Chapter 8
Lady Kathryn had been shocked to see Mr. Clifford standing in the garden with Lord Fletcher. She knew who he was because she’d asked her maid to find out his identity some time ago.
Mr. Sam Clifford, son of a baronet. Had his circumstances diminished so much that he had to accept a gardener’s position?
She’d often wondered about that as she watched him working in her neighbor’s garden, although she would never have admitted to anyone that she’d been fascinated by him.
Of course, her mother would have been appalled if she’d known Kathryn’s thoughts lingered on the gardener.
As the daughter of an earl, Kathryn was expected to marry a titled peer.
She knew what her mother’s wishes were on that front.
Kathryn would be expected to marry well—a marquess, earl, or even a viscount would be acceptable to her mother.
She wasn’t so na?ve that she didn’t know why gentlemen asked her to dance—a handsome dowry was all the incentive they needed to overlook her plainness.
But the minute she started to talk about anything other than the weather, they all drifted away.
When Mr. Clifford addressed her today, it was the first time she’d heard his voice.
It was deep and gravelly, and the sound of it sent shivers down her spine.
His beautiful hazel eyes seemed to bore into her very soul.
Even though they’d never previously met, she felt a kinship with him.
It felt odd to feel such a connection, but she couldn’t deny how she felt.
“Have you worked at a country estate before, Mr. Clifford?” she asked.
“Yes. Before I began helping Lord Ashford, I worked on my family’s estate west of here.”
“Were you unhappy there?”
“Not at all, my lady. My brother and I parted ways when he inherited the baronetcy a year ago”
“How dreadful. It must have been awful to have to leave your home.”
“I was sad to leave at first, but I’ve reconciled myself to it.”
“Do you have any other siblings?”
Mr. Clifford shook his head. “No.”
“Do you speak with your brother?”
“Not since I left.”
Kathryn couldn’t imagine not having a relationship with her brother. It would be best to move on from such a painful subject. “I would be happy to hear your thoughts on the plants that will thrive the best.”
“Of course, my lady.”
“You must be Mr. Clifford,” Audrey said, entering the garden with Grace on her heels. “My husband has informed me that you will be joining our staff.”
Mr. Clifford bowed. “I’m honored to be here, Lady Fletcher.”
“We’re happy you’re here. As you can see, the garden is in need of a major renovation.”
“I’m sure that, with Lady Kathryn’s and Miss Parker’s guidance, the garden will be the envy of the county in no time.”
“I like your enthusiasm, Mr. Clifford. Have you seen the gardener’s cottage yet?”
“Not yet, my lady.”
“I see. Shall I send for Charles to show you where it is?”
Mr. Clifford opened his mouth to answer, but Grace spoke first. “Why don’t we all go? It’s a beautiful afternoon for a walk,” she said.
“That’s a lovely idea,” Audrey said.
“Please, lead the way,” Mr. Clifford said.
Audrey and Grace led their little procession while Lady Kathryn walked beside Mr. Clifford. She was trying to think of something witty to say as they walked past the stables, but her mind was blank.
“Have you been in residence at the manor long, Lady Kathryn?” Mr. Clifford asked.
“Not very long. Lady Fletcher invited me to join the family after her wedding last month, and I happily accepted. I do love the country.”
“I see.”
Kathryn’s nerves were on edge, and when she felt like this, she had a tendency to babble. “I was most happy to get away from London for a bit.”
“Oh? I have attended a few ton events with my father and brother over the years, and I can’t say I enjoyed them much.”
She didn’t want to admit that she was running away from the last few weeks of her Season.
It had been a disaster thus far, and she saw no reason to continue the debacle, but she wasn’t sure he would understand.
How could she explain that all the glittering ballrooms and beautiful dresses meant nothing to her and only reminded her that she would never feel comfortable with the ton?
“Oh, it’s so pretty,” Lady Kathryn said when the stone cottage on the hillside came into view. It had sweeping views of the meadow and forest beyond.
Mr. Clifford glanced at her and nodded. “Indeed, my lady.”
Kathryn turned to him and saw only sincerity in his eyes.
Was he talking about her? Goodness no, that couldn’t be.
No man had ever said she was pretty. She knew she was rather plain, with her wispy brown hair and dull blue eyes.
She’d always wished that she had inherited her mother’s blond hair and striking blue eyes, like her siblings, but instead, she was the only one who looked like her father.
When they walked into the cottage, Audrey frowned. “Dear me, this will never do. I don’t believe anyone has occupied this cottage in years. I will send the maids down to clean it and have Mr. Johnston check the roof for leaks. No sense doing all that work to clean if the roof has holes.”
“Thank you, Lady Fletcher. That’s very kind of you.”
