against him.
As the wedding couple left the party to well-wishes and off-color remarks about the wedding night, Rose knew more than one set of vows had been exchanged that day. She did not trust Arietta’s and Gus’s would be kept, but she had no doubt hers and Will’s would.
Chapter Twenty
Standing in the center of the conservatory, Will pressed his hands into the small of his back and stretched. He’d been stooped over for too long planting, but the results were worth a little pain. Seedlings covered every bit of the beds, leaving just enough room around them to grow. One perfect little orange tree fresh from the nursery served as the focal point for the room. The transplant had not affected the sapling, for the leaves were still green and healthy. If cultivated carefully, by next year it might bloom and bear fruit. Rather like his relationship with Rose—the most important feature in the garden.
He gazed fondly at his beloved, dirt smudged across her forehead where she’d wiped away sweat, dress filthy as a chimney sweep’s garb. She could not have been more beautiful with her bright red hair catching a ray of sunlight on this overcast blustery day. His garden had only come alive through the grace of Rose. She was the instrument of his growth, as well as that of the greenhouse plants. He would love her forever for bringing life into his life.
As if feeling his gaze upon her, Rose looked up from where she knelt in a puddle of green skirts. Her smile made his heart swell until it might burst. “What do you think? Is it everything you imagined?”
“And more.” Will let his lingering gaze signal that he meant her presence. He offered a hand to pull Rose to her feet.
“I thought perhaps a bench would go just there.” She pointed. “Or perhaps two garden chairs with a small table. What do you think?”
“One large bed might be more comfortable if we are to spend any length of time here,” he teased daringly.
“Mr. Carmody, you shock me. Reardon would be horrified if we became more familiar than what he has already witnessed.”
“That was an unfortunate incident.” Will recalled the day the butler had walked in on them kissing in the library. More than kissing, actually, as there were body parts exposed and hands in unseemly places. Admirably, Reardon had displayed no discomposure, merely announced tea and left the room.
“Honestly,” Will continued. “I believe the old fellow adores you and will be quite happy when you are mistress here. Like my mother, he is simply content to see me settled at last.”
“Your mother.” Rose frowned. “You continue to say that, but I’m not at all certain it is true. She was painstakingly polite to me at dinner the other night, yet cold as a North wind.”
“She will settle into the idea. Father thinks you are remarkable. I can tell, for I know how to read his silence. Rupert and Virginia seem taken with you as well, although they generally do not demonstrate interest in anything beyond their horses. And my nephews deemed you ‘topping’ and ‘first rate.’ You passed with high marks.”
He drew her into his arms and kissed her lightly. “You are well-liked by my family, and loved by me.” Another kiss, deeper and more lasting, underlined his statement.
Rose seemed to abandon her worries in the comfort of his arms. Will would never have imagined himself possessing the power to provide contentment and happiness to someone. It was the finest feeling in the world.
“I do love you,” he whispered when his mouth was free.
“And I love you.” She looked at him from so close, a full palette of blues was visible in her eyes. They were like diamonds reflecting only the blue light of the spectrum. How was it possible such an exquisite being could have fallen for him? But Will would not question it, merely accept with gratitude that, like her flowers, Rose had brought him to bloom.
Another kiss was interrupted by the clearing of a throat. Will released his almost fiancée.
“Lord and Lady Carmody have arrived and await you in the drawing room,” Reardon announced.
“Here? Now? I’m a fright, and I’ve nothing to change into!” Rose exclaimed.
“Never mind your gown. Mother understands the rigors of gardening if anyone does, and their visit is unexpected,” Will reassured her. “Wash up and I will meet you in the hallway to escort you into the drawing room. Please try to relax, Rose. You look perfect.”
“This is