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“Over here,” she said, waving to him. “Do you see this?”
She pointed to a flower. It was bright red, with petals, bursting wide open. Somehow, he knew that it meant far more to her than a rose ever would.
“This is my favorite. Do you know why?”
“No. Why?” He didn’t even know what it was. He knew, though that she was sharing it with him, in an exchange of sorts.
“It’s an amaryllis. Its name comes from a shepherdess from Virgil’sEclogues.”
“She casts a love spell, does she not?” It had been several years since he’d read it, back when he was in school.
“Indeed.”
“What does that have to do with you?”
“What power she had,” she replied. “To take one’s own future in her hands, and cast a spell.”
“I see,” he said.
“Do you?”
“Yes. Not to worry, My Lady. Your secret is safe with me.”
“What secret is that?” The corners of her mouth quirked upwards.
To the Devil with the Duke and his opinions.
“You’re an enchantress,” he replied.
Roses bloomed in her cheeks as she blushed. She laughed. “Mr. Conolly, accusing me of witchcraft!”
“My Lady—you’re used to feeling as though you have power—here on the grounds of your father’s estate,” he said. “Out there—in society—because you are a Lady, you do not have the same power that you would if you were born a gentleman.”
“True enough.” The smile had fled.
“Upon your father’s death, you will lose all of this. Your home,” he went on, keeping his tone gentle. “Thus, you must marry, and marry well, in order to have a home.”
She regarded him, closely. “What do you think I should do?”
“I think you should do what it takes to ensure your happiness,” he replied. “You deserve to be happy, My Lady.”
She was silent. He wondered what she was thinking. She was at times so talkative, and then at others so quiet and thoughtful. They walked to the end of the garden, and turned back toward the house.
“Mr. Conolly, I can’t help but notice that your demeanor changed last night,” she said.
“I was tired, My Lady.”
“Come now, Mr. Conolly. No secrets between us.”
He looked deep into her brown eyes. “I was reminded of my place, My Lady.”
She licked her lips, before she whispered. “What if your place was by my side?”
“That I should be so lucky,” he replied, sadly. “Come. Let me walk you back to the house.”
* * *
After walking through the gardens with Mr. Conolly, Arabella went in search of her mother. She found her in the withdrawing room, working on some embroidery.
