Page 29 of Trapped with her Cruel Duke

With that in mind, she rang for her maid earlier than usual and dressed before the rest of the household had risen. She descended the stairs to the gardens, wondering what time Christian had arrived home the night before. She was ashamed to say that she had waited up for him, hoping to hear him return, but she had fallen asleep before he did so.

The house was cold, and there was a light frost on the ground outside. She glanced up at the sky, knowing that her parents were visiting today and hoping for sunshine. Her mother loved sitting amongst the flowers, and despite the cold, she hoped they would still be able to do so.

She pushed open the outer door, hearing the crunch of frost as she stepped out. The sun’s weak rays had already melted the ice on the opposite side of the gardens, but the gravel beneath her feet glistened beautifully as she moved over it.

Clutching her notebook to her chest, she walked to the rear of the gardens. She had been curious about what might be growing there but had not yet had the opportunity to look.

She found many pots but not a great deal of growth. There were some canes in a few of the pots, ready for things to climb them. A strong smell of wild garlic emanated from the base of the garden wall. She already had hundreds of ideas bouncing around in her head, wishing to plant as much as she could.

“You’re awake early, Your Grace.”

She spun round to find Neilson behind her, his wiry frame leaning on his spade, his cap askew, his eyes twinkling.

“Good morning, Neilson. I did not see you arrive.”

“I was in the walled part of the gardens, Your Grace, seein’ to the wood.”

“Tell me, is there a reason this part of the gardens is so empty?”

Neilson straightened, looking about him with an assessing eye. “I suppose it wasn’t used much, Your Grace. The Dowager Duchess often had vegetables and the like planted, but not foryears now. It’s rarely used, if I’m being honest. Needs tendin’ to and no one to decide on what to cultivate. Are you thinkin’ of plantin’ somethin’?”

“I am. Would it not be pleasant to have vegetables growing here? We could plant leeks and carrots, with some tomatoes, in early summer. It would be nice to see this part filled with growing things, do you not think?”

“Very well, Your Grace. I’d be happy to begin as soon as you give me instructions.”

“Good. I shall plan it and tell you what I think, but I would like your opinion on it. You know this garden well. What type of soil do we have here?”

Neilson raised his eyebrows, seemingly impressed, and scratched his head. “Loamy—back part’s mainly clay. It would be good for vegetables, as you say, Your Grace. I’ve added quite a bit of manure to the beds over the years, and some sand, too.”

They both moved to inspect the beds. Most of them were well-tended and free of weeds, but they were empty of anything interesting.

“Well, that is good news. I shall order some seeds directly.”

Neilson looked rather perplexed that she was taking such an interest, but Louise was happy to go against the grain.

Perhaps I have grown too used to being the Ice Queen.

“You remind me of His Grace’s mother,” Neilson said thoughtfully. “She loved the garden too, though she didn’t spend quite so much time trudgin’ about in the soil.”

Louise looked down to find her skirts were stained with mud again. The frosty grass had soaked them through, and she laughed at how foolish she’d been to come down in such a fine gown.

“Louise.”

She looked up, startled by the voice so close, only to find Christian standing before her. He looked utterly out of place in the gardens, his hair perfect, his coat and waistcoat just so, the chain of his fob watch gleaming in the sunshine.

“Good mornin’, Your Grace,” Neilson mumbled and then beat a hasty retreat back to the rear of the gardens.

Louise watched him go and then turned back to Christian, her irritation rising as she saw him look disapprovingly at her skirts.

“What are you doing up at this hour?” he asked, his voice sharp and cold.

“I might ask you the same question, seeing as you did not return until dawn.”

He smirked, raising an eyebrow at her. “Did you miss me?”

“I hardly needed to miss you. I have plenty of things to occupy myself with,withoutseeking your company.”

She had meant it to sound light, but his expression had annoyed her, and the words came out dismissive. His face was hard to read, but his lips pressed together into a line she was coming to recognize as a sign of his irritation.

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