Page 2 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
“However, on the ride over I did think of something that I wanted to inquire about with you,” Felicity’s voice hesitated only slightly, and she presented her friend with a very fresh and welcoming smile.
Gemma’s curiosity peaked, and laughing lightly, asked, “And, what might that be?” She knew Felicity was not prone to crossing lines with her on most matters. Gemma did have the wildest imagination and from the depths of that space, she felt Felicity might very well be about to ask a question of Gemma that would set a new pace upon the conversation.
Felicity paused slightly and pressed forward with innocence and love in her voice. “What is going on with the duke’s son? Would he perhaps be due back soon?” Her question hung in the air between them as the low sounds of sweet bird song echoed in a far-off corner of the garden.
Gemma could tell that Felicity was probing, albeit carefully, in order to truly discern what Gemma’s feelings might be regarding Gabriel. It was common knowledge that sometimes a child may not truly want to return to their roots to take over a family estate, especially as it applied to the Ashbourne estate and the duke’s only heir.
Since the duke’s passing, Hugh, the duke’s nephew, and solicitor, had taken over guardianship of Gemma and been put in charge of the estate. It was common knowledge that the duke’s son was the rightful heir and truly in need of stepping into his proper position.
“I will admit, I am uneasy about his return, Felicity. I do believe that it could be any day now. Unfortunately,” Gemma confided to Felicity, “Gabriel and I had a relationship that was fraught with tension until he left to study natural sciences in France. I know not if he has forgotten such matters, but I have not forgotten.”
Gemma’s voice took on a slight strain.
“For that reason I wonder if we shall see Gabriel at all. Would it be any surprise at all to find that he is reluctant to come back here?”
Felicity looked at Gemma with an unreadable expression on her face. She could be leaning a bit towards concern if her face were to give away any emotions whatsoever.
“Do you have great concerns that, if Gabriel does return, that he will upset the current state of things here? Will his return add such a terrible tension to your days?” Felicity’s inquiry was pleasant enough, but it did perplex Gemma enough to make her tense.
Gemma stopped walking, frozen in place. In truth, she had not spent sufficient time thinking about how she might feel and behave upon the return of the duke’s son. Societal rules were in place within their society for a reason. With the elder duke now gone, she had no one to turn to for counsel on dealing with Gabriel’s return.
She did not like to think of what would happen to her once Gabriel arrived. His return could mean that her day-to-day life could change significantly. This sparked questions in Gemma’s mind. Would he kick her out or welcome her with open arms?
“I am not sure,” Gemma confessed as she started walking again. “I suppose that there are several possible alternatives if and when Gabriel returns to the estate. My future could look a lot different with Gabriel as my guardian.”
They walked side by side in silence for a moment before Felicity spoke up, softening her voice again. “Life in the Ton is a rather rigid path, Gemma. As women, we understand that it is the men who guide the matters of family and women’s fate within that family. I wonder now if your future holds an arranged marriage, as is the custom.'' Felicity's light laughter eased any tension that the inquiry might have had upon her friend.
Gemma gently smiled to indicate that she was not offended at all by this aspect of her friend’s musings. Arching her eyebrow slightly, she nodded carefully as she continued to walk and take in the expansive garden and thought-provoking conversation.
“You speak truthfully, Felicity. Life in the Ton is, as we both know, difficult. I find myself chafing against it when I imagine what my life will be in the coming months. I wonder if Gabriel’s return will bring nothing but chaos. To the matter of a man asking for my hand in marriage, I will protest for I fear the loss of personal freedom.”
A comfortable pause settled in the space between the women as they continued to stroll through the garden. The fresh blooming flowers and overgrown bushes made a strange pairing, but somehow, there was beauty to be found within the garden, a salve to the soul.
“What about you, Felicity? Is there a particular gentleman on your mind at present?” Gemma smiled boldly at her own direct questioning and waited for Felicity to give her a soft glare, the only response she could muster.
Felicity let out a gentle sigh. She clasped her hands together and furrowed her brow.
“Of course not. The season hasn’t started yet but maybe someone will catch my attention. There is still time enough.”
While Gemma was pondering how to keep the conversation on course with inquiries about her friend’s possible romantic interests, a male voice emerged, near the entrance of the garden.
“Ladies, what a pleasure to find you both out here on such a fine day.” The deep baritone was smooth and unassuming.
Both Felicity and Gemma turned in near perfect unison as Lord Anderson, the late duke’s nephew, solicitor, and Gemma’s current guardian, approached them.
Felicity promptly tripped into Gemma at the sight of Hugh. Gemma gave her a look before grinning at Hugh. He had been a fixture during her years living with the late duke and had been her current guardian for the last six months. She enjoyed his disposition as well as his sharp mind and intellect.
“Hello Lord Anderson, I wasn’t expecting to see you out today. I know you had a rather busy schedule,” Gemma said, nodding an acknowledgment and greeting to Hugh.
Hugh ducked his head ever so slightly and provided a genteel smile. He was a consummate gentleman, and this was immediately conveyed through his relaxed but formal body language towards both women.
“I saw that you had a visitor, and I thought it was only polite to stop and say hello. So, hello Lady Gemma and her friend.” Hugh regarded Felicity warmly with a sparkle in his eyes that drew a deep blush from the lady herself.
“This is my dearest friend, Lady Felicity Rothchild. She lives just down the way,” Gemma explained.
“Hello, Lord Anderson,” Felicity mumbled, her usually tan complexion flushed red. She appeared to be quite nervous at the proximity of the man.
Hugh Anderson smiled at Felicity and Gemma, and there was something shared between the women. In fact, both young women looked a bit as if they had swallowed a canary. A smile stretched from one ear to the other, as he presented himself most amiably.
