Page 122 of Harpy of the Ton
“If Mr. Baxter thinks he can achieve it,” Trelawney said.
Lawrence nodded. “I’ve a young lad—Sam, his name is—who’s a hard worker.”
“And our head gardener will be on hand to help,” Trelawney said. “Jones isn’t as young as he was, but he’s at your disposal—and he has two under-gardeners for the heavy lifting. There’s a mason in the village for the stonework, unless you have one to recommend?”
Lawrence shook his head. “My acquaintance isn’t that extensive.”
Mrs. Trelawney grinned. “I think that’s about to change, Mr. Baxter. My husband and I will be the envy of our friends. You’ll be the toast of the country—more so than Capability Brown himself.”
“I hardly think so, Mrs. Trelawney.”
“Nonsense!” she replied. “One can always tell an estate that’s been subject to Mr. Brown’s particular style of remodeling. They all look the same. But this…” She gestured toward Bella’s drawings. “This will set our garden apart from the rest. You’ll be the talk of Society. And I know of several families in want of a new garden.”
“Now, Alice, don’t make promises to Mr. Baxter when he’s not even started work,” Trelawney said.
“Why not? Whitcombe was saying last week that he wants to change the garden at Rosecombe now he’s married that delightful Howard girl.”
Bella stiffened. “Whitcombe, you say?”
“Yes, the Duke of Whitcombe,” Trelawney replied.
“And…” Bella closed her eyes for a moment, then opened them again. “Howard,” she said. “Eleanor Howard.”
“Yes,” Mrs. Trelawney said. “I quite adore her. Do you know her?”
Lawrence held his breath, but Bella shook her head. “I must have read the name somewhere, that’s all.”
“I’m sure you’ll meet her,” Mrs. Trelawney said. “She’s a regular visitor here—though she’s nearing her confinement, so I doubt Whitcombe will permit her to travel for much longer. He quite dotes on her.”
“As does every man in love with his wife,” Trelawney said. “Am I right, Baxter?”
Lawrence lifted Bella’s hand to his lips. “I’ll not disagree.”
“Then that’s settled,” Trelawney said. “Baxter, perhaps you’ll come with me to discuss disbursements.”
“But my wife…”
“Is welcome to remain here with me,” Mrs. Trelawney said. “In fact, shall we take a turn about the garden, Mrs. Baxter? We can discuss where each section of the garden should be located. There’s a delightful spot close to the lake that might do for the Grecian area. And, of course, you must visit as often as you like while your husband is working on the garden.”
Shit.
Shit. Shit. Shit.
Bella was bound to be recognized if this woman, Eleanor Howard, came to visit.
“Forgive me, Mrs. Trelawney,” Bella said. “But with three children to look after, I cannot stay away from home.”
“You may bring your children with you.”
“I mustn’t keep them from school.”
“Then they’re fortunate to have you for a mother, my dear,” Mrs. Trelawney said. “There’s nothing so important as a child’seducation. But I insist you come to stay when the garden’s complete—as my guest of honor.”
“I couldn’t make such an imposition,” Bella said.
“Why not?”
“You’re a lady, and I’m…” Bella colored, and Lawrence’s heart ached at the way she trembled.
