Page 72 of A Duke's Lustful Riddle
Gabriel ran to his room to change into his riding clothes before heading outside to the stables. He knew taking his own horse would be faster than a carriage ride to Kew Gardens.
As Gabriel was preparing his horse for the ride to Kew Gardens, a constable arrived at the residence.
“Your Grace, a constable is here, and he said it is urgent that he talk to you,” Kingsley said.
Gabriel took in a breath, hoping above everything that Gemma was safe.
“Constable Taylor, what is going on?” Gabriel asked once he saw the constable.
“There has been an update surrounding the death of the Earl and Countess of Whitestone, Richard and Lillian Whitmore,” the constable started.
Gabriel gasped. What news could there possibly be?
“What are you talking about? They have been gone for years now. What update could there be? It is ancient history by this time.” Gabriel waited with not a single idea as to what the news could be.
“Late last night, the maid from Sagewood Manor alerted us to some distressing news. Lady Sagewood has confessed to having caused the carriage accident that killed both the Lord and Lady Whitestone.”
Gabriel took a step back, shaken deeply by this news. He was already burdened with worry for Gemma, but he now felt a fresh surge of fear and urgency.
“Thank you for the information. I will assist in any possible investigation but right now I must go,” Gabriel said as he quickly mounted his horse.
With even more concern for Gemma’s safety, Gabriel raced towards Kew Gardens.
Praying that he was not going to be too late.
Chapter 29
Gemma had spent the entire day taking in all the Kew Gardens had to offer. It was a pleasant escape from her gossip-filled life. The gardens offered her safe space and an escape from reality, even if only for a day.
As Gemma was about to leave Kew Gardens and return to the convent, she was caught off guard by the man approaching her at top speed.
It was Gabriel.
How had he found her here?
“Gemma!” Gabriel’s voice emerged laden with an emotion so profound it sent a tingle running down Gemma’s spine.
“Gemma, please wait.” Gabriel’s voice possessed a powerful volume and emotion.
Gemma stopped still where she was as she waited for Gabriel to approach her.
“I am so happy to see you here. It was the last place I had to look for you otherwise I had no idea where you would be.” With a slight bit of breathlessness, Gabriel managed to get the full statements out.
“You were looking for me?” Gemma asked. “I thought that we had hit an impasse, you and I?”
She knew she left with little word, but she doubted anyone cared enough to seek her out.
“Of course, Gemma. I care for you deeply. I yearn for you every day, and your absence gnawed at my core leaving an aching void. I feared losing you, and seeing you here in front of me has made my heart grow even fonder. If I had lost you, I have no idea what I would have done.
Seeing you here now has filled me with hope and love. Just the thought of losing you caused an emotion so intense it forced me to understand the depth of my feelings for you,” Gabriel poured out in an impassioned torrent.
His voice, drenched in earnest sincerity, reverberated with every confession he made.
“I love you, Gemma Whitmore,” Gabriel proclaimed, his gaze unwavering and holding hers.
By his tone and attitude, it was clear to Gemma that his declaration was not driven by duty or obligation but by the vibrant essence of who she was.
“You, my love, are spirited, resilient, and benevolent. You are the woman who has ensnared my heart,” Gabriel urged, looking deeply into Gemma’s eyes. “I was afraid to commit to you before because I did not feel worthy of you. We were intimate and I felt overcome with guilt at the thought that I ruined you for your future husband but now I know that I am he. And you are my future… and I hope you feel the same.”
