’s hand. “Perhaps. But life often has plans for us that we cannot foresee. For now, enjoy this moment, my dear. You have a rare companionship with him.”

They rode the rest of the way in comfortable silence, the sun lowering toward the horizon as they finally approached Vivian’s estate.

As they arrived, the sky was painted in soft hues of orange and pink, the perfect evening glow casting a golden light over the garden’s blooming flowers.

With a smile, Vivian suggested a sunset walk through the grounds, and they strolled quietly along the garden paths, taking in the colors and scents around them.

“You know, Gemma,” Vivian said, her tone thoughtful, “it gives me such joy to have you here with me. You have brought so much light to this place.”

Gemma smiled, feeling the warmth of Vivian’s words. “It has been more of a home than I ever expected to find, Vivian. I cannot thank you often enough for that.”