Free The Duke's Lady (Historical Romance - The Ladies Series) by Brenda Jernigan

about soiling her new gown, she was soon down on her knees, digging in the soil.
    “My mother liked flowers,” Jewel admitted right out of the blue.
    “Ye remember her, lass?”
    “I—I can almost picture her in a flower garden, but it must have been a long time ago,” she said sadly, “because I can’t remember her face.”
    “The important thing is ye remembered.”
    “I guess you’re right,” Jewel admitted as she scooped out two more small holes.
    Annie laughed, and Jewel turned to see what had amused her. “What’s so funny?” she asked, puzzled to find Annie watching her.
    “Lass, one thin’ we now be knowin’! Ye’ve never planted bulbs in yer life.” She pointed at the row Jewel had just finished. “Ye’ve just inserted that whole line of tulips upside down. Points must be pointin’ straight up—not down.” Annie laughed, stopping to wipe the tears from her eyes. “Lass, ye don’t know how much ye have brightened up this household.”
    “Well, they fit better with the point down.” Jewel chuckled, then pushed the hair from her face, smudging her cheek in the process. Her hair was extremely unmanageable, causing her to brush it often from her face.
    Annie showed her the correct way to plant the bulbs; then, for the rest of the late summer afternoon, they worked in the garden. The day grew warm, and Jewel ended up streaking her once-lovely dress in many places as she wiped the dirt from her hands from time to time.
    “And a good afternoon, ladies. Is Adam about?” a male voice inquired from behind them.
    Both turned to see who had spoken; however, the sun’s glare blinded Jewel and she couldn’t make out the intruder. Shading her eyes, she stared at the gentleman who had interrupted their tranquility.
    “Jonathan!” Annie stood and hugged his neck. “Ye’ve stayed away much too long.”
    “It’s good to see you, too.” He smiled at her. “I had to go back to London unexpectedly and have just returned,” he explained. “Adam wasn’t in his study. I thought he might be out here.”
    “Nay, he rode out early this momin’, but we be expectin’ him back for dinner. Do stay and eat with him,” Annie said.
    “Since you’ve twisted my arm, I’d be delighted.” Jonathan turned his attention to Jewel. “Perhaps you should properly introduce us, Annie.” He grinned at her with a breathtaking smile. “I presume this has to be the girl from the beach.”
    “ ’Tis Miss Jewel.”
    Jonathan brought Jewel’s hand to his lips and gently placed a kiss there. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m glad to see you’ve recovered nicely, for you look nothing like the frail waif we found that morning. The last time I saw you, you were a very sick young lady. I now see why Adam has been keeping you under close wraps.”
    “You found me?” Jewel asked, puzzled.
    “Well, yes, I mean no ... I mean yes and no.” Jonathan chuckled.
    “I’m not sure you’ve said anything.” She laughed good-naturedly.
    Jonathan’s face had taken on a shade of pink. “It’s been a long time since a woman has gotten me tongue-tied,” Jonathan confessed. “I was with Adam when we found you on the coastline. I must say, if I had known you looked like this, I’d have taken you home myself.”
    Warmth spread across her face. She had the feeling Jonathan could be quite a charmer. Perhaps it was the twinkle in his eyes that spoke of a devil-may-care attitude. But before she could respond, Adam rode up on his magnificent black stallion.
    Immediately, she sensed his gaze upon her and wondered why he was frowning. Could it be because she had disobeyed him and was outside without his permission? There were times when he treated her like his own personal property.
    “Hello, Jonathan, have you been waiting long?” Adam asked.
    “No, I’ve just arrived. I was explaining to Jewel how we had met. I’m surprised you didn’t tell her about your best friend.” Jonathan chuckled.
    Adam dismounted, walked