Page 46 of Putting Down Roots

I have an idea as soon as we enter the rose garden.

“There.” He flourishes a hand towards the modest rosebush he uncovered in the spring.

The Larchdown rose has several buds and one flower in bloom.

“It’s beautiful.” The flower, which is open, has closely packed petals—more than those of a tea rose. I can’t remember seeing it before, even though I knew Aunt Frances had grown it while I was still living here. “What type is it?”

“A floribunda. It’s very pretty, is hardy and won’t grow too big, but look at the colour.” Jackson places an arm round me as we stand admiring it. I look at the dark green, glossy leaves and the deep, purple-blue of the flowers. “It’s the exact same shade as your eyes. I never knew your Aunt, but I can’t think of a better way she could have captured you in a rose.”

The thought that she would have done something like that brings tears to my eyes, and I wish I’d gone to see her in her last years instead of hiding, thinking she’d be disappointed in me. Jackson probably senses why I’m quiet as he gives me an extra squeeze, and then demands coffee to lighten the mood.

Jackson’s excitedto tell the regulars at The Arms that night. We’ve been for a few evenings out at the pub in the village—it’s a safe place, and I know Jackson feels comfortable there. Ben and Keith, and sometimes Sally and Paul, often join us. Occasionally, Cole will pop in if there aren’t any emergencies. Sometimes, even Harlen will appear, though he’s even more of a recluse than Cole—he lives in a cabin in the woods.

It’s a world away from London, a place which I think less and less about, the longer I stay in Larchdown. I suppose at sometime I’ll need to decide if I want to go back there or stay here. There’s a part of me that knows it will depend on Jackson, but I don’t want to think about that right now. For now, I’m taking one day at a time. He’s somehow seen to the bottom of my soul and said, “Yes, that’s for me.” That he can do that is a marvel to me and sometimes I feel that I still don’t deserve it—like I’mliving in a dream—but then I wake up next to him and being in his arms feels like home.

CHAPTER 41

Luca

One morning,Jackson says we’re off to visit the gardens at Somerton Lodge. I’m intrigued with what they’ll look like—I’ve only seen the gardens at Larchdown. He says Somerton is very grand, but it won’t hurt to get some ideas. We call at the bakery for breakfast, and I think back to the first days, when Jackson used to bring me something every day. Nowadays, breakfast is mostly toast, unless one of us takes the trouble to scramble an egg or make pancakes.

Ben is in the shop when we enter.

“This is a pleasant surprise. I’ve missed your morning visits.”

“Yeah, not passing anymore, though.” Jackson shrugs and Ben smiles.

“Well, what do I owe this pleasure to, then?”

“We’re off to see the gardens at Somerton,” I reply.

“I’ve heard they’re very beautiful, but Keith and I don’t get many chances to visit other places, with the shop.”

“But you will come to see us on opening day, I hope.”

“Oh definitely, we’re closing early that day. We wouldn’t miss it.”

“Thank you.” I’m grateful for their support.

We choose some pastries, and also some Cornish pasties and sausage rolls for lunch, and head off.

The journey takes a couple of hours and when we pull into the carpark, I can see how much larger the house and gardens are than Larchdown.

I’m a bit overawed, but when I glance over at Jackson he’s smiling and looks happy, so I try to make an effort.

They’re beautiful. I don’t think we’ll ever be able to achieve anything like it at Larchdown. We enter a hedge walk, which is almost a maze but has several exits. There are a number of people around the gardens, but when we turn a corner and are alone, Jackson turns to me.

“What’s up beautiful?” His chocolate eyes are full of concern.

“I just feel that these are things we would never be able to do at Larchdown. It’s like we’re not good enough. It doesn’t feel enough.”

“Hey.” He grabs my chin, planting a brief kiss on my lips, which gives me a thrill, as I know we’re in a public place and I’m not sure Jackson is comfortable with that. “Never compare Larchdown to anything else. There are no better or best—just different. I know some lovely gardens which are a tenth of thesize of Larchdown, and some which are ten times bigger. We’re here to enjoy, not to compare.”

“Okay, I just think we have a lot to do.”

“We do. But the Larchdown style is what we call more cottage garden than formal, so it will always be more rustic looking and less ordered. But there are some things we can incorporate. C’mon, there’s something I want to show you.” He turns to go and then stretches out his hand to mine. I interlace our fingers, and he smiles.

“You okay with this?” I ask, giving his hand a squeeze.

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