A Garden for Ivy by Sahara Kelly

Author:Sahara Kelly
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 2020-06-17T23:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fifteen

It had not been easy to bid farewell to her new husband so soon after their wedding, but Ivy managed it, holding back tears until after she’d exchanged a final hug and waved goodbye to him.

She spared a moment to pray for the success of his journey, standing quietly on the front steps of Hartsmere House as the carriage turned the corner and was lost to sight.

“He’ll be fine, your Grace,” said Woodleigh at her side. “He’s not one to get himself into a foolish scrape.”

She couldn’t stop a quick sigh as she glanced at him. “I’m pleased to hear you say it, Woodleigh. I understand you’ve known him for many years, so I will trust your opinions above my own right now.”

He bowed approvingly and led her back inside. “It seems his Grace has once again made a very wise choice, Ma’am, if you’ll forgive my plain speaking. Now if you could see your way to making a small public appearance in a day or so on his behalf, it might serve to quell one or two of the adverse comments circulating about town.”

“What do you suggest?” She tilted her head and glanced at him as they walked across the impressive hall to the breakfast parlour.

“Lady Glenowen is a friend to the Maidenbrookes. She and the Duke’s late Mama were bosom bows at one time.”

“I have heard of her, I believe.”

“Well,” continued Woodleigh, “Her Ladyship hosts a book club, and invites all those interested to attend.”

“Ah.” Ivy waited for him to continue.

“Should you have a favourite novel you’d like to discuss with others, that is certainly the place to go. I understand many reputable ladies are in regular attendance. They meet once a month…”

“And the next one happens to be…?”

“Tomorrow, your Grace.” Woodleigh bowed.

“Hmm.” She considered the notion. “It would have been even better to take Prudence with me, but she doesn’t return for a couple more days yet.”

“I believe your Grace does have some acquaintances in town?”

Ivy ran through her list of close friends. There was really only one who would be the ideal companion. “I shall send a note to Lady Maud Sydenham today, Woodleigh, if you would have a messenger take it over in a little while?”

“Of course, your Grace.” He nodded respectfully.

“And have the carriage ready for me in plenty of time to get to Lady Glenowen’s tomorrow. I shall take great pleasure in discussing Sir Walter Scott’s latest publication which, it so happens, I finished a month ago.”

The two exchanged conspiratorial grins, and the deal was concluded.

Ivy’s mention of Prudence recalled that she had yet to speak with Sir Ronan or anyone from his crew about the progress of the fountain. With everything going on around her, that had pretty much skipped her mind.

Now that she was alone at Hartsmere, and with every right to be there, she was free to wander toward the rear of the house and check on any developments. Pulling back one of the heavy drapes covering a rear

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