The Scent of Snow by Giovanna Siniscalchi

Author:Giovanna Siniscalchi [Siniscalchi, Giovanna]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: anonymous
Published: 2023-12-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

The air inside the greenhouse was thick with the earthy aroma of damp soil, mingled with the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers, the moisture condensing on Anne’s lips. Julia strolled among the potted herbs. Anne, her arms linked with Isabel, trailed behind her botanical-savvy sister-in-law. How difficult was it to ask their friends about Pedro?

Where had that thought come from? She refused to believe there was something wrong with him. The curse had nothing to do with his shifting moods. She was sure they would pass. She already knew the perfect cure for his… his mood. Still, after her attempts to show him how wonderful children could be had failed utterly, she needed a new plan.

Clara’s giggles echoed over the glass roof, pulling Anne from her thoughts. Flor arranged flowers in the little girl’s hair. Julia’s statuesque maid had a hairdressing talent, and with Isabel’s tiara crowning Clara’s black curls, she looked like a princess. After the picnic, Clara developed an adoration for Pedro. Anne couldn’t blame her. When he picked the girl up and saved her from the ants, a perfect knight in shining armor, warmth had infused Anne’s chest, and she had been certain her plan had worked. But nothing about Pedro was simple. As soon as his protective streak had flared, he banked it, assuming the aloof facade he showed to the outside world.

Julia, her brow furrowed in concentration, stopped by a green bush and extracted a leaf. “Lemon balm. I love the scent. Good for anxiety and insomnia. Tastes delicious in a tea.”

Isabel sniffed the plant. “I don’t have trouble sleeping.”

“It’s for me,” Julia said, lifting her brows.

Anne placed her hand atop Julia’s arm and pressed affectionately. Look at her, focusing on her own issues when her sister was worried. “My brother can be a cantankerous oaf sometimes, but he won’t send Tony away against your wishes.”

Julia closed her eyes. “I know. It’s just… Tony had always been like a bottle of frisante — lively, effervescent. All of a sudden, he turned into a vinho verde, unpredictable and tart. And I have no knowledge of white wines.”

Isabel perked up. “Have you considered hiring a tutor? I heard German teachers are all the rage in court. I can arrange to import one for you if you wish.”

Anne smiled at Isabel’s princessing. At first, she thought Julia and Isabel would be too different to get along, but both women became friends. Isabel admired how Julia had turned an Englishman into a Portuguese Patriot, while Julia was grateful Isabel married Henrique, so the rakish scientist stopped pestering Griffin about their flirtations in the past. Anne loved them both, Julia as a dear sister and Isabel as her best friend.

“A German tutor? Why not? Prussia is famous for Rieslings. Perhaps he can teach me about white wine.” Julia shrugged. “Now for your digestive discomfort.”

“I wouldn’t utter it in so many words. It’s more of a little pain in my stomach.” Blushing, Isabel caressed her belly.

Anne felt a pang of jealousy.

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