It wasn'tlate,but Elmore had outstayed his welcome.
"Hopefully, the Duke will let you know his full decision soon. Perhaps when you go to work tomorrow?"
Mr. Washam nodded. "I hope so too. The sooner we know what he expects of us, the sooner we can begin. When he gives me his decision, I will discuss with him the possibility of helping pay for the building of the greenhouse."
It was one of the most expensive parts of the project; the samples were all bought in increments and therefore easier to supply. Yet the greenhouse had to be built all at once, as swiftly as possible — and hiring men to build it was more expensive even than the materials.
"So long as we can prove our project is worthwhile," Elmore said brightly, "then we have nothing to worry about. What I'm worried about is whether Aurora and I will be able to effectively work together."
Mr. Washam's expression fell, as understanding flashed across his features. "Aurora is a stubborn woman, but she will come to an understanding eventually."
"Do you believe that?" Elmore asked doubtfully.
"With my entire being. She likes you, Elmore, even if it doesn't always show. For one, for all she fights and shouts, she puts up with much more than she would for anybody else."
Maybe to Aurora's logic, that was a compliment. To Elmore, however, it proved nothing except that Aurora was prioritizing her love for the project over her dislike of him. It was impressive, but hardly showed that she liked him.
Still, it brought a little flicker of hope deep into his chest, hope that he shoved deep down lest it hurt him later. He couldn't help the hopeful little smile on his lips though.
Mr. Washam's expression was knowing and gently encouraging.
"I really do believe that you could be good for Aurora; but you must remember that she likes her independence and wishes to prove herself. Please, do both her and yourself a kindness and don't try to overshadow her again."
Elmore hadn't tried to — but now that he understood Aurora's perspective, he also understood why she had viewed it in such a way. He simply nodded; a promise to try and do better.
"Good. Now, off you go before Aurora comes to shout at us again. I will talk with her about today once you've left." His voice was kind, and there was a mischievous glint in Mr. Washam’s eyes.
They said brief goodbyes, spurred on by the fact that the sky was beginning to darken, and the temperature had dropped. Elmore was glad to step inside his carriage and feel the wheels begin to shift beneath him. It was familiar and comforting.
The carriage interior still smelled of Aurora; of sweet perfume that tickled his nose and made him smile. Was it strange, that he knew her scent by heart now? Elmore hadn't even realized until now that she even had a specific scent at all.
Nor was he sure why he cared. He had never cared for perfume or any other fake, over the top smell. Women's perfume, men's cologne, he disliked all of it; except, it seemed, for whatever specific thing that Aurora used.
It was a revelation that sat heavily in his chest during the journey home. Surrounded by the sweetness of her perfume, it was impossible to escape; and yet Elmore found himself disappointed when he inevitably had to leave the carriage.
With some regret, he stepped out of the carriage and onto the hard, stone driveway of his London home. Lights glowed in the drawing room and servant's quarters, casting long beams of light across the grass. The staff would still be awake, enjoying supper or finishing up the last chores for the day.
Even so, the house was so empty. Lonely. Despite the fact that only two people lived at the Washam's residence, it felt so much morealive.Lit up by the excitement of the people that lived there, by Aurora's strong voice and Mr. Washam's laugh.
This place was just...hollow. Even with maids skittering about and a doorman always at the entrance, there was a kind of blanketing quiet that was never broken.
With a sigh, Elmore cast those thoughts from his mind. Then he wandered down the path towards the manor, eager to get to bed and let tomorrow come faster. Perhaps, then, things would seem brighter.
Chapter 20
Aurora Washam
Knee deep in the dirt, hands caked with the stuff, Aurora had never felt more at peace. She loved the feel of soft earth underneath her fingernails, how it crumbled so easily between her hands. When she was little, the other girls had always hated getting dirty; they would never had dreamed of even sitting in the grass, terrified of messing up their nice stockings and dresses.
Not Aurora, though. She had been like the boys; scrappy and messy, with grass-stained knees. Father had cultivated that nature within her rather than trying to eradicate it; he had loved to see her run about the garden no matter how filthy she got.
Perhaps it was that, at a time too early for her to remember clearly, that had helped grow her love for botany. Father had always allowed her to be who she wanted without judgement, and encouraged behavior that most parents would have considered ugly.
Now, sitting at the edge of the lavender flowerbeds with a hand shovel in one hand, Aurora was at peace. She had added more lavender to the beds lining their short path, since she had come across more varieties at the Saturday market earlier. The different hues of blue and purple was beautiful, and each variety had a subtly different scent that you could only notice up close.
It was practically perfect, this lavender garden. A beautiful wall of purple swaying in the breeze. Lavender had all sorts of benefits too; it alleviated headaches and helped people sleep. It was also quite delicious in tea.
So engrossed in her planting, Aurora didn't even notice that somebody had arrived. A familiar, sleek carriage had rolled up to the house, stopping just by the front steps. From it climbed Lord Winters, dressed in a black suit with a pale lilac waistcoat.