Her papa used to say it was a time of magic and fairies, and when she was young, she’d believed him, just as he’d also told her if she was quiet in the woods, and listened with her heart, she would hear the little folk talking and playing amongst themselves.
Once she’d grown up, though, she’d tucked away the notion of magic, fairies, or whispers in the trees. Reality had taken those dreams and replaced them with practicality.
And yet, on rare occasions, mostly at night when the world was quiet, Cherry couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps the fairies might even now be dancing in her forest…
Chapter Three
In Which the Importance of Family cannot be Overstated
Garrett stared at his mother as she walked toward him, hands outstretched.
“Darling, here you are. How fortuitous. It’s almost as if you knew I was coming.” She kissed his cheek and chuckled. “I always said you had some of your grandfather’s abilities, you know.”
“I remember. I also remember telling you more than once that I was not in any way possessed of psychical gifts.”
“Hmm. A mother knows these things.”
He kissed her back, giving up the battle. “Of course. Mothers know everything.” He took her arm and linked it with his, heading up the steps of Myrtle Manor. “So, what brings you here? I thought you were going to be busy for a month or so with Aunt Marguerite on the south coast…”
She sighed. “Well, it was nice for a bit, but then your aunt went out on a fishing trip, and…”
“Dear God, she fell overboard? No wait, don’t tell me she caught afish?” His eyes widened at the thought of his delicate and elegantly feminine aunt handling a slippery catch on the end of a rod.
“No. She caught the fisherman.”
Garrett blinked, then burst out laughing. “Oh, good Lord.”
“So, finding myself ratherde trop, I thought I would make my way back to Belcaster, but perhaps drop in on people I knew along the journey.” She hugged his arm. “I know you, so here I am.”
“And I’m very happy to see you,” he said, meaning everyword. “It’s quiet here, though, Mama.”
“I shan’t mind,” she replied. “Truly. I enjoy a bit of peace now and then, and I have to say that this part of the country? Just beautiful. The woods…look at them. So many trees…”
“Funny you should mention trees…”
She shot him a quizzical glance, but they were at the door and Mrs Smithee was already there, hands folded, looking at Garrett with a question in her eyes.
Introductions were quickly performed, and his mother and her maid were immediately surrounded by maids from the Manor, and shepherded off to one of the best guest chambers, which Garrett guessed was presently being whipped into shape for the unexpected visitor.
Harry may have picked a quiet corner of the country, but his hospitality could have rivalled any in town.
There was barely time to change before his mother reappeared, fresh as a daisy and clearly ready for conversation.
“So tell me, darling. What have you been doing with yourself here? I know you’ve probably not had a chance to prowl the area, so to speak, but have you met the neighbours? Attended any events?”
Garrett took her to a wide couch positioned in front of the windows, which were opened and admitting the scent of summer roses from the gardens.
“No.” He sat next to her and leaned back. “I’m here to relax, Mama. I don’t want events, and as you can see, there are no immediate neighbours. Besides, Harry’s brandy is beyond excellent, as I found out last night.” He winced. “Harry and I slightly overindulged. But his head is harder than mine. He had left for somewhere when I arose. Not sure when he’ll be back.”
Her face reflected her feelings. “Oh, dear.”
He sighed. “I know, so to spare you the bother of lecturingme, no, I have had no opportunities to either meet or evaluate any young women for the role of a wife. And I can see no need for one, as I’ve said several times before when we’ve had this conversation.”
She opened her mouth to speak, but he kept going.
“I’m not yet in my dotage, and I really don’t think I’ll be in the market until I’m at least thirty-five. Which is five years away, give or take, so it would please me enormously if you would turn your matchmaking attentions elsewhere for those years? It’ll be better for us both.”
“Ah.”
