Page 19 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
One could now see the maze that was at the center of the garden.
Gemma had gotten lost countless times in that maze, but over the years she had been able to get to the center with little help.
Gemma pulled out the letter from the late duke and read clue one over and over again.
Where mystery awaits foliage can be found. Look towards the water. Look towards the ground.
It was clear that the next clue was outside, in the garden to be exact, but where was there water?
***
Gabriel
Miss Beaumont had been settling in when Gabriel realized he had yet to inform Gemma of her arrival, so he sought her out.
First Gabriel knocked on Gemma’s bed chamber door, but no one was there. Then he checked the library again but found it empty.
He knew Gemma enjoyed the outdoors, so Gabriel ventured out to the gardens.
The gardens were empty, but he heard a noise coming from the maze in the center of the backyard. So, Gabriel ventured into the maze.
After a few minutes' walk, Gabriel spotted Gemma.
He discovered her lost in thought and a pang of yearning struck him right in the chest.
Gemma’s flowing hair, untamed like her spirit, caught the sunlight giving her an ethereal glow. She looked young yet beautiful in the sunlight.
Gabriel fought the desire to reach out and touch her to confirm that she was real as she appeared in the enchanting setting.
It seemed like she was a figment of his imagination, invented just for his gaze.
Hesitant, the duke approached her.
“Gemma,” Gabriel called out.
She turned around, startled by his presence.
Gemma tucked a strand of her long auburn hair behind her ear.
“Your Grace, I did not expect to see you out here,” Gemma explained, hiding her hands behind her back.
Curious, he wondered about her strange behavior. It was clear that Gemma was holding onto something behind her back.
“What are you hiding behind your back?” Gabriel asked her directly, genuinely curious.
“Nothing,” Gemma urged as she took a step back. Her cheeks flushed slightly.
Gabriel grinned wickedly. He knew she was hiding something, so he ran behind her, catching Gemma off guard, and snatched the letter from her hands.
“What are you doing with this?” His face looked surprised. He was very, very annoyed.
“As if you feel that this is important, Your Grace……I mean…Gabriel.” Gemma grinned back while making sure to look rather serious all at once. She knew that he felt that the treasure hunt was a joke.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Gabriel regarded Gemma suspiciously.
“You neglected your father when he needed you most. He was dying and you were nowhere to be found. This treasure is all that I have left of him. I miss him terribly every single day.” Gemma’s voice caught in her throat.
Gabriel’s smile fell from his face at Gemma’s words.
