Chapter 7
“I’m so sorry for interrupting. Can you forgive me?” Kathryn asked after the vicar had left the garden.
“Oh, Kathryn. That was my first kiss!” Grace exclaimed, rushing to her friend. “It was absolutely magical. Every part of my body was tingling with delight. I never wanted it to end.”
“I didn’t realize you were so well acquainted with Mr. Wallings.”
“We met a few times in London, and I thoroughly enjoyed his company—he’s as passionate about nature as we are. But then he disappeared, and I thought I’d never see him again. I’m so pleased he’s been assigned here.”
“I’ve known him for a few years through my brother, although I didn’t know he had studied to join the church.
He was always so respectful, but very quiet.
At least, quiet compared to my brother,” Kathryn said with a chuckle.
““I’d never have thought Mr. Wallings to be so bold as to steal a kiss. That was surprising.”
“It wasn’t he who was bold; it was me. He leaned toward me, and I thought he might kiss me, but I didn’t want to wait any longer, so I stepped into his embrace and kissed him instead. Please don’t tell anyone. I’m sure Jacob or Audrey would not approve of such wanton behavior.”
“You kissed him?”
“Yes. He was standing so near and looking so handsome, I couldn’t help myself. It was the single most glorious moment of my life.”
“Grace, I’m so pleased for you, and rest assured, your secret is safe with me.”
“Thank you. Honestly, I can’t wait to kiss him again.”
“You can’t?”
“Oh, yes. Have you ever been kissed?”
Kathryn looked away with a sad expression. “No, unfortunately not. I’m afraid my time on the marriage mart was not very enjoyable, as I mentioned before.”
Grace squeezed her hand. “Oh, Kathryn, please forgive me. I didn’t mean to make you sad again. Please forgive my careless words.”
“Of course. I’m happy you’ve had a good experience with your first kiss. Not every lady can say the same,” Kathryn said. “I’ve heard whispers of things going horribly wrong.”
“I just know you’ll meet someone who will know what a wonderful person you are and sweep you off your feet. You must have faith that everything will work out for the best.”
Kathryn’s expression made it clear that she wasn’t the least bit sure of that based on her experience with gentlemen thus far. “Did he like the plans for the garden?” Kathryn asked, changing the subject.
“He did, and even offered a few suggestions. I do like talking with him ever so much.”
“Have you developed a tendre for him?”
“I started to feel something in London, and now, seeing him here, I find myself drawn to him even more than before.”
“Do you think you could be happy being a vicar’s wife?”
“I suppose so with the right man. I do enjoy helping people, and this area is so very beautiful.”
“It’s not a very glamorous life, being a vicar’s wife. Could you be happy with so much less than you have now?”
“Kathryn, what you may not know is that my sisters and I grew up with a father who drank and gambled away every shilling we had to our name. There were days when we all went to bed hungry because there was no money for food. After years of that, I think I could be very happy being a vicar’s wife.”
“Oh, Grace. I’m so sorry. I had no idea your family had endured so much.”
“It’s fine. No need to apologize. We have Jacob now, and he’s been wonderful, and overly generous in my opinion.
He makes sure we want for nothing, and while I appreciate everything he does for us, I think I would enjoy being in the country, living a simpler life.
I’m not enamored with London, as so many young ladies are, although I do thoroughly enjoy the British Museum. ”
“Yes, I do as well, but you’re right, London can be harsh.
Sometimes people are cruel just for the fun of it.
I suppose it makes them feel superior in some way.
I’ll never understand that way of thinking.
I much prefer the country as well,” Kathryn said as the two women walked back to the drawing room.
A sennight after asking Mr. Johnston’s help in finding a gardener for Dandridge Manor, Jacob was in his study interviewing his stablemaster’s cousin, Sam Clifford. “Mr. Clifford, your reference from Lord Ashford is very complimentary. May I ask why you left his employ?”
“Of course, Lord Fletcher. I’m the second son of a baronet and have always taken care of the garden at the family’s country manor.
My father and I were close, and my brother Michael was jealous of our relationship, especially when my father praised my efforts in helping the family.
