“We’re aiming for a grand opening next summer.” Lucy threaded her arm through Cleo’s and they walked together over to the edge of the terrace. The barn lay below, illuminated like the cottage with lanterns. “There’s loads to do but we want to coincide with the Chastleton Catesby exhibition when they unveil the miniatures.”

“Not to mention the Museum of the Hospitallers unveiling the Tudor mantle,” Cleo said. “What a find that was!”

“I know.” Lucy smiled faintly. “Who would have thought that in restoring Catherine’s memorial stone up at the church we would have found a lost treasure that was dug up...ahem...by badgers?”

“It’s extraordinary, isn’t it,” Cleo said dryly, giving her arm a little squeeze. “And Catherine’s ghost?” she added softly.

“Gone in one sense,” Lucy said, “yet present in another. I think she’s at peace now that the miniatures of her boys are safe and will always be treasured. But I also think her spirit will always be found here, especially now the garden is coming back to life.” She glanced at Cleo and smiled. “Finn and I are designing a winter garden as well,” she said. “It was Maud who gave us the inspiration.”

“That amazing old lady from the village?” Cleo asked. “The one who saw Catherine’s ghost? She’s a phenomenon, isn’t she! But what do you mean by a winter garden?”

“Based on analysis of the plants and seeds,” Lucy said, “it seems that Catherine’s Tudor garden was designed to look as beautiful in the winter as it did in summer. Maud saw a vision of it once, full of evergreens and bright berries. I’ve done some research into native plants and come up with some suggestions for what we can use to recreate those holly arches and ivy arbors. I think it could look stunning, especially as Finn has some great ideas for structural planting that will look amazing in the frost and snow.”

“How perfect,” Cleo said. “Catherine’s vision will be recreated. I’m sure that will make her spirit glad.” She gave Lucy a sideways glance. “And you’ve rediscovered your joy as well, it seems. I think you’re happy here too?”

“I am,” Lucy said. “I love being project manager here and once this job is finished, I think I’ll probably look for something similar, though maybe for a music charity. Who knows? But it turns out Finn was right when he said I had transferable skills.”

“I think Finn is often right,” Cleo said. “I overheard him telling Sam just now that our bookshop is one of the best in the country. Can’t argue with that.” She looked at her sister. “Finn is great, Lucy. I’m so happy for you.”

Music and laughter drifted out from Gunpowder Cottage, indicating that the others would be joining them soon. Lucy touched Cleo’s arm. “Will you excuse me for a moment? There’s something I need to do.”

“Of course.” Cleo smiled at her and wandered off toward the knot garden whilst Lucy turned back to look at the view. This was the place where she could see the whole of the garden spread out below, the lake, where they were reconstructing an octagonal pavilion, the orchard and the two spiral mounds that looked down on Gunpowder Barn. The night was crisp, cold and clear, and away on the horizon, bonfire night fireworks were already starting to light up the skies.