“Of course, my dear. You can choose whatever you like.”
“Then please let me come with you to the garden today.”
Frances’s mouth twisted into a smile. “And what about your brother? Shall we include him, too?”
“I am not sure if he likes it much, but he can perhaps play in the garden.” Edwin nodded.
Frances held out her hand for him to shake. “Then you have yourself a deal.”
Later, Frances was in the garden, tending to her roses. She hummed softly to herself, her hands deftly working among the blossoms. She had kept her promise to Edwin, who was tending to some roses just a few feet away from her while Ernest played in the garden with the governess.
“Do you ever take a break, Frances?” Christopher’s voice startled her, and she turned to find him grinning at her.
“How long have you been standing there?”
She had been so lost in her little bubble that she did not notice him sneaking up on her.
He shrugged. “Only a few minutes. I noticed from my study window that the children were outside in the garden, and I came to see for myself. I did not know that Edwin had such a penchant for gardening.”
“Oh, it is quite a discovery for me, as well. He told me that he would like to join me in the garden this evening.”
Christopher nodded after a small pause, but Frances was quick enough to catch the flicker of doubt that crossed his face for just a moment.
“Is that a problem?”
“No, no. I was just thinking what my father would say if he found a young man gardening,” he mused.
“He is not a man yet. He is a child. Besides, I think it is good for him. Gardening teaches you many things, like patience,” Frances noted, smiling.
“I agree with you. It is not the most…” He hesitated. “Masculine pastime, perhaps. But no need to thrust the strict expectations of older generations upon him. I am glad that he has expressed an interest.”
“I am happy you think that way.” Frances smiled and then handed him a small shovel. “Why don’t you give it a try, as well? Who knows, you might just end up liking it.”
He chuckled, taking the shovel from her hands. Their fingers brushed for a brief second, and she felt a familiar tingle run down her spine.
He seemed to have that effect on her every time they touched.
“You will have to teach me. I am a self-professed newcomer at this…”
“Well, why don’t you start off with the weeding? There is some overgrowth here, and you can cut it off,” Frances instructed.
Without further ado, Christopher got straight to work. He kneeled down beside her, his scent hitting her immediately. Musky, like the earth but much more pleasant.
“You know,” Christopher said, glancing at her, “these roses remind me a little bit of you.”
“Of me?”
Christopher laughed at her reaction before continuing, “Why, yes. They are in bloom, as you are.”
Frances blushed at his comment and began shoveling harder. He had such a ease to how he delivered compliments, at moments that she never expected.
“You always know just what to say, don’t you?” she noted.
He grinned, leaning closer to her. “Only when it comes to you.”
They worked side by side, with Phillip asking for her advice every now and then.
After a while, Frances sat back on her heels, wiping her brow. “You know, I think you’re getting better at this.”
