“Knox is family,” Oliver said sharply. “And you’d do well to remember that, Renata.”
“I didn’t mean to offend anyone.” She laughed nervously. “It was just a joke, Ollie.”
“You know that Knox has been a part of this family for decades. And the future queen will treat him as such. Regardless of whether he shares my last name, he’s a royal family member and will not be treated as anything less.”
“Okay.” Her voice was softer, like a child who has just been reprimanded.
A few moments of silence passed, and the tension started to dissipate.
“Ginny. Where is Gemma tonight? I haven’t seen her,” Birdie asked.
“She wasn’t feeling well so she stayed home.” Ginny smiled nervously.
“I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“Oh my God, Ginny. Tell them what really happened,” Renata laughed maniacally. Ginny gave her a sharp look.
Renata rolled her eyes and continued laughing. “Gemma got a new type of lip filler yesterday, but she had a reactionand her lips puffed up like a blowfish. She can’t even talk! She looks like a Dr. Seuss character,” she cackled.
“That’s awful! I hope she’s okay,” Adelaide said, her eyes wide with concern.
“She’ll be fine,” Renata waved. “That’s why you should stay all natural.” Renata ran her hand down her body.
Oliver and I gave each other one of our telepathic looks that said,She’s kidding right?
“Well…” Oliver started but was interrupted when Lord Thorne walked up.
“Your Highness.” Lord Thorne bowed. “Mr. Henderson.” He nodded at me. “I’m so happy you are both here tonight.”
“Thank you,” we said in unison.
“Mr. Henderson, may I introduce you to my new head of landscaping, Charles, tonight? The grounds always look impeccable at the palace, and I would love for you to talk to him and give him some advice. As the head of the forestry industry, it looks bad when my own gardens are barely thriving,” he chuckled.
“I would hardly say they are struggling. I was floored when I walked onto the terrace tonight and saw the camellias and could smell the witch-hazels. That is an amazing feat to have in the dead of winter. Whatever he is doing is great.”
Lord Thorne laughed. “Well, actually, those are thriving because of Sabine, not Charles.”
“Oh. Well, then,” I cleared my throat. “I guess I should go speak to him.” I loved talking about the outdoors and anything that had to do with it.Maybe I should push for Oliver to marry Sabine so I can have someone around to help me with the grounds.
I excused myself from the group and followed Lord Thorne to the side of the room, where he introduced me to Charles. We talked for about thirty minutes before I suggested he give me a tour of the gardens. We finished the tour with awalk along a beautiful maze of holly bushes that led to four greenhouses. The greenhouses lined the back of the gardens and were lit with twinkle lights.
“That’s about it,” Charles said.
“I can draw up a plan for you and send it over in a few days.”
“I would really appreciate that, Mr. Henderson. I’m a little over my head here.”
“It’s not a problem at all. I enjoy doing it. And you’ll get the hang of it. It’s always hard starting off. Feel free to call me with any questions.” I extended my hand.
“Thank you so much,” Charles said, shaking my hand. “Well, we better get back to the party.”
We walked a few yards back to the manor when something caught my attention from the corner of my eye. At first, I thought it might have been a deer, but upon second glance, I saw Birdie opening the door to the farthest greenhouse and walking in. My curiosity piqued. Why was she all the way out here? And why was she going into the greenhouse?
“Hey Charles, I think I’m going to walk around a little bit more if that’s okay? Can I check out the greenhouses?”
“Of course,” he said. “I’ll see you back inside.”
I approached the greenhouse and opened the door. The warmth hit my face and thawed my fingers that had grown numb from walking the grounds.
