Page 25 of Romancing the Heiress
Except Phin was not a businessman. He was a horticulturalist—on his best days. Really, he was a gardener.
“Phin’s grandfather was a renowned horticulturalist, and he started the gardens,” Leah said rather energetically and with more than a hint of pride. “The land belongs to the Radford Grange estate, but the Radford family opened it to all of Marrywell and those who visit.”
“How magnanimous.” Mercer led Leah toward one of the follies—there were several on the periphery of the main entertainment area where the dais was situated. “I do admire these follies. They are so essential to pleasure gardens, I think.”
“These are not pleasure gardens,” Phin said, growing irritated with the man. “They arebotanicalgardens.”
Mercer chuckled. “Miss Webster corrected me on that point as well. Are you two old friends?”
“Yes,” Phin and Leah answered in unison. Phin couldn’t help but grin at her and was pleased when she smiled in response. He knew he had her support, and in the presence of a man like Mercer, that mattered.
“How much do you charge for admission?” Mercer asked.
“I don’t.”
Mercer blinked. “Not anything? Don’t you host entertainments in summer?”
“Yes.”
“That’s just…” Mercer shook his head, clearly bemused. “Why do you give it all away for free?”
“My grandfather wanted to share the beauty of the gardens with the people of Marrywell. He was a strong proponent of the matchmaking festival and constructed the labyrinth specifically for the event.”
“Verymagnanimous,” Mercer murmured. “You do at least charge for food and drink?”
“I don’t provide those things, but the tradespeople who do collect their own fees. As they should.”
“But so should you,” Mercer argued. “These gardens can’t pay for themselves. You must be doing rather well to be able to support something so extensive. My congratulations.”
“Yes, that is rather wonderful,” Mrs. Selkirk interjected somewhat enthusiastically.
Phin turned his head to see her regarding him with admiration.
Mrs. Selkirk went on, her face creased with mild concern. “However, I wonder if we might find a new topic, as all this talk of business isn’t particularly suitable for a young lady.”
Leah lowered her lids, but not before Phin caught her rolling her eyes. He had to stifle a laugh.
“Back to the follies, then,” Mercer said with a jovial smile. “What can you tell us of them, Radford?”
“Nothing today, I’m afraid, as I’m expected elsewhere.”
“Perhaps you could give us a tour tomorrow?” Mrs. Selkirk asked.
“I suppose I could.”
Mercer tapped his walking stick on the ground. “Capital idea. What time?”
Bloody hell.Phin hadn’t realized he’d come along.
“How about one o’clock?” Mrs. Selkirk proposed. “We could meet at the dais.”
Mercer tossed his walking stick and caught it squarely in his grip with a grin. “Excellent. I’ll be there.”
Phin wondered wildly if he could find an excuse not to come. Leah gave him a reassuring smile, and he relaxed slightly. She’d registered his agitation.
Huh.
Well, of course she did, you dolt. She’s known you almost your entire lives.
