of course. I did not consider the rigors of being in trade. Perhaps another time.” Lady Carmody stood. “Come then. While Cook readies your picnic, we will take a brief stroll.”
Rose nearly sighed in relief as she fell in step with William, following behind his mother. She was not quite certain what to make of her ladyship, who on the surface seemed to accept her son bringing home a flower girl. But the comment about “being in trade” suggested her civil demeanor masked contempt and displeasure.
Annoyance at William for putting her in this situation bubbled up, but just as quickly quelled when he offered his arm and leaned to whisper, “Well done. We’re nearly free.”
Once Rose stopped fretting and took a look at her surroundings she nearly forgot her concerns. The Carmody gardens were breathtaking with terraced steps led from one area to another. As they passed through, Rose noticed some gardens were manicured to orderly perfection, while others flourished in a more natural state. She recognized many of the plants from the horticulture book, but there were varieties with which she was unfamiliar.
“What is that vine with the white flowers?” She pointed out the one in question to Lady Carmody.
Will’s mother offered a litany of vines, groundcover, and ivies that lasted until they reached the rose garden by a circuitous path. “I’m afraid you’ve missed the very best blooms. This heat has brought the season to an early close.”
The many species of bushes and climbing roses hanging over arches made this floral bower to delight a gardener’s heart. “This is paradise,” Rose exclaimed. “I’ve never seen anything like it. Not even in a park.”
“Thank you, my dear. My gardening staff does the physical labor, but I spend time pruning as well. Heirloom varieties are my special passion, particularly as hybrids are now favored over them. I do not wish the old styles to fade away and be forgotten. History and lineage matter.”
This comment seemed aimed directly at Rose. Inside, she shrank to the size of a Japanese beetle burrowing into one chewed blossom.
Lady Carmody noticed the intruding insect, plucked it from the petals and crushed it underfoot. “They’re a menace.” If she meant any personal attack by her words, it was not obvious as she now pointed out a bush of white roses with bright pink edging. “Here is what is left of my Lucinda Mays. They are mostly blown now, but there a few still blooming.”
Rose inhaled the flowers’ strong scent without needing to bend over. “They are exquisite and have a delightful aroma.”
“Thank you. I’m quite proud of them if I do say so myself. The variety was awarded an Award of Garden Merit designation by the Royal Horticultural Society.”
“How do you create a hybrid, your ladyship?”
Once Lady Carmody launched on the subject, Rose did not need to speak again, which made easy work of the slow stroll back to the house. The woman’s enthusiasm reminded Rose of Gram’s delight in flowers and any bit of nature she encountered on the busy city streets. That kinship, slight as it might be, put Rose somewhat at ease. Maybe she could fit into this grand lady’s world and be accepted as part of her son’s life—if their budding friendship came to that.
She glanced at Will, who had remained mostly quiet during their walk. The sun reflecting on his spectacles hid his eyes, but he smiled sweetly at her and gave a little nod of encouragement. In that one pure and perfect moment, Rose felt a surge of affection and entertained the thought that she might be in love. That was both a grand and horrifying idea.
“I suppose Cook has our luncheon prepared,” Will interrupted his mother’s discourse on aphid control. “Must be off before the day wanes.”
Lady Carmody included Rose in a sincere smile that warmed her through. “I do wish you might dine with us, but I understand you must be on your way.”
After returning to the house and bidding good day to her ladyship, they set off with a basket that weighed down Will’s arm.
“I hope the meeting was not too uncomfortable for you,” he said when they were some distance from the Hall. “I did not think it through when I suggested coming here, or I might have chosen some other location.”
Rose did not take his words as regret for introducing her to his mum, but rather a desire to be alone with her. “So long as it wasn’t the swamp in the woods Hattie told