I told Anna how happy I am for her. We talked about the up coming ball. Hosted by Ann Doyle. Yeah Tom had decided his love for her was too great to ignore. You should have seen grandmother's face. I cry quietly the tears soaking into my nightgown. Why does everyone get a better life than me? By the time Simon comes to bed the tears have stopped. He gets in bed and quietly watches me read. I put the book down, suddenly self caution.
"Gemma." That's all he says. I suddenly wish my bed gown isn't so thin. I feel a tear slip down. I must forget about Kartik. I must love Simon.
"Do you love me?"
"I don't know Simon," I whisper damning the tears to hell. He looks sad as he wraps his arms around me. I know I love him. Just not the same way he loves me.
"I love you Gemma and I always will," he says and those are the last words I hear before I fall asleep.
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"Gemma and where are you going on a day such as this?" Lady Denby asks. I grit my teeth as I turn to answer. I unclench my jaw.
"To the orphanage, Mother," I say sweetly. Calling her mother brought a pang to my heart, but after all Simon's mother is now mine.
"It is raining for God's sake, the children can wait until tomorrow."
"I promised I would visit them every Saturday evening. And I shall." With that I shut the door to the carriage. I turn around and look out my window. The rain is pouring heavily and the streets are slightly flooded. The horses come to a stop in front of the orphanage's gates. The gates open and we drive through. I open my umbrella and get out. I race up the steps not wanting to get drenched. I knock on the door. The coachman and his horse drive away. The door opens and I walk in. The headmaster welcomes me in.
"Lady Middlestone," He exclaims. I have yet to get used to my new name. The orphanage reminds me of my childhood. It is gloomy and dull but the children are always happy.
"You came Lady Middlestone," Poppy cries as I enter the dining room. She is the oldest child being 14 years old. She has brown hair that has gold mixed in it a such fair skin. Her hair is pulled back into a bun and she is wearing a old maid gown.
"Of course I came,"I exclaims giving her a hug. The other children come and envelopethe two of us in a hug. I notice a girl in the corner. She has dirty mattered hair and a torn small gown. My heart reaches out to her." Who is the girl in the corner?"
"That is Caroline she came yesterday ," Poppy says in a hushed whisper. I walk over to the girl and take her hands. I feel the magic flow through them. She yanks her hands away.
"What are you?"