Page 24 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

“Very good!” Louise said happily, picturing making her mother a gooseberry pie from her very own garden when she came to visit. “I would love to see some strawberries, too. We could add them to the walled garden, where they will get the most sunlight.”

Neilson looked surprised, but then a wide grin spread across his face. “I think that would be nice, Your Grace.”

“And what of the rest of the garden? March is a good time to plant. Potatoes, perhaps? I am sure the cook would not object to some of our homegrown produce coming to our table.”

“No indeed, Your Grace.”

“Excellent. Pass me a spade, please.”

He blinked at her. “I wouldn’t wish for you to ruin your clothes, Your Grace.”

“Nonsense. Mud will wash away. I adore working in the gardens. Let us prepare the bed, and we can discuss some flowers for the borders. There is much potential here.”

And she truly meant it. The garden was beautiful.

To her surprise, as she turned to grab the spade and get to work, she saw the Dowager Duchess crossing the lawn toward them.

“Good afternoon,” Louise greeted, slightly worried that the older woman would frown upon her getting involved in gardening.

However, although she showed no intention of joining her, the Dowager Duchess appeared more intrigued than scandalized by Louise’s behavior.

“Good afternoon, Duchess,” she said with a warm smile. “Good afternoon, Neilson.”

The gardener dutifully doffed his cap and continued working.

“You are fond of plants, Duchess?” the Dowager Duchess asked Louise.

“I confess, I am. I adore being outside in the gardens. It is my favorite thing in the world.”

The Dowager gave her a soft smile and nodded, her eyes twinkling.

“This garden is beautifully designed,” Louise said happily.

“Thank you. I do not get to enjoy it much these days.”

“Did you design it, Your Grace?”

The Dowager Duchess nodded. “I did. I used to spend a great deal of time in the garden when I was younger. Plants hold no judgment and make no noise. It was a suitable retreat from the rigors of Society.”

Louise examined her carefully as she spoke, detecting a subtle pain in her voice that she couldn’t quite place.

“It is glorious. I love the roses along the hedge line. I was speaking to Neilson about adding gooseberry bushes, and I would love to plant some marigolds and hollyhocks in summer.” Louise pointed further down the garden. “The cherry trees will be in bloom in a few months. It will be lovely to have their blossoms sprinkled about.”

The Dowager Duchess laughed—it was a very pleasant change from her rather severe expression. “You really are fond of plants.”

“All types, yes. I had planned to write an encyclopedia. It is something I have been working on and researching for manyyears.” Neilson had stopped working and was now listening intently. “In fact, I promised Marcus that…” Louise paused, glancing at her mother-in-law guiltily.

The Dowager Duchess inclined her head. “Promised him what?”

“That he would be the first to read it. I have bored him many times with my love of flowers. I intended to reward his patience with a preview.”

The Dowager Duchess smiled at her fondly, before her expression became sad. “You have leave to do as you like with this garden, Duchess. I would be happy to see how it is transformed under your guidance.”

“I do not want to impose. I would welcome your input; this is your garden, too.”

“Oh yes, but I am too old to wander about and dig holes while I’m on my knees. I would happily watch you transform it. I believe you will alter many things for the better, now that you are with us. I am sure, even though he is not here, Marcus will enjoy the results when he returns to us.”

“He does love being outdoors,” Louise said wistfully, looking out at the long expanse of lawn before her.

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