He frowned. “Gardening much?” he asked next, a sly smile on his lips.

She arched a brow at him. She definitely recalled the times she’d told him in no uncertain terms that she didn’t understand why anyone would want to root around in the heat and mud all day with bugs crawling about. Jessica adored gardening, but it was not for Veronica and never would be.

“Oh, yes, I spend loads of time gardening,” she replied, returning his smile.

“What then? I hope you’ve found something you enjoy.” The sincerity in his voice made her throat go dry.

She nodded hesitantly. “I…I read to the children at the schoolhouse in the village twice a week.”

“Read?” He blinked, surprise clearly registered on his face.

“Yes, and two of them, a boy and a girl, are having trouble learning to read. I help them.”

“You teach children to read?” He blinked more. His brow was furrowed, as if he didn’t understand what she was telling him.

An unexpected smile spread across her face. “You needn’t look so shocked. Mr. Trehorn, the schoolmaster, hasn’t the time to spend with each one of them individually. So I volunteered. I find I quite enjoy it.” She took a breath. “Then, on Wednesdays and Fridays, Mrs. Leggett and I fill baskets with loaves of bread, fruits, and medicines and we take them to the families in the village with sick or ailing members.”

“Mrs. Leggett?” Sebastian repeated.

“Yes, the housekeeper at Edgefield Hall. You remember her, don’t you?”

“Of course I remember Mrs. Leggett,” he replied. “I’m merely trying to picture you and her filling baskets with goods for the villagers.”

“Mrs. Leggett is a dear,” Veronica said, glancing back down at her periodical. He probably expected Mrs. Leggett to dislike her. But she and the housekeeper had become fast friends. Of course, it had been slightly awkward having to explain why she’d come to Edgefield Hall alone, and even more awkward when the months, then years passed without the arrival of her husband. But Mrs. Leggett made it her practice to be discreet. A quality Veronica cherished in the housekeeper. Veronica was convinced the older woman understood that the subject was a painful one for her. She appreciated the housekeeper’s steady presence and unquestioning loyalty.

“What else have you been doing?” Sebastian pressed with genuine interest in his eyes. “I hope you have had no unfortunate encounters with heights.”

Veronica snapped up her head. Why did his words make her heart pound in her chest? Because…he was referring to the night he’d asked her to marry him. They’d been courting for two months. He’d come to Justin’s town house in London. Sebastian had tossed pebbles at her second-floor window until she’d opened it. She couldn’t help her sigh. She recalled it like yesterday. The fresh June breeze had swept through her window, lifting the wisps of hair at her temples, and ruffling her white, cotton night rail. “What are you doing?” she’d called down to him.