They had hired a cook for the day to provide drinks and afternoon tea, paid for by the Duke. He wanted only the best, of course, as he was involved in their project too.
Aurora rather only thought it was because he didn't want anybody doubting his choice to fund this project, but did the specifics really matter? The point was that he had funded their project and now their open day too, and had even helped to spread the word amongst his social group about the project.
Now she stood just inside, looking out across the garden with a small smile. She had never expected to see her own home so full, to have her garden treated like the botanicals her father took such good care of. It was positivelyfilledwith guests as they roamed the garden or, as it was the main piece, lingered by the greenhouse to listen to Father's presentation.
Although Aurora would have liked to present it, she couldn't deny Father when he was so clearly brimming with enthusiasm. This was only their first presentation anyway, with Elmore set to host the one next week, and Aurora presenting the biggest, most important showing at the museum in ten days.
She smiled fondly across the grass as Father spoke. By the house, she was too far away to hear what he was saying, but knew the speech off by heart anyway. He had been practicing outside last night in that very spot, with only her and the birds for audience.
"Your father has his guests entranced," Elmore said with a laugh as he came to stand beside her. He held two tall flutes of champagne, and offered her one. "We may even have a few more sponsors after this, although the Duke offered to sponsor a much larger section than I thought."
Aurora leaned into his side, enjoying the warmth that Elmore provided. Then, she took a sip of champagne and savored the sweetness of it. she didn't like to think how much it had cost — but once again, only the best for the Duke of Stonehull.
"It will be good to spread the word of what we want to accomplish," she said with a smile, "even if it doesn't gain us sponsors, I'd like people to know. Perhaps there is another botanist out there that could help us. Or somebody thatwecan help in return."
Elmore hummed in agreement. "And how have you been feeling? We've been so busy these last weeks, it must be stressful."
Aurora shrugged. Truthfully, she felt wonderful. Perhaps it was the joy of their engagement that had her feeling so great, but Aurora hadn't coughed once since that day she passed out in the garden. In truth, she had been taking the garden work slightly easier since Elmore had insisted on the hardest work, but she suspected that it was his wonderful presence that helped most.
And the angel's trumpet, of course, as they were trying to perfect the smoke method. Since the first attempt there had been no more hallucinations, and a mild headache after was a welcome side effect if it meant no more coughing fits.
She said as much, and Elmore smiled. "A few more doses, some tweaks here and there, and I don't think you will have to worry about coughing again," he said cheerfully, "and I'm excited to begin the cross-breeding to see what other strains we can create. Perhaps an angel's trumpet that is so mild, it can be consumed orally for those who don't like the smoke."
"It certainly takes some getting used to," Aurora agreed. She smiled at a young Lady that walked past and offered a wave before continuing, "the smell is still horrid, and I sometimes feel it sticking to the back of my throat — but I haven't coughed once since we started this treatment." Not even when the smoke was directly in her face.
"Good," Elmore replied kindly. He looked as if he was about to say something else when his expression hardened. "Oh, fantastic. Lord Foley is here."
Aurora's nose crinkled, and she tried to look away. Perhaps if she ignored him, Lord Foley would leave.
Of course that had been wishful thinking, because he strode right up to them both and smiled tersely. He didn't look like a man who wanted to be here, yet here he was anyway.
"Good afternoon," he said, and his voice was stiff. Forced. "I hear that there are congratulations in order? Not just for this beautiful greenhouse you've built, but for an engagement, as well."
Aurora's fingers brushed against her golden engagement ring. It had belonged to Elmore's grandmother, decades ago, and fit her hand perfectly.
"Yes," Elmore said kindly, "I proposed two months ago, under our very first angel's trumpet. As you can see we have plenty more now, but our first has a plaque beneath it if you would like to hear our story."
Lord Foley frowned. "Yes, well, I've never been much of a reader."
That doesn't surprise me,Aurora wanted to say, and yet she held her tongue. Lord Foley was acting civil, which was more than she had hoped for. It was only fair that she extended the same courtesy to him.
Lord Foley's eyes flickered between her and Elmore. It was difficult to make out his expression, somewhere between disappointment and frustration, but he still offered his congratulations on their engagement with what sounded like a stilted script.
"I'm glad that you both are happy," Lord Foley said simply, "and that you are looking forward to the wedding. Now if you don't mind, I would like to listen to Mr. Washam's speech."
He strode off without looking back, leaving Aurora to watch him with a raised brow.
"I can't tell if he's more annoyed at our engagement, or that we didn't need his help," Elmore said with a sigh, "but personally, I'd put money on a bit of both."
Aurora hummed in agreement. Although, in truth, she was happy that Lord Foley had approached; it showed that he was, at the very least, willing to move on. Now that he had lost, there was no need for his attitude or threats; they had achieved everything they wanted without Lord Foley or his sponsorship.
And, really, what else could she ask for?
It brought a small smile to her lips, knowing that they had achieved so much in so little time. Sometimes, she was still awestruck by it all, finding it difficult to believe how easily everything had come together in the last two months.
Being engaged to Elmore was the best part of it all, of course, and she spent every day grateful for having him by her side.
Aurora was about to ask Elmore if he wanted to listen in on Father's speech, when something else caught her eye. Or rather,somebody.She spotted a bright blond head amongst the crowd, milling between groups with no real interest.