Rose Gardner's Florist (The Providence Street Shops #2) - Bonnie Dee Page 0,16
shoulders, modest yet emphasizing her curves. Her high-piled red hair sported a charming concoction of blue netting and a few feathers. If he could nuzzle just at the corner of her jaw where sparkling earrings dangled, all his dreams would be fulfilled.
He gulped and spoke, “Your dress is most becoming, Miss Gardener.”
“Thank you, Mr. Carmody. I feel rather a sham. I will admit I have never been to a fancy dinner party before.”
How could one not fall a little in love with a woman so unabashedly honest, a curious mixture of confidence and insecurity? He wanted to say he was happy to host her first such event, but couldn’t think of a way to say it without sounding condescending. So he simply nodded mutely.
Luckily, Reardon interrupted the silence with the tray of glasses.
After the butler withdrew from the room, Guy raised his glass. “A toast to old and new friendships, and to unexpected changes that bring great reward.”
“Well said.” Hattie regarded Guy with such a pure expression of love that Will felt as if he witnessed a private moment. He looked away and met Miss Gardener’s gaze. She winked at him, uniting them outside the lovebirds’ private bubble.
Will swallowed too fast and choked on his wine.
“Have we time before the meal to view the conservatory, Mr. Carmody?” she asked. “I very much look forward to seeing it.”
“Of course.”
Will led the way toward the back of the house, already making excuses for the work in progress. “The glazier has begun his work so the panes are smeared with putty, but he will clean them before he is through. Next week a free-standing radiator will be installed. Beyond that, I require your assistance, Miss Gardener, for I’m certain you will be better than I at creating an attractive design.”
He looked at the lovely woman walking beside him, a waft of her perfume teasing his senses.
“You give me too much credit. I am only beginning to learn about the varieties of plants that thrive in a greenhouse. You could find an expert to better advise you.”
“No! That is, I prefer to work on the project with another novice. I wouldn’t want someone who takes over the project. Besides which, I admire your eye for design.”
“Indeed,” Guy backed him. “You are the woman for the job, Rose. Isn’t she, darling?”
“Absolutely,” Hattie agreed. “She will help you create a veritable Garden of Eden.”
They passed through the library annex, and Will opened the double doors leading into the conservatory. Muted sunlight shone through smudged glass panes outlined in weathered wood. The replacement panes were much clearer than the older ones, but at least the ceiling and walls were intact once more.
Slatted tables on which his mother had once arranged cut flowers sat empty. Will rapped on one. “The wood is decayed and fragile so these will need replacing. I thought I might have low beds installed, perhaps with an orange tree in that corner so I might have fresh citrus in winter. What do you think, Miss Gardener? Could one survive a cloudy English winter?”
Will knew the answer, having read it in the horticulture book. Citrus thrived in England under proper growing conditions. But he awaited his guest’s response.
Rose nodded. “You mentioned your interest, so I read up on caring for potted citrus trees. They will remain in an outdoor garden until autumn, when one must gradually introduce them to the greenhouse climate. With proper soil, moisture, and light, they will bear fruit.”
“Come, Guy. Let us step into the library and look through the books while these two discuss greenery.” Hattie took her fiancé’s arm and drew him into the neighboring room.
It seemed obvious she was creating privacy for Will and Miss Gardener, but if the young lady felt ill at ease, she showed no sign.
Rose stood with an elbow resting on one folded arm, chin on fist, and regarded the space with a charming frown. “Have you considered raising herbs as well? I thought perhaps a small bed close to the inner wall to provide easy access for your kitchen staff. But this is such a small space, perhaps you do not wish to use any of it on a kitchen garden.”
“I am open to all possibilities. My housekeeper cooks for me as well. She might appreciate fresh herbs.”
“Have you a blueprint for the room? Knowing the dimensions could help in making the best possible use of every square foot. We could pencil in possible designs and just as quickly change them.”