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Elizabeth, her voice barely above a whisper, nodded. “Thank you, Your Grace. I… I will think about it.”

Frederick gave her a small smile before turning back to Gemma. His eyes were calm now, no longer filled with the fury that had driven him to defend her.

“I know this is a lot to take in,” he said quietly, his gaze never leaving hers. “But I meant every word. I will fight for you, Gemma. I will not let anything stand in the way of us.”

Gemma felt her heart swell. It wasn’t just the promise of a future, of a life together, but the understanding that he was willing to go to such lengths for her, and for them.

“I… I do not know what to say,” Gemma admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

“You do not need to say anything right now,” Frederick replied, his voice tender. “Just know that I am here, and I will not leave you.”

The silence that followed was thick but comfortable, and contained the promise of a new beginning.

CHAPTER 36

“This is so much more than I ever expected,” Elizabeth said, her voice light with excitement. “I thought I would be confined to that dreadful house forever. But now, we are free, Gemma. We can go anywhere we want.”

Gemma couldn’t help but smile as she sat in the carriage with Elizabeth, watching the countryside roll by through the small window.

The excitement in the air was contagious, and her sister’s joy was palpable. Elizabeth had never experienced anything like this before—the freedom to simply go where she pleased, away from their mother’s watchful eye. She was practically bubbling with enthusiasm, chattering away as they rode along the winding road.

Gemma smiled warmly at her, grateful that Elizabeth was finding happiness in this new chapter of their lives. “We willmake sure you have a better life, Lizzy. No more worrying about what Mother thinks, says or wants.”

Elizabeth beamed at her sister, then glanced back out of the window. “And the best part is, we are heading toward Blackridge. It sounds wonderful. I cannot wait to see what living there will be like.”

The mention of Blackridge made Gemma’s heart flutter. Frederick was waiting for them there, and it felt like a lifetime since she had been with him.

The thought of seeing him again, of being in his arms, made her ache with longing. She glanced out of the window, catching sight of him riding alongside the carriage on his magnificent horse. His presence was commanding, and his gaze, whenever it grazed over her, made her pulse quicken.

Elizabeth continued to talk, but Gemma found herself lost in thought, her mind wandering to the man she couldn’t wait to be with again. The way he looked at her with such intensity and tenderness made her feel alive and wanted.

Every so often, Frederick would glance at the carriage, offering her a smile that set her heart racing. His face was a little more relaxed than it had been over the past few days.

There was something about the calm rhythm of the road that made it easier to breathe and enjoy the moment. Gemma could feel her desire for him stirring once more, and each glance fromhim made it more difficult to ignore the pull she felt towards him.

At one point, Frederick rode closer to the carriage and leaned down. He reached inside and took her hand gently, bringing it to his lips. His kiss on her knuckles was soft, tender and full of promise.

“I have missed you dearly,” he said, his voice hushed but filled with longing.

Gemma smiled, her heart fluttering. “The road ahead may be long, but being with you again is worth the drive,” she replied, squeezing his hand. “Will we soon arrive at an inn?”

“Yes, just a few more hours,” Frederick said. “We will stop for the night and then continue our journey. We will be back at Blackridge in a few days.”

Gemma nodded, excitement growing in her chest. She knew she should be thinking about the road ahead, but all she could think about was the feeling of being in Frederick’s arms once more. The image of his strength and the way his body moved with such purpose made her want him more than ever.

It was hard to focus on anything else.

The carriage jolted slightly as they continued on their way, and Elizabeth looked over at Gemma, noticing her gaze was locked on Frederick. A mischievous grin crossed her face.

“You are staring at him,” Elizabeth teased, her voice light but observant.

Gemma’s cheeks flushed, but she couldn’t help the smile that formed on her lips.

“I cannot help it,” she said with a sigh. “He is simply… everything.”

“I can see that,” Elizabeth teased further, winking at her. “Do not worry, one day I will find someone just like him. Then you will be the one teasingme.”

Gemma laughed, feeling a warmth in her chest. “One day, Lizzy. I promise you will also find someone who makes your heart race.”