The First Bloom of Winter by Pearl Love

Author:Pearl Love [Love, Pearl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: gay romance
ISBN: 978-1-63476-360-8
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Published: 2015-08-05T04:00:00+00:00

LESLIE HAD been vague upon Holden’s arrival as to when he would be expected to earn his keep, but on the fifth morning, he informed his newest acquisition that his debut was imminent.

“I will have Mrs. Peabody bring up some tea to your room again while the others are entertaining, Aster, but tomorrow evening, I will expect you to join the others when we begin welcoming guests. Amaryllis informs me he has finished several outfits for you, and Richard will have returned from the errand I sent him on yesterday, so there’ll be no further reason to delay. You will try on your new attire this afternoon so Amaryllis will have time to make any necessary alterations.”

Holden was unable to formulate a response as his heart was stuck firmly in this throat. He resorted to a nod to communicate his understanding. As he had the previous mornings since coming to The Garden, Holden was sharing the breakfast table with Gardenia, Hibiscus, and Peony while Leslie and Amaryllis sat apart. When the latter two finished their meal, they rose from their chairs to depart, but on this occasion, Amaryllis paused by the foursome before leaving the room.

“Come up to my room when you’ve finished. I don’t wish to haul all of that fabric down the stairs and then back up them again.”

“Lazy arse,” Gardenia mumbled loud enough that Amaryllis would have heard it if he’d still been in the room.

Peony frowned at him. “That’s not fair, Gardenia. He was up all last night, even after his last guest left, finishing the sewing.” He shot a look of concern toward the door through which Amaryllis had disappeared. “If he doesn’t stop pushing himself so hard, he’ll be useless for tonight’s proceedings.”

Hibiscus snorted rudely. “He only works so diligently because Leslie asks it of him. Otherwise, I doubt he’d put in so much effort.”

Holden still wondered about the relationship between the prickly redhead and their employer. It was obvious, even to a newcomer such as himself, that they were far closer than their respective positions should warrant. But the knowledge that this would be his last night of relative freedom robbed him of further curiosity as surely as it stole his appetite. He pushed the remaining portion of eggs about his plate for a few moments before finally shoving it away. Gardenia was still focused on his food, but Hibiscus watched him through lowered lashes while Peony’s expression radiated open sympathy.

“I think I’m finished,” Holden announced unnecessarily. “I will go up now so Amaryllis isn’t kept waiting.”

His speech finally diverted Gardenia’s attention from his breakfast. “Wait,” he said around a mouthful before taking a large swallow of cooled tea to wash it down. “I’ll go with you. You said we could practice some more this morning.”

Over the past few days, Holden and Gardenia had gotten into the habit of stealing away in the early hours to work on improving Gardenia’s reading. Holden had come to look forward to their sessions, and on this occasion he was doubly glad for the forthcoming lesson.

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