A Wedding In Springtime(53)

“Thank you for recognizing that the true victim here is me. I fear my cravat is a hopeless case.”

“You must let me at least reimburse you for the vase.”

“Oh no! Did us a favor there. My mother never liked it, but it was given to her as a wedding present by her mother-in-law. Been wanting it gone for years.”

“I am glad it was not of sentimental value.” Genie sighed. “I suppose we did our best. I felt sure I was being led to help this child, but I suppose we cannot help him if he will not allow it.”

“I’m sorry!” squeaked a small voice from under a nearby bush.

“Jem!”





Seventeen





Grant scanned the garden surrounding them, and poking out of a hedge was the red head of the errant Jem. His response was one of joy followed by disappointment with the sure knowledge that Genie would expect him to try again with the ruffian.

“Jemmy! Come here, you naughty boy!” called Genie and the lad obeyed, holding his head low and dragging his feet. “What do you have to say for yourself?”

“I’m awful sorry, miss. But they brought a giant scrub brush and said they’d scrub the skin offa me.”

“Jem, I do not believe they were trying to skin you alive. They just wanted to clean you.”

Jem shrugged bony shoulders. “Theys mean coves, miss. Could I not stay wi’ you? Yous right nice.”

“Well, thank you. But how did you get into Lord Bremerton’s garden?”

“Everyone starting yelling and kickn’ up a dust. Them be chasin’ me and howling something fierce. Put me all in a twitter!”

“So you ran back here?”

“Slipped through the garden gate. I ain’t no bigger than a bodkin.”

“You are resourceful,” said Genie. “But you cannot stay here. My aunt would never allow it. Mr. Grant has opened his home to you. You must be appreciative.”

“I am, miss. But could you stay with me too. You could come live wi’ Mr. Grant. Your aunt ain’t very nice. You wouldn’t miss her, I wager.”

“Jem, you must not speak that way of your betters,” chastised Genie.

“Even if it’s true,” muttered Grant. He surveyed the wide-eyed ruffian with a mixture of amusement and horror. “We can give it one more chance, little man,” said Grant. “But my mother will return in a fortnight and we will both be in the suds if she comes home to a household in chaos.”

“Will you come with me?” Jem looked up at Genie with large pathetic eyes.

“Oh, I do not think…”

“Certainly she can, but only for a little bit,” said Grant, snatching the opportunity. He felt very sure he was going to regret giving Jem a second chance and wanted to enjoy a little more time with Genie to make it worth his while.

“My aunt would never allow it,” whispered Genie to Grant.

“But I do not live far. In fact, unless I am very mistaken, our gardens are connected. Is that how you got here, Jem? Show us.”

Jem led them around large, sculpted shrubs and blooming hydrangeas to a small, forgotten gate behind a gardener’s shed. The hinges squeaked in complaint, but with a little muscle from Grant, the small gate swung open. It led into a small path with large hedges on either side. Coming around the corner, it opened into a lovely garden, full in bloom. Flowers were everywhere, blooming trees, lilacs, lilies, and roses. Genie came to a full stop at its beauty. Unlike the manicured precision of the Bremerton garden, this garden was more haphazard and whimsical. Sunlight broke through the clouds and a gentle breeze whispered through the trees, sending pink apple blossoms dancing through the air.

“It is beautiful,” breathed Genie. “This is your garden?”

Grant shrugged. “My mother and sisters had a free hand in this. My father and I stand aside when it comes to any sort of decorating, let the ladies fight it out.”

“They have done an amazing job. I would not mind spending days here. It reminds me of home.”

“Do you miss it?”

“Yes. I know it is impolitic to say, but I miss it very much. The spring is beautiful on the farm, so many things in bloom. Do you enjoy the country?”

“Always go for hunting season. My parents hold a house party with that intent each year.”

“Yes, but besides hunting, do you enjoy spending time at your estate?” asked Genie.