“What of your sculpting?” Freddie asked, pulling her from her thoughts. “I know you find the notion of designing a garden exciting, but your true passion is your art, is it not?”

Serena considered her friend’s question. Was it? Oh, she loved it when a work progressed according to her internal vision. But Serena knew, deep inside, she would never be a great artist. She would give enjoyment to those who saw her work, but she would not be admired and emulated by generations of sculptors to come.

She realized the other two were waiting for an answer. “He has a brand new stable block, and there is a stall in it that is enormous with doors that open on two sides to provide wonderful light. He said I might take it for my workspace while I live there.” She looked from one friend to the other. “I will be busy with laying out the various parts of the estate to begin with, but once the projects are underway I will have ample time to work.”

Miles nodded. “And he wishes to commission sculptures in addition to the gardening.” It was not a question. “All jesting about the man himself aside, I do not see how you could turn down such an opportunity, Serena—or why you would want to. You might have work for years to come even after the gardens are finished.”

“I know. He has told me I can either do the work myself or choose artists whose work I approve of. It is a great opportunity for me to forge some much needed alliances in the London sculpting community.”

They all knew what she meant—with such patronage power she could enter the ranks of sculptors who had excluded her, both because she was a woman and a foreigner.

Serena looked at Freddie, who had taken up her tambor and was plying her needle. Freddie hated to be idle and her flawless needlework was yet another way she made her money—although nobody was supposed to know she sold her work.

“Am I foolish to be dithering about this, Freddie?”

“It is never foolish to consider all the angles. As much as I hate to admit it, I agree with Miles.” She looked up from her stitching, her fawn-colored eyes serious. “I believe this is an opportunity you cannot pass up. You will uproot Oliver, but to good purpose. I also think it will be excellent for the two of you to be together in the country. I will miss him—and you—terribly, but it will be such a pleasant holiday away from the filth and noise of London.” She hesitated and then asked, “And you say Mr. Lockheart will not spend much time there?”

“He does not care for the country and spends a great deal of time running around Britain, meeting his business partner in various places to assess investments. No, I do not think we will see him often.”

“Mr. Lockheart contacted me, you know,” Freddie said.