Lizzy’s eyes widened. “You did not enjoy Wickham’s attentions?”
“Why in the world should that surprise you?”
“I suppose I assumed, despite Wickham’s many lesser qualities, that his prowess and charms extended to the bedchamber.”
I stared at her. “Are you saying you actually enjoy having Darcy dothatto you?” I asked incredulously. Surely Darcy was as much of a prig in bed as he was in public.
Lizzy flushed and reached for her tea. “Let’s just say that I do not find the marriage bed to be disagreeable in the least.”
“You enjoy it!” I sputtered in disbelief.
She sipped her tea. “With the right man, you can as well.”
“Ha!” I bit into a biscuit with a satisfying crunch, enjoying the sweet buttery flavor on my tongue, a treat that gave me far more pleasure than any man ever could. “I doubt that.”
“At least allow Mr. Wilson to call upon you here.”
“What have you told him about me?”
“The truth. That you married at fifteen to a man who set an unfortunate example for his impressionable young wife.”
“A bachelor visiting the home of a disreputable widow will outrage the entire village.”
“I shall make certain to be here to chaperone. What harm is there in meeting him?” she pressed.
I knew Lizzy well enough to comprehend that she would not let go of any issue she felt strongly about. Besides, for years my sister sent me all of her pin money so that I could keep the childrenclothed and fed as Wickham’s debts piled up. Meeting Mr. Wilson was a way to show my appreciation. Even though I resented owing her or anyone anything.
“Very well,” I relented. “Mr. Wilson can come for tea. Just don’t expect to hear wedding bells anytime soon.”
“There you go,” I said to the cucumber plant as I secured it to the trellis. “Now you should grow tall and strong.” I checked to make certain the soil around the plant was moist. Cucumbers required a great deal of water, especially during the flowering stage.
“Do you always speak with your plants?” asked a voice from behind me.
I immediately recognized Mr. Haddad, even though I’d spoken to him only once. I straightened, embarrassed to be caught in my shabby gardening dress and the floppy ancient bonnet I used for outdoor work.
“Good day, Vicar.” I removed my gloves and swiped the perspiration on my upper lip with the back of my hand. “I do find plants are often more reliably good company than people.”
His eyes twinkled. “I myself never understood the allure of gardening, except, of course, for the food that results.”
“I enjoy being in nature and feel a keen sense of accomplishment when the plants grow and prosper,” I told him. “I began gardening out of need, in order to put food on the table for my children. But now I find respite, and much-needed solitude, among my fruits and vegetables.”
He surveyed my flourishing garden. “You seem to have a bountiful harvest.”
“Yes, indeed.” I did not bother to hide the pride I felt in the abundant garden I’d created. And my neighbors noticed as well.Although they did not speak to me, except for a stiff nod, I did observe how they lingered whenever they passed my garden. I grew flowers, too. Ribbons of color that streamed across my modest property. “I pretend not to notice when some of the young men in the neighborhood pluck a few flowers for the girls they hope to court.”
“That is generous of you. Considering how they treat you.”
I shrugged. “They learn from their parents, as all children do.” I added some cucumbers to my straw basket. “I will have far more berries, cucumbers, and tomatoes than I could ever hope to eat since my children are spending the summer with my sister.”
“Ah, the estimable Mrs. Darcy. I trust she is well?”
“Well enough to meddle in my life,” I retorted before catching myself too late. “You must forgive my impertinence. I have never been good at holding my tongue.”
“If your sister is meddling, surely she means well.”
“Lizzy always means well.” Not only was Lizzy wealthy and generous, she was also pretty—second in looks only to our eldest sister, Jane—and easily won people over with her intelligence and gentle, teasing manner. By contrast, I was not only considered compromised but also brainless and impulsive. A reputation I could not shake no matter how many years had passed since I’d behaved recklessly. “I usually allow Lizzy to interfere, but this time I must draw the line.”
He regarded me with interest. “Why is that, if I may ask?”
