Lysander picked up his pace, thinking of the long arching canes of Gemma's overgrown roses, of the mad profusion of white and pink — and his willow doorway wound round with sweet smelling blooms.

A bower of roses.

Iris would swoon at the very notion.

CHAPTER 20

Chapter 20

IN THE STILLROOM OF Yew Manor, Gemma unwrapped the stiff linen binding she'd used to stabilize her wrist. Examining the joint critically, she tested her range of motion.

Really, it was better than she expected. She still felt a twinge, but she'd been fortunate to have Mr. Worthington's assistance over the past several days or she would surely have over-exerted it.

She settled on a simpler wrapping, more of a cuff around the smallest part of her wrist than an actual bandage. This would free her fingers up for all the work that needed doing in the stillroom and yet serve as a reminder to take care.

A brisk tap came on the back door. Even as Gemma left the stillroom she heard the door open.

"Hello?"

Gemma quickened her step. "Jennie!"

Jennie Gosling was already inside and seated at the rustic table, fanning her flushed face with the copy of Shakespeare's sonnets.

"It's that warm out, I couldn't bear it. Don't be telling Shepherd Gosling about this, mind. The man worries over much as it is." With her other hand, Jennie patted her vast belly. "Fifth one and all, you would think he'd trust me to know what I'm about by now!"

Gemma nodded. It was likely that Jennie knew more about childbearing than Gemma did, for all her books. "Tea? Or a cool glass of spring water? I've had a pitcher chilling in the cellar all morning."

Jennie gave a wave of assent as she dabbed at her puffy cheeks and brow with a man-sized handkerchief. "Cool water, dear. That'll do me just right, thank you."

Gemma fetched a cooling glass for Jennie. For herself, not being advanced in pregnancy and prone to hot flushes, she put the kettle on.

"How are you feeling otherwise, Jennie?"

"Oh pish. Don't you lay into me as well. I'm as big as a barn and feeling every lump in my old mattress, that's all. Aye then, this one's a kicker!" She pressed her palm high on her right side. Nowt to do but see it through. Not that I wouldn't make Shepherd Gosling take his turn about it, it being his doing and all!"

Gemma giggled. She enjoyed Jennie's easy familiarity immensely. Her friend was outspoken and full of strong Yorkshire opinions — and endlessly kind and generous to all she knew.

It was then that she looked past Jennie's flushed features and ballooning belly to notice that Jennie wore her best dress and her grandmother's coral brooch. Gemma knew perfectly well that treasure was kept back for significant occasions such as weddings, christenings, and funerals. "My, don't you look fine today!"