The garden was stunning now, restored to its former glory. Colourful flowers bloomed from every corner. The statues had been scrubbed to star-brightness, and the pool was a turquoise jewel against the backdrop of the limestone rocks.
Budding red roses, pink orchids, and lilac lilies formed a scented frame for the bench next to the pool. The path to it was adorned with all the white flowers she could find, from daisies and white roses to white tulips and stars of Bethlehem. Shining terracotta pots were overflowing with scented jasmine and white orchids. If Sophia’s heart didn’t melt in front of such beauty, then she wasn’t human.
Anthony slid an arm around her waist. “Anyone would fall in love.”
She kissed him. “Even a von Gruner.”
“I think I’ve learnt my lesson,” Patrick said. “With all of you here as my witnesses, I swear I’ll change. I’ll become a different man. I caused you nothing but trouble, and I was punished, too, by losing Sophia.”
“You aren’t the only one who needs to change,” the Dowager said, wiping her hands with a handkerchief. “Anthony must stop protecting you and taking the blame for things he didn’t do. Isabella should be less naive, and I should…” She tapped her chin with a finger. “No, I can’t think of anything I need to improve.”
They laughed.
“Everything is ready,” Anthony said. “Show Sophia you love her, convince her to marry you, give us Maiden Hill back, and stop this nonsense.”
“Woo her,” Isabella said.
Patrick raked a hand through his hair. “I’m not used to wooing anyone. I’m just straightforward and say what I think.”
“And how did this strategy work for you?” Anthony asked.
“Not well, admittedly.” Patrick massaged the small of his back. “The garden is breathtaking. Thank you.”
“Have you memorised the speech you wrote?” the Dowager asked.
“Of course.” Patrick had an expression of hurt innocence.
“Then we need to get ready for Sophia.” She brushed dirt from her gown. “She should be here soon.”
They rushed back to the house, and Isabella dismissed Lawson. Since she and Anthony had already undressed each other, she meant to put that into practice.
They laughed and stole kisses while tearing at each other’s clothes before donning fresh ones. The breeze carried the salty scent of the sea mingled with that of the flowers. Her worries vanished when she was with Anthony, when they both cared for each other.
He held her by the waist and scattered kisses on her face. “If Sophia weren’t coming here, I would stay in bed with you.”
“But we have a mission.” She turned around. “Button me up.”
He obliged but gave her a kiss on the neck every time he fastened a button.
Once they were ready, they hid behind a tall hedge in the secret garden, waiting for Sophia to arrive.
The Dowager joined them, scoffing. “Why should I hide? It’s most undignified.”
“This moment is only for Patrick,” Anthony said. “It’s his mission to convince Sophia.”
“We’re only witnesses.”
The Dowager edged closer to the bush. “I can barely see anything through these leaves.”
Footsteps sounded, and Sophia came into view. Her tight burgundy dress was a stark contrast to the white flowers lining the path. The sight looked like blood on snow.
Sophia gazed around, seemingly with a lack of interest. If she found the secret garden stunning, she didn’t show it.
“What did you want to tell me?” she asked, removing her gloves with snapping gestures.
Patrick swallowed hard. “Sophia, my life has changed since I met you, and I…”
“He’s forgotten the words,” Anthony whispered. “The fool.”
