Page 66 of A Sinful Virgin for the Duke

Gemma laughed. “I can imagine. In my opinion, balls are not at all tedious. Meeting new people can be… distracting, even entertaining.”

Vivian nodded, her eyes twinkling. “Yes, there is much to see when people are at their most polished. And you, my dear, are exactly the breath of fresh air they need. You will bring something new and genuine to the affair.”

Gemma felt herself blushing and concealed her smile by nibbling on a roll. Her thoughts kept slipping back to Frederick and the possibility that she would see him again that evening.

It would be one thing to see him among the members of the ton, but quite another to act as though she didn’t remember every detail of the night they’d just spent together.

“Are you sure you have had enough breakfast?” Vivian’s voice pulled her back to the present, her brows knitted with concern as she looked at Gemma’s nearly untouched plate.

“Oh, yes,” Gemma replied, covering her amusement with a sip of tea. “I have had plenty, truly.”

Vivian nodded with a slight smile on her lips as she regarded Gemma. “Well then, I thought we might go for a little walk around the grounds. It is a lovely morning, and I was hoping to check on the gardens.”

“I would like that very much,” Gemma replied, feeling her spirits lift.

She took a final sip of tea, grabbed a fresh roll to bring with her on their walk, and linked her arm with Vivian’s as they left the dining room.

Outside, the morning was crisp, the sun soft and bright over the dewy grass. They strolled along the gravel paths, passing rows of late-blooming flowers in shades of amber, blush and violet.Gemma inhaled the aroma of the earth and the flowers, the pureness of their scents cleansing her mind and brightening her mood.

“I must say, Gemma,” Vivian began, watching her with an approving gaze, “you have adapted well to life here. It is as if you have always been one with our northern parts.”

“It feels like home,” Gemma admitted, smiling down at the gravel path. She hesitated, then added, “Your kindness and… understanding have made all the difference. I cannot say that I expected to feel so welcome.”

Vivian’s expression softened. “You are always welcome here, Gemma. And I have to say… you and my grandson make an interesting pair.”

Gemma’s cheeks reddened but she kept her tone light. “I imagine Frederick does not consider himself the type to be paired with anyone.”

Vivian laughed softly. “Indeed, but he might surprise himself. Just as he might surprise others. And that is something worth waiting to see.”

They walked a while longer, talking about the flowers and the season, but Gemma’s mind kept drifting to the evening ahead. She tried to quiet her bubbling anticipation and reminded herself to be patient, but she couldn’t help but hope Frederick would be there, and that their next meeting would carry the same thrill as their last.

The carriage jostled slightly as it wound along the narrow road and the twilight deepened around them.

Gemma adjusted the folds of her dress as the warm glow of lanterns from the carriage lit the soft green and golden hues woven into her gown. Delicate embroidery traced leaf-like patterns along the bodice and trailed down her sleeves, adding an air of understated elegance to the dress. Small, fragrant flowers had been woven into her hair by her maid, creating a halo of blooms nestled among her dark curls.

Vivian, sitting across from her, smiled approvingly. “You look enchanting, my dear. The flowers in your hair are a beautiful touch.”

Vivian wore a deep forest green dress, her own nod to the evening’s theme, while Gemma’s was a lighter, almost ethereal shade, blending soft olive and ivory tones.

Gemma’s cheeks colored and she glanced down, brushing a finger over one of the leaf patterns on her sleeve. “Thank you. It was a rather… whimsical decision,” she admitted with a soft laugh. “Though I do wonder why they chose such a broad theme as nature.”

Vivian chuckled. “The countess has always favored the outdoors and felt it fitting for the season. It may be a rather generic theme,but it is charming in its own way. And tonight, everyone will be part of the décor. Living, breathing art.”

As they swayed with the rhythm of the carriage, the landscape opened up before them and a small bridge loomed ahead.

Gemma could see the lantern-lit pathway beyond the bridge casting a gentle glow on the aged stone walls of the manor that awaited them. Shadows danced over ivy-covered arches and windowsills, giving the structure a timeless, almost enchanted feel. Light spilled from tall, mullioned windows, hinting at the lively scene within. As the carriage rolled closer, the soft murmur of music floated out to greet them.

“Enchanting,” Gemma murmured, unable to take her eyes off the ivy-wreathed manor that seemed both stately and welcoming.

“I thought you would appreciate it,” Vivian replied, a satisfied smile touching her lips. “The earl’s family has been here for generations, and he is quite proud of the estate’s history. In his younger years, he was an avid traveler, but he always claimed there was nowhere he loved more than his home.”

The carriage drew to a halt and the footmen helped them step down, adjusting their cloaks as the cool evening air drifted over them.

She felt as though she’d stepped into another world, one where she could both blend into the scene and stand out as a singular part of it.

Inside, the sound of laughter, music and mingling voices grew louder. The ballroom awaited them at the end of a short, elegantly decorated corridor. When they reached it, an attendant announced their arrival, and all eyes turned toward them.

Gemma straightened, heart fluttering at the sudden attention. She felt the familiar surge of discomfort as whispers and glances settled on her.

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