In Name Only by J M Dragon

Author:J M Dragon [Dragon, J M]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9780992246181
Publisher: Affinity E-Book Press NZ LTD
Published: 2013-02-01T00:00:00+00:00

Elise looked about the private garden area within the walled enclosure and smiled. Tegan would be home tomorrow and this place would be alive again. Moving to take a seat on the three foot high wall, she surveyed the immaculately kept area. She loved its two artificial surfaces bisected with a mottled green rubber path. Then she spied Jack Spaulding, the senior gardener.

“Jack, the place is looking great.”

Jack nodded and leaned against his spade. “Thank you, Miss Elise. I think that the play equipment is feeling neglected without the young miss here.”

Elise surveyed the area. “Do you prefer this new surface to the old cobblestones and grass, Jack?”

Jack chortled, giving Elise a view of brown, stained teeth.

“Miss Tegan is a tornado on wheels. I remember Miss Jill’s worried expression more than once when the little one used to fall and scrape her knees and once she bumped her head, well, that sealed its fate. It might not look as ornate, but you have to keep the little one safe,” Jack said as he rubbed his jaw.

“So very true, Jack. I guess it gives you a little less to do.”

“Only here, Miss Elise, now we have the visitors, I have to ensure the place is tip top all the time.”

Elise nodded. “Do you enjoy the visitor season? I know it’s hard work and....”

Jack interrupted her. “I love it, I get to show off my gardens and Miss Jill is helping me set up a little business on the side selling plants in the wee shop.”

Elise nodded. “Really? Well, good luck with that. I guess I’ll let you get on with your work. I’m going for a walk around the gardens and see what new things you’ve been growing.”

“Plenty there, Miss Elise.” He picked up the spade and dug into the neat border.

Elise glanced up at the second floor windows of the house on the side elevation and nodded in satisfaction. They’d spruced up the frontage about five years ago. Jill had insisted the rest of the building should be given that same care, particularly as they were now open to the public.

As she headed out of the walled garden, she saw one of the many plaques placed on building walls indicating, for public interest, certain aspects of the place. She passed the small shed built to blend in with the surroundings and noted the times Headridge was open. Twice a week in the summer, and a Thursday in the autumn and spring, along with a couple of the public holidays.

“I still can’t get over how successful this venture is,” she said aloud to herself. “Especially with the restrictions on when you can visit. Yet they came in droves, who would have thought it?” She shook her head and walked toward a large hedge. As she walked around the hedge and saw the impressive display of roses, she drew in a deep breath and allowed the scent to invade her.

I wonder if Jill would like me around full time, she thought.

Elise chuckled and rubbed her hands together.

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