“Well that’s lovely,” said Judith equitably. “A nice idea.”
“Yes, it is.” Ivy agreed. “So his Grace wishes to set up one for Prudence. As spring is upon us, he is wondering if I can help him arrange it in time to celebrate her birthday.”
“How lovely, and how thoughtful of him,” declared Rose. “He has just gone up a good many points in my estimation.”
“Well now,” cautioned Ivy. “There is one small problem in his plans.”
“What’s that?” Lydia looked at Ivy, brows drawing together. “It can’t be the expense. He could afford to hire Vauxhall gardens if he chose to.”
“No, you’re right. It’s not the expense. It’s that he has no garden here in London at all.”
“Oh.” Rose sat back and puffed out her cheeks. “Hmm. That’s a bit of a problem…”
“He’s asked me to help him make one.” Ivy bit her lip.
“Er…” Judith blinked.
“Quite,” sighed Ivy.
“Can you make a garden?” asked the ever-practical Lydia.
“Well, yes, probably.” Ivy squared her shoulders. “I mean I do know about plants, of course. It’s a hobby of mine. Not one that I get to explore too often here in London, but at Siddington Castle my grandmother allows me free rein.”
“He’s not anticipating you arriving with a shovel and a trowel in hand, I’m hoping?” Judith grinned at her friend.
Ivy laughed back. “Goodness, I shouldn’t think so. But he has asked if we could discuss it. And if I had some thought as to its direction.”
“Oh. Well then.” Lydia pursed her lips. “And do you?”
Ivy considered the question. “As a matter of fact, yes. I do.” She straightened her skirts as she gathered her words. “Hartsmere House is a lovely residence, but like most town homes, there isn’t a lot of surrounding land. Certainly not enough for a real garden with elements such as walks and a maze.”
“I know the feeling,” sighed Lydia. “There are times I would do anything to be able to wander outside. But all we have is a little path between the kitchen and the mews. And that’s full of cook’s herb pots.”
“The cost of living in town,” murmured Rose. “And probably why everyone leaves quite regularly.”
“All true,” endorsed Judith. “But I have a sense that Ivy may have a solution?”
Ivy nodded. “Hartsmere has the same sort of thing, a shortage of outdoor space. But it does have enough that a kind of terrace has been created. Nothing huge, but a paved area with a small stone bench.” She shifted on her chair as she tried to describe it with her hands. “Now right next to it is an old carriage house, and although it’s not very large, it could be included in the terrace. The old walls could be removed, leaving only a few columns supporting the roof…it would be a charming and shaded place to sit, once completed. And also quite private.”
“Oh, that sounds brilliant.” Lydia nodded enthusiastically.
“No expense will be spared, I assume?” Judith grinned.
Ivy raised an eyebrow. “It’s Hartsmere House. No, no expense will be spared.” She sighed. “I’m thinking of a fountain. It needs the sound of water.” She once again moved her hands, mimicking the rippling of cascading droplets. “It is in front of the windows in the largest parlour, which isn't used very much since it has no view of anything at all. Imagine how lovely it would be if there were French doors that could be opened during those warm summer evenings, and the sound of the fountain could echo through the room…”
“So now you’re not only creating a garden, knocking down an old carriage house and building a fountain, you’re knocking out a back wall of Hartsmere House?” Rose eyed her friend with a degree of astonishment.
“Um…yes. Basically, that’s my plan.” Ivy lifted her chin. “What do you think?”
There was a respectful silence for a moment or two.
“I think it’s a lovely plan,” approved Lydia. “But I also think you’re completely unhinged to take it on yourself.”
Ivy had to laugh. “Yes, you’re probably quite right.”
*~~*~~*
The Wednesday Club was in full swing; music played, skirts whirled around shining boots in the ballroom, and more attendees thronged the tables kept filled with the delicious nibbles for which the entire evening was becoming known.
Lady Maud surveyed the proceedings with a satisfied air.
“Lovely as always, my Lady,” said Ivy, coming to her side with a smile.
“I’m pleased,” agreed Maud. “I wasn’t sure, to be honest, if this entire idea would work, or fall flat on its face, thus embarrassing me in front of all the Almack’s patronesses.”
“Well now you have your answer.” Ivy gazed at the smiling faces, many of whom were well-known arbiters of fashion. “Almack’s will always be Almack’s, but you have offered an alternative that many of us prefer.” She chuckled. “And I’m not just talking about the food, but I will admit that for the gentlemen that’s an incentive.”
“Ah yes. Men and their appetites.” Maud grinned. “Speaking of that…where’s his Grace this evening?”
Ivy sighed. “He and Prudence are out of town at the moment. They have guests at Maidenbrooke Castle.” She turned to Maud. “Which reminds me. I have an odd question you might be able to help with.”
Maud glanced at her, eyebrows raised. “Go ahead. I adore odd questions.”
“Do you know anyone who could build a fountain?”
Maud blinked for a moment. “A fountain?”
“Yes.” Ivy looked around and leaned closer. “And it’s to be a surprise, so if you could keep this conversation between the two of us, I’d be most grateful.”
“That shouldn’t be a problem,”
