0945820950924859

course I did. Was there ever any doubt? Tried to say that the rose reminded me of her because it
looks delicate, but is actually able to withstand harsh forces, and I suspect it sounded as if I was
comparing her to a soldier. Why didn’t I work out a proper speech on the train and make you listen as
I practiced? And then of course, I felt compelled to further add that the plant was toxic, which made
the comparison go even more wrong, and all the while Emma just stood there, patiently nodding,
while I babbled on like an idiot. When Gage opened the door and called for her to help in the kitchen,
it was a relief to us both, I should think.”
“I doubt it was as bad as all that.”
“It was worse. How goes the delivery?”
“Slowly, most likely. There was a scream from upstairs and Geraldine took the brandy for the
women and then the tree caught on fire and had to be extinguished with a shaken bottle of champagne.
I fear that luncheon shall be no more than sandwiches and punch.”
Trevor sighed. “It was the wrong thing to give her. A snarl of brambles and thorns, wrapped in
brown burlap.”
“Only for now. It will be something else entirely in the spring.”
“Do you think she knows that?”
“I suspect she understands that there is… potential.”
Trevor sighed again and the two turned toward the house. “Sandwiches for luncheon, you say?
Pacing and waiting and cigars too, I should imagine, and if you’ll recall, I tried to warn everyone
about that ridiculous tree. At the risk of sounding like Fleanders, do you think that we shall ever
manage to have a normal day in this household?”
Rayley laughed and stomped his boots free of ice before stepping into the house. “Merry Christmas,
Trevor.”