“Nonsense. Everyone deserves to live in a clean home. I believe there’s an extra bedchamber off the kitchen that you may use until the cottage is ready to be occupied.”
“I don’t want to put anyone out on my behalf. I’m happy to stay in the loft above the horse stalls.”
“There’s no need for you to stay in the barn, Mr. Clifford. The bedchamber is currently empty, and staff meals are served in the kitchen. I can attest that Mrs. Greenleaf is an excellent cook.”
“Oh, indeed she is,” Grace chimed in.
“I look forward to making her acquaintance then.”
“Come along, ladies. It’s almost time for tea,” Audrey said, exiting the cottage.
“Good day, Mr. Clifford,” Lady Kathryn said with a shy smile.
“Good day, my lady.”
Kathryn had felt Grace’s eyes on her the whole time in the cottage. Had she noticed her interest in Mr. Clifford? She hoped that wasn’t the case because she wasn’t ready to talk about her fascination with the man or how long that fascination had been going on.
When they reached the manor, Audrey went to seek Mrs. Hutchins to arrange the cleaning of the cottage, saying, “I’ll join you shortly.”
Grace slipped her arm through Kathryn’s, and they walked into the drawing room. “Kathryn?”
“Yes?”
“I couldn’t help but notice the spark of interest when we were introduced to Mr. Clifford.”
There was no point in denying it. “Well… yes. Please don’t think badly of me.”
Grace squeezed her hand as they sat on the sofa. “Of course not. I would never think badly of you. Why would you say that?”
Kathryn took a deep breath. “Because I used to watch Mr. Clifford while he worked in the garden next door.”
“You did?”
She nodded. “I find an innate kindness about him. Whenever I was in our London garden and our eyes met, he always tipped his hat. We never actually spoke, but I must admit that I’m very much looking forward to working with him on this garden design.”
“I see.”
“Do you think I’m foolish? My mother would have an apoplexy if she knew I was looking forward to talking with him. To her, he’s a commoner even though he is the heir to the Faulkner Baronetcy at least until his brother has a son of his own.”
“Well then. It’s a good thing your lady mother isn’t here, at least not until the third week of August. I think we should always follow our hearts, if given the choice.”
Kathryn squeezed Grace’s hand. “Thank you for not judging me. You’re a dear friend.”
“I hope both of us find the happiness we deserve,” Grace said.
Sam watched Lady Kathryn walk away with Miss Parker and Lady Fletcher. He’d seen her many times before, passing the time in her family’s London garden. More times than he could count, she’d seemed so lost and forlorn as she wandered along the path.
He’d had no idea why she was melancholy, as it wouldn’t have been proper for him to interact with her, but he used to tip his hat in greeting whenever she looked his way.
She was a lady, and he was a commoner; normally, the only time they would have spoken would have been when she notified him of her wishes, but even that brief scenario couldn’t take place because he wasn’t her gardener.
He’d often wondered what had happened to make her so unhappy. Her family was wealthy, and she was afforded the best of everything—the best food, invitations to the best entertainments, and the best clothing. Something was amiss, but he couldn’t fathom what it could be.
So many times, he’d wanted to reach out and ask her why she was so sad, but that wasn’t the way of things in society.
In his experience, everyone knew their place.
Staff and aristocrats typically spoke to each other only when necessary, but perhaps this new post at Dandridge Manor would be an exception.
He’d like nothing better than to get to know her better.
Lady Kathryn seemed amenable to speaking with him, at least about the new garden design. Perhaps in time, he could finally begin to know the lady’s mind and understand her feelings better. He wanted to see her smile.
Sam walked through the cottage and was surprised at how cozy and bright it was.
Besides a parlor and kitchen, the home boasted a bedchamber and a sleeping loft.
It would be the perfect place to raise a family.
Not that he had any plans to wed at the moment, but one needed to think about the future.
This post at Dandridge Manor was perfect, and he hoped he would be here for a very long time.
Once the cottage was cleaned and he moved in, he wanted to revitalize the garden around the home.
Years of neglect had left it full of weeds and overgrown, much like the formal gardens at the manor.
Gardening was his passion. He loved knowing that with tender care, the blooms would return and the plants would flourish.
Would Lady Kathryn be willing to share her ideas on the renovations at the cottage as well? He wasn’t sure that would be possible, but he would bide his time and take note of the lady’s intentions.
A contented sigh escaped his lips. He wanted to thank his cousin for recommending him for the position.
He was glad now that he’d been unsuccessful in finding other suitable accommodations in London because all that frustration had led him here.
Today had been a very good day and a wonderful start to a new life.
He’d had no idea, when he interviewed for the position at Dandridge Manor, that he would finally get to meet the woman he had often thought about in London.