Dr. Norwood’s office was a reflection of his obsession with orchids. Rows of the exotic flowers lined the windowsill, and their sweet, spicy scent perfumed the air. Maps on the wall documented orchid fields around the world, and fossilized blossoms filled a bookshelf.

Wiry, balding, and bespectacled, Dr. Norwood was pruning a vibrant Cephalanthera orchid when she entered. He didn’t even look up from his work as she summarized Mr. Delacroix’s latest rejection, but he paid fierce attention when she proposed a different approach.

“I have a feeling that as a man of business, Mr. Delacroix will respect forthright dealing,” she said. “Perhaps if we directly ask for access only to that single vanilla orchid, he would be more forthcoming.”

Dr. Norwood shook his head. “Vanilla is one of the most valuable commodities in the world, and Delacroix only wants that orchid for its monetary value. His father was different. His father could be reasoned with, but ever since the old man died, Gray Delacroix holds the keys to the kingdom. He has no respect for scientific marvels, only monetary profit.”

Between the two, Annabelle had more sympathy for monetary profit, but maybe that was her practical farming heritage coming to the fore. Nevertheless, she would do whatever was necessary to please Dr. Norwood.

“Sir, I am painfully aware that the clock is ticking on my temporary appointment. If you want that orchid, I will figure out a way to get it. All I need is your permission to approach Mr. Delacroix directly. Face to face. I think I can reason with him.”

Dr. Norwood set down the pruning shears and looked her in the eyes. “When your college professor recommended you for this position, he claimed you were one of the sunniest, most optimistic people he’d ever met.”

“I am,” she admitted with a pleased smile.

“That’s the kind of person who drives Gray Delacroix insane,” Dr. Norwood said. “He is all business and has no patience, no manners, and is immune to female charm.”

Which was why Annabelle planned a different strategy. Mr. Delacroix might be rude, but everything she knew about him indicated he had a deep and abiding passion for the plant world, and on that level, they could connect. His travels spanned the globe, and wherever he went, he collected a seed, a bulb, a cutting, or a root. She admired a man like that.

“If you want that orchid, I’ll get a cutting,” she told Dr. Norwood confidently. “And Mr. Delacroix will be smiling as he hands it over to me.” She outlined her unconventional plan that would only cost a blow to her pride if it didn’t work.

Dr. Norwood seemed intrigued. “I suspect he’ll laugh you out of his office. It’s likely to be a complete failure.”

“The Smithsonian has had years of failure,” she said. “Nothing else has worked. You might as well let me try.”