I filled my lugs with the gorgeous smelling air as I lay down on the grass. I still couldn’t believe this was all mine. The flowers, the trees, the waterfall… I loved this garden and everything about it. There was something about this garden that made it different; almost mysterious or enchanting.
When I’d first come to live with my Aunt and Uncle, they could hardly keep me away from the garden. Everything about it fascinated me. I swear, some times I could hear more then just wind rustling the leaves; and when I’d watch the waterfall, it would shimmer in ways that I would have thought impossible. I had asked the servants about it a couple of times, but they would just look at me as if I wasn’t all there. I learned to keep quiet about it, and my reputation was restored quickly. But even though I didn’t think it out loud, I still saw strange things and was constantly trying to figure it out.
This morning I had received spectacular news. After staying with them for four years, my relatives told me they had officially decided I was to be in charge of the garden this spring. I was ecstatic. Being in charge of the garden meant I got choose where everything was going to be planted, how it was going to look this summer, I could even add in a sitting area or a swing to my favorite spots if I wanted too.
I had already written my mother. I knew she would be excited. My grandmother owned a floral shop and both of us were very into to hobbies like that. Being in charge of the planning would give me tremendous amounts of practice and Mother would probably even give my tips in her letters.
Undoubtedly, this was going to be a very good year.
I looked up at the sky as other thoughts came into my head. Planning the garden wasn’t the only thing my aunt and uncle wanted me to do. They had never said it or even hinted at it, but I knew my aunt and uncle well enough to know they wanted me to marry soon. It wasn’t at all unreasonable since I was, after all, the appropriate age. It was just that my Aunt was a natural matchmaker and I was worried they might end up having more say in my husband then me.
My thoughts were cut off when I heard some one yelling. I sat up trying to find the cause. Sam was coming towards me on his horse, galloping much faster then usual
“My Lady,” he was panting as if he’d been the one running, “you are needed at the mansion at once.”
My heart sped up along with my feet. Was some one hurt? Was there danger? “What is it?”
“Sir Edward,” he had his horse trot towards me, “his carriage has arrived. He is a day early and your aunt and uncle are still gone and there is no one to greet him but servants.”
My heart calmed down a bit, but I still ran. Social greetings were very important in this country, especially if the people were as high up as my aunt and uncle.
Sam extended his hand and I jumped onto the horse behind him. He kicked hard and we galloped faster then I was used to. Arms tightened on Sam’s waist, I tried not to fall off as he jumped a fence. I also couldn’t help but think what my aunt would say if she saw me hugging a servant like that; especially one as close to my age as Sam.
The horse stopped and Sam jumped off. He helped me down and I ran into the house. I ran past Mary towards my room.
“Where are you going?” she yelled after me.
“To change,” riding clothes were not considered suitable for greetings.
“There’s no time,” she grabbed my hand pulling me back towards the foyer. Another servant ran up with a brush and began to fix my wind blown hair as we walked.
“Who am I greeting again?” I was becoming flustered around all these panicked servants.
“His name is Sir Edward,” Mary filled me in, “he’s staying here while he go’s to law school. Just greet him like you would any other stranger, but be formal; he is very high class. Just explain where your aunt and uncle are, but pretend you knew he was coming,” We reached the end of the hallway and the other servant finished my hair, “Good luck,” they fled leaving me to greet the stranger on my own.
I ran to the center of the foyer just in time to be perfectly posed as he walked through the door.
My eyes widened a little. When Mary said he was going to school I expected him to be young, but not as young as me. I didn’t expect him to be as handsome as he was either. His blond hair and blue eyes went perfectly with his tall stature and pure white smile.
He took off his tall hat and I curtsied, “Sir Edward, it is a pleasure to have you staying here.”
He walked over and politely kissed my hand, “I am honored to be here.”
“I’m sorry my Aunt and Uncle are not here, but they are still handling some business else where.” I almost apologized for my poor attire but decided not to say anything since that would probably give away the fact I didn’t know he was coming. He was a boy, maybe he wouldn’t notice.
“I am sorry I missed them,” He smiled, “although I am glad to say, I am not at all disappointed with my greeting.”
I wasn’t sure what to say to that, “I’m glad you are pleased,” what now? “Mary!” she was undoubtedly somewhere close eavesdropping.
She waited a couple seconds then came out of the hall way as if she had just coincidentally been near by, “Yes, my Lady?”
“Mary this is Sir Edward,” she gave a small curtsy, “would you please show him which room he will be staying in?”
“Of course,” she headed towards the stairs.
I started to follow and Sir Edward politely took my arm, “If you don’t mind my asking, what exact business is it that your aunt and uncle are taking care of?”
Actually, I did mind, since I didn’t know, “I believe they are having a social visit with some friends,” oops, that might offend him, “not that they wouldn’t rather be here with you, they just…”
He laughed at my blush, “It’s alright. I am a day early after all.”
“Here we are,” Mary opened a pair of double doors to one of our nicest guest rooms.
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