“Hello!” I called, opening the front door with a flourish and smiling brightly.
Olivia stood on the porch, holding a bouquet of white peonies and purple hyacinths. A large basket of small plants sat at her feet. “I heard you’re having trouble with your garden.”
I grinned. “I am.”
“These are for you.” She passed me the flowers. “No card.”
“They’re not from you?” I asked, turning the perfect blooms over in my hands and checking the paper wrapping for an indication of their origin.
“I found them on the doorstep,” she said. “Looks as if they came from that place by campus. I recognize the paper.”
“Oh.” I had no idea which place she meant, or who would send me flowers, but I loved them, and her for coming to my rescue. I made a mental note to ask my mom and Cecily about the bouquet later, then hustled Olivia inside. “I’m so glad you made it.”
“I wouldn’t miss it. I love bunnies, the little nuisances.”
I laughed, understanding completely. Why did a gardener’s archnemesis have to be so darn adorable? “I initially thought I was battling one bunny, but as it turns out, that little furball has a family.”
Her expression softened. “Well, you know that saying about the mating habits of rabbits. They all have families.” She grinned and winked. “It’s a good thing I have plenty of vegetables.”
I stepped aside for her to pass, then closed the door behind us. “Have you eaten lunch?”
“No, but don’t worry about me. I can’t stay long.”
“I made a charcuterie tray. It’s nothing fancy, but please help yourself, if you want to snack,” I said.
I’d been experimenting with more light meals lately, especially those that didn’t require use of the stovetop, which had recently stopped cooperating.
Olivia set her basket aside, interest clearly piqued. “I love these trays. And you have jam from Edith’s condiments.”
I smiled. “I do. She was one of the first shop owners I met, and she let me try all of her preserves. The pita chips and garlic crackers are from the gourmet olive-oil-and-vinegar place on Elm. I bought all the fruits and veggies at the farmers’ market.”
“Mm, mm, mm,” she hummed, nesting her hands together as she eyeballed the offerings. “You’ve been making friends.”
I pulled a vase from a cupboard near the sink and added water before arranging the bouquet inside. A smile pulled at my lips as I thought of how much Emily had loved flowers too. Not only had she grown and arranged flowers, but Emily had created an herbarium, or collection of pressed plants and flowers. Over four hundred specimens in total. The concept fascinated me, but I knew I would always prefer people to plants.
“I try to get out and visit the shops every day,” I said, responding to Olivia. “I get lunch, pick up coffee, see the sights. I’m becoming a regular at a lot of places.”
She smiled and gestured to the bouquet. “Then it’s no wonder you’ve gained an admirer.”
“These are more likely from someone back in Willow Bend,” I said. Though I couldn’t help wondering if someone I’d spoken to regularly since arriving had taken the initiative to welcome me. Maybe the card had fallen out in transport, or a busy clerk forgot to include it.
Or maybe,I thought,Paul sent them.He’d written me several letters. Could his affections be more than welcoming friendship?
I wasn’t sure how that made me feel, so I pushed the possibility aside.
“How’s the manor?” Olivia asked.
Something about her tone made me wonder if Grace had put her on some sort of reconnaissance mission. “It’s been good,” I said, hoping to sound positive. “I’ve had a few small issues, but Davis helped with the furnace. And I adjusted the hot-water tank, which was very simple. Other than that, I’m doing well.”
Olivia watched me closely for several beats, thin brows knitting. “I’m glad to hear it, but I hate that you’ve had trouble. It’s quite a surprise, because Grace prepared the manor extensively for your arrival.”
“It’s all under control now,” I promised. “As a bonus, I’ve learned a little about home maintenance.” I selected a small plate and added a few of my favorite meats and cheeses.
“This is a fantastic spread,” Olivia said. “Thank you for doing all this. You certainly didn’t have to.”
“I wanted to. My best friend, Cecily, is a charcuterie junkie, and I have fun making the boards. You’d like Cecily. She’s hoping to come for the night soon. I’ve got my fingers crossed it works out.” The words sounded calm as they left my mouth, but I was climbing the walls. I missed Cecily more than I thought possible and couldn’t wait to introduce her to the town.
“I’d love to meet her. You should bring her to the farm, or the bookstore,” Olivia said. “How are you enjoying the letter-writing class? Grace said you’ve become a regular.”
