Page 41 of Stars May Burn

He shifted his feet. “A local anesthetic is a substance that numbs a small area of your body, my lord.”

I scowled at him. “I know that, boy. I just…do all her plants in the patch have properties like that?”

He nodded. “Yes, my lord. She’s fascinated by them. I’m sure she would tell you about them all if you asked. She understands more about that side of the plants than me. I just grow them.”

Had I been mistaking her passion entirely?

“She said her favorite flower is lisalthis. What is that?”

He cocked his head. “Lisalthis is a weed. It grows everywhere. The tiny flowers make white and blue carpets across the ground, but they only bloom at dawn. It’s delicate and can’t be picked without wilting straightaway.”

I frowned. “Do we have it in the garden?”

“Well, yes, my lord. We keep on top of it as it can spread, but we let it grow in the rock garden.”

“Let it spread across the grounds.” I leaned on my elbows. “Whatever your normal duties are, her new garden takes priority, you understand? She is to have everything she needs. Every type of compost. Anything you suspect she might appreciate, bring it to her. I don’t care what it is or how much space or expense it requires.”

Tom grinned and nodded. “Yes, my lord. If I may be so bold, a lot of plants I suspect she may wish to grow require swampland. We obviously have no natural swamps nearby, and I don’t think her ladyship would dare make something unsightly. But if you ordered one made as a present, I think she would be thrilled.”

I blinked. He was still being serious. “A swamp? You’re sure?”

He nodded more vigorously. “Then she could grow yellowmoss and bigsweed and even attempt honey orchids. Not to mention pigsmoss…”

I cut him off. “I get the idea. I want you to organize this. Talk it through with Stefan. Find a suitable spot. If it indeed pleases her, you will be promoted to second head gardener, and I’ll double your salary.”

Tom’s jaw fell slack. “Y…yes, my lord. Thank you, my lord. I’ll see to it right away.”

“And keep it a surprise for now. Don’t tell her.”

He bowed and practically ran from the room.

I sighed and pushed back my hair. Horse manure, weeds, and a swamp. How could I have ever guessed what Sophie would want? I really was no good at this.

SOPHIE

Ididn’t want to open the letter from Miss Claris. I recognized the long, slanted script that reminded me of spider legs, so I’d left it on my desk where it remained staring at me. I knew what it said. Had I had regular marital relations with the general? No. Was I being a good wife to him? No. Had I been regularly taking the concoction for fertility? Also no. I didn’t see the point when there was no chance of the general coming to my bed before he left on his campaign. And then he might be dead.

She would say I was letting my family down. That I was being selfish. And if Kasten died, and there was no child, Father would take away my home and sell it again; I was certain of that much. But there was no way I could get pregnant right now.

And worse, Kasten would be dead. Our country needed him so badly if we were to win this war. This city needed him. He had kept so many safe and provided for. If he died, they would expect me to fill his shoes and protect them, but how would I stand up to Father?

I was going to fail at everything all over again.

I stared at the letter, and I hated everything it represented.

“My lady, are you all right?”

I turned. Lucy looked concerned. “You’ve been so quiet this morning.”

I forced a smile as Lucy handed me my shawl. “I’m just worried about the general. Callum said the campaign would be dangerous.”

Her eyes crinkled in sympathy. “If there is anyone who can survive, it’s the general, my lady. He’s had a lot of close shaves and always makes it home. He’s still young and fit and competent.”

I looked down. “I hope so.” I shook myself and stood. “We should go back to the gardens. I need to finish my project before everyone leaves.”

Lucy nodded enthusiastically. “It’s good to keep busy before the campaigns.”

I collected my gardening gloves and apron but didn’t bother with the parasol. I wanted to give Kasten a gift to take with him, and I had less than three weeks left. It was nice to spend more time outside and feel like I was doing something useful at the same time. And my little garden patch brought me so much joy.

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