Unfortunately, when my father passed, my brother did not share my father’s sentiments. ”
“I’m sorry for your loss, Mr. Clifford.”
“Thank you, my lord. Sir Michael and I have always had a somewhat contentious relationship. I called him ridiculous when he ordered me to call him Sir Michael in private. As you imagine, that did not go well, and he ordered me to leave the estate within a fortnight.”
“A difficult situation indeed,” Lord Fletcher said.
Before I left, Lord Ashford, who had been a great friend of my father, came to pay his respects after my father passed.
While he was talking with Sir Michael, I heard him compliment the landscaping around the estate and say that he was looking for a new gardener.
I thought it was the perfect solution. I approached Lord Ashford when he finished speaking to my brother and explained my current predicament.
I do receive a stipend, but I did not have a place to live.
Lord Ashford was happy to help me out until I sorted out my situation.
He offered me a place a stay in exchange for tending the London garden for him.
I enjoyed helping him. Unfortunately, he found himself in a sad situation after a series of bad investments.
There was no more credit from the banks, so he was forced to sell his London home, and thus, I also had to leave. ”
“I see. That is sad indeed.”
“While I was happy helping out Lord Ashford, I prefer being in the country. The London air can be quite harsh, especially in the summer.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Jacob said. “Would you like to see the garden?”
“Yes, my lord.”
The two men walked out into the large garden, and Jacob saw Mr. Clifford’s eyes widen. He wasn’t sure whether he was appalled at the state of the garden or anxious to tackle the tangled mess.
“What do you think? Is it something you feel capable of managing?”
“Oh, yes, my lord. I love a challenge, and I believe this garden will be quite beautiful when it’s finished.”
“Mr. Clifford, would you be interested in an arrangement with me similar to the one you had with Lord Ashford? I’m sure there is a cottage on the estate you can use as well.”
“Thank you, my lord, that would be most agreeable. However, I’ll need a worker or two for a bit to help clear the garden of all this debris.”
“That’s not a problem. Hire as many men as you need. My sister-in-law, Miss Parker, will be in charge of the design. I’m sure you’ll both do a fantastic job bringing this garden back to life.”
“Thank you, sir. I look forward to meeting Miss Parker and working with her.”
The two men walked the length of the garden. At the far end, Grace and Kathryn were looking over the roses beside the bench.
“Ladies, I’d like to introduce you to someone who will be helping to manage the garden, Mr. Clifford. Mr. Clifford, this is Miss Parker and…”
“Lady Kathryn?” Mr. Clifford asked, his eyes widening in shock.
Kathryn looked up to see who had addressed her. “Yes?” She studied him for a minute before saying, “Ah, yes, Ashford’s gardener. I did notice your fine work in the neighbor’s garden. I must compliment you on it.”
“Thank you, my lady. That means a great deal to me.” This was not the time to explain that he wasn’t hired as a gardener by Lord Ashford, but it was more of a mutual decision for both of them as they each needed something in the exchange.
Grace looked between her friend and the gardener. Each seemed intrigued with the other, their eyes lingering on one another. She said, “Good day to you, Mr. Clifford. I have so many wonderful ideas to share with you.”
“I’m happy to hear them, Miss Parker. And you, Lady Kathryn, will you have ideas to share as well?”
Grace didn’t let Kathryn decline but said, “Lady Kathryn will be an integral part of the designing process.”
“Excellent. I’m sure under the direction of you fine ladies, the garden will be spectacular.”
Jacob nodded. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some work to attend to.”
Mr. Clifford walked along the garden path with Grace and Kathryn as they each shared with him what they’d been thinking about. “Excellent ideas, miss, my lady. Most especially, adding more rose bushes to the arch by the bench. Perhaps a second bench could even be added in the other corner.”
“Excellent idea. I’ll leave you to talk with Lady Kathryn about her thoughts on the matter. I must consult Lady Fletcher on something. Good day, Mr. Clifford,” Grace said.
“Good day, Miss Parker.”
As Grace walked away, she was pleased to see that Kathryn continued to talk with Mr. Clifford. Her usual shyness was nowhere in sight, and that gladdened Grace’s heart.