“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 wasappalled 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.