A Kiss for Lady Mary by Ella Quinn Read Free Book Online Page A

the garden look so good in a great many years.”
    Daniels, the gruff, wiry old head gardener, leaned on a shovel. “Won’t see all of what her la’yship has done ’til summer and next year, but she’s got some talent, she has.”
    The warmth rising in her cheeks stopped as she realized she wouldn’t be here to enjoy the fruits of her efforts. If only she could return here after her Season. Glancing up at the sky, she supposed it to be close to five o’clock. Past time she should be dressing for dinner.
    She finished the glass, handing it back to Simons. “Daniels, I think we had a good day.”
    “Yes, my lady. We’re just about finished for now.”
    If only it were simply for now. This would be one of her last days in the garden. Keeping a pleasant expression pasted on her face, she made her way up the back stairs. The closer it came to the time she must leave, the more she wanted to remain. Would Mr. Featherton sell the property to her? Once her birthday had passed, she could well afford it. Yet that didn’t answer the question of her name. He certainly would not allow her to continue to masquerade as his wife.
    Hot tears pricked her lids. Taking a handkerchief out of her pocket, she dabbed at the corners of her eyes. There was no reason to become maudlin now. She would go to London and have her Season. She would meet a gentleman to wed. Then she would have a home she could make her own.
    “Were you rolling around in the mud?” Mathers stood at the dressing room door, hands on her hips.
    Mary gave a watery chuckle. “You might think so. I did remember to wear my gloves. And I have left my shoes by the garden door.”
    “Well, that’s something. I’ll get the shoes later. Come along now and get that dirt off you.”
    Soon Mary sank into the warm water of her bath. She hated having to deceive the servants, dependents, and all the local people. Unfortunately, there was nothing she could do about it. She gave herself a shake. Looking to the future would be more productive than moping and wishing things were different.
     
    That evening at dinner Mary took a bite of the soup, new pea with just a hint of mint. The freshness practically burst in her mouth. “Give Cook my compliments, Simons.”
    The knowledge that once she left she would never see Rose Hill again had dogged her all day, and it hit her particularly hard at that moment. The soup turned to ash in her mouth, but she forced herself to eat it and a few bites of each remaining course as she smiled and did her best to act as if everything was all right.
    After tea had been served in the drawing room, Eunice took Mary’s hand. “Try not to be so down in the mouth, my dear. You must trust all will be well.”
    Mary blinked back her tears but couldn’t stop her voice from wavering. “Yes, I must continue to believe that.” She set her cup down and rose. “While there is still enough light, let me show you what I’ve done with the garden.”
    Once outside, Eunice linked her arm with Mary’s as they strolled on the new gravel paths. “It looks wonderful.”
    “Yes. I’m very proud of it.” Mary’s throat closed painfully. “We planted over fifty new rose bushes. I’ve always wanted a rose garden.” She wiped the moisture from her face. She would not cry. “I don’t want to leave.”
    “I know, dear.” Eunice touched her head to Mary’s. “Neither do I, but we must look at the bright side. You have not been chased or harassed since we’ve been here, and you’ve improved the property beyond all measure. No one could possibly complain about your residing here for the year.”
    Except that it had been based on deception. If she wasn’t to become a watering-pot, it behooved her to think of something else to discuss. “How is the new roof for the church progressing?”
    Eunice grinned. “According to Mr. Doust, extremely well. It will be finished before summer.”
    Mary slanted a glance at her aunt. She had not asked about a possible