The French Gardener(135)

“I’m feeling confident today,” said Henrietta, taking a breath, feeling renewed. “I’ll have one, too.”



When Miranda and Henrietta returned to Hartington House, David had already left. Miranda felt a twinge of disappointment. She had enjoyed her weekend away with Henrietta. It had been good to put some distance between herself and her home, given her time to assess what was important. But she would like to have seen him. In spite of his wickedness, she missed him. Home didn’t feel complete without him. Before she could dwell on his departure she was distracted by Jeremy and the children walking up the wild garden with Charlie on a lead. Henrietta swept her hand through her new highlights and waved. Jeremy lifted his hat and waved back. The children ran ahead, into their mother’s arms.

“Did you buy me a present?” asked Storm.

“Charlie’s our pet!” said Gus. “He eats out of our hands and everything. He loves mints!”

She turned to see Mrs. Underwood standing in the doorway. “Henrietta, I’d better go and catch up with Mrs. Underwood. I’ve so enjoyed myself. Thank you for making it such fun.” The two women embraced.

“No, thank you for everything. I’m a changed woman.” Henrietta laughed, swinging her car keys on her finger. “I certainly look like one!”

“You look great! Now, go get him!”

Henrietta flushed with excitement. “And you do what’s right.”

“I will. I’ll do it now, while Mrs. Underwood is still here to look after the children.”

She watched Henrietta walk through the garden gate with Jeremy to return Charlie to his field, then went to talk to Mrs. Underwood. “How’s it all been?” she asked. Mrs. Underwood folded her arms.

“They’ve had a lovely time together. Mr. Claybourne’s had more fun, I think, than he’s had in years. He loves those children. They’ll tell you about it, I’m sure. I know it’s none of my business, but for what it’s worth, Miranda, I’ll give you some advice. The Christian thing to do is forgive. Men do silly things that mean nothing. He needs his wrist slapped, but he’s a good man and a good father. Right, now I’ve said it.” She pursed her lips.

“Thank you, Mrs. Underwood. I appreciate your thoughts,” Miranda replied humbly. “I’ve got a favor to ask you. I need to see Jean-Paul this evening. It’s quite important. Would you mind staying with the children? I won’t be long.”

Mrs. Underwood raised her eyebrows. “If it’s that important, I can’t decline. Tell you what, I need to get Mr. Underwood his tea. I’ll nip back now, while you give the children their bath, then come back to babysit. Is that all right?”

“Thank you, Mrs. Underwood. That would be brilliant.”



Jeremy looked Henrietta up and down appreciatively. “You’re radiant,” he said.

“Thank you,” she replied, blushing. “I’ve had a wonderful time.”

“It shows.”

His eyes lingered on her face longer than normal. She looked away. They walked up the lawn towards the field. The sun was setting, flooding the sky with golden syrup. Dew was already forming on the grass and the birds twittered in the trees as they settled down to roost. The breeze was warm and sweet. She cast her eyes around the gardens, sensing the magic that Ava and Jean-Paul had created there, and was suddenly filled with wistfulness. Those gardens had been watered with their tears.

“Jeremy,” she said suddenly, her face blanching as she realized the strength of her feelings for him, and the need to confess them. He stopped walking and looked down at her. “There’s something I want to say to you.”

“Yes?” His expression grew serious.

“Well, I’ve been wanting to tell you for some time…” She swallowed hard, the doubts suddenly returning to choke her. She shuffled her feet. “Do you have a shop in your home to rival mine?” she stammered, feeling foolish. He grinned. She felt her confidence return. “You see, if you have then I have no choice but to join the two together and make one big shop because I can’t take the competition. This is a small town.”

Jeremy took off his hat and put his hand on her shoulder. “I’ve been worrying about it, too,” he said. “You’re so clever to come up with a solution.” Henrietta forgot to breathe. Jeremy leaned down and kissed her. Astonished, she wound her arms around his middle and let him draw her to him. When she realized that she had forgotten to breathe, she took a gulp of air, then laughed.

“I think you should move in with me as quickly as possible in order to capitalize on our union  ,” he said. “There are, however, legal matters to consider.”