Page 112 of Lady Waldrey’s Gardening Almanac for Cultivating Scandal

“Of course, Miss Knope.” James dipped his chin.

By her reaction to the dog, he’d already surmised as much. But the dog went everywhere that Arthur went, and James had no desire to separate the two, especially in the country, which was the only place his son was able to run free outdoors.

It was true that Seamus was intimidating in size. He drooled, expelled gas faster than a broken street lamp, and snored like thunder. But he was loyal, faithful, and wouldn’t let anything dangerous get close to Arthur without putting up a devastating fight.

If he had to restrict the dog’s movements, it would be a very long few weeks, indeed.

CHAPTER 33- CANDACE

From Animals and Insects of an English Garden-

Although some small children and ladies are fearful of anything that crawls upon a garden floor, it is important to remember that there are several kinds of insect that are not only harmless, but beneficial to the garden environment. In contrast, there are many furry creatures who at first glance appear adorable, but are the bane of a gardener’s existence...

The following morning, Candace got up the courage to write a real letter to Percy, one that she specifically addressed for his eyes alone.

Percy,

Though undoubtedly you’ll return to London after this takes place, I still wish you would be here for the occasion. Or for Sophia to be here. But as both of you are merrily abroad, celebrating your recent or impending nuptials, I cannot feel that you would deprive me a similar joyful, betrothed state.

The Duke of Canterbury has asked to court me, and I have readily accepted. He is a gentleman of the finest caliber—both in breeding and character—and I feel I am the luckiest of all ladies, for he says he loves me. I love him back, which is a heady, terrifying experience that no one quite warned me about.

But I digress. By the time you make your way to Devon, I will likely be engaged. It is strange to think that once we marry I will be the Duchess of Canterbury, a title which many have sought. I confess I’m much more excited at the prospect of someday being James's wife and Arthur’s mama than I am at acquiring such an esteemed honorific, but I will bear the burden with as much grace as I am able.

Happily yours,

Candace

She sealed it with wax and her seal, then placed the folded letter into her coat pocket and set off for the village. It didn’t seem right to her that she hadn’t made every effort to inform her family members of James’s courtship and intentions. Even though it might be months before Percy received her note, at least she would have tried her best.

Hortense walked at her side but found every opportunity to stare off into the fields. If Candace were being honest, she felt a little burr of hurt at the way Hortense had accepted Candace’s happy news.

Her maid had nodded, smiled stiffly, and wished her all the eventual joy in the world. But her words had been reserved and formal, and she hadn’t bestowed a single hug.

“Hortense, what’s wrong?” Candace asked bluntly.

“Nothing, my lady.”

“Please don’t lie to me. We both know something is amiss. Is it...is it James? Do you not approve of his courtship?”

Although it wouldn’t change Candace’s mind on the matter, she’d rather know now if her maid had some charge against the man’s character.

Hortense whirled toward her and frowned. “Not at all, my lady.”

“Then why...you didn’t seem happy to hear of it.”

Hortense frowned and stared forward. “Forgive me, my lady. If my reaction wasn’t a good one, it wasn’t because of the duke. He’s the perfect match for you.”

Warm contentment bloomed in Candace’s stomach at the words. Hortense was her friend—perhaps not in the same way that Vera was, but a friend all the same.

“Then what is the matter? Is it Thomas? Has something happened?” Candace was shocked to see tears shimmering in her maid’s eyes. She stopped dead in the center of the road and gripped her elbow. “Tell me.”

“He...he asked me to marry him. Yesterday in the village.”

Candace flung arms around her. “Why, that’s wonderful!”

It was true—when one was happy, one wanted everyone one cared about to be so, as well.

“Is it?” Her lower lip trembled; a single tear dripped down her cheek.