Free The Samurai's Garden by Patricia Kiyono Page A

accurate. But this is — most unusual."
    Hanako knew the underlying question was reasonable. The man was offering her huge sums of money. It was only natural Nakamura-san would want to know the reason for the necessity of a contract like this.
    "Tanaka-san offered to build me a house," she began. "He said it is because the animals need a shelter for winter, and it would be better to build a house and convert my present home into a barn. When I didn't agree right away, he and his friend came up with this — agreement."
    Nakamura-san's eyes widened. "He offered to build you a house? Would this house be for the two of you to occupy together? Is that why he's proposing to give you all this money?"
    Hanako felt her cheeks burn. "He said the house would be — an early wedding gift, but I—"
    To her surprise, the widow's face broke into a wide smile. "That is wonderful! You have indeed made a most advantageous match."
    Hanako was stunned at the widow's enthusiastic response. "I — I haven't agreed."
    "Why not?" the widow asked.
    "I'm not — not worthy of marrying a samurai."
    "Of course you are. You are more than worthy. You are a landowner. Moreover, you are the daughter of the first rank."
    "What do you mean? My father was the town drunk."
    "Yes, that was — unfortunate. He was not always that way. Before your mother died, he was a good man. He was not from a wealthy or noble family, but he was hardworking and honest. And your mother loved him so. She defied her father to marry him. And until she died, he did his best to keep her from regretting it."
    "You knew my mother?"
    "Yes. She was a bit older than me, but we came from the same city. We attended the same classes in ikebana and calligraphy."
    Hanako stared at her neighbor in stunned silence. Flower arranging and elegant character writing were subjects studied only by women who came from wealthy families. She knew her mother had no contact with her family, but never knew the reasons for the rift.
    Reiko continued. "The girls my age were in awe of your mother. She was the finest student in all our classes. We all knew she would attract the attention of someone significant and influential. But once she met your father, a gardener at the castle, she had eyes for no one else."
    Hanako finally found her voice. "So, my mother was from an important family?"
    Reiko laughed. "Important? Hanako, your mother was the eldest daughter of the head of the Nanbu Clan, the most powerful samurai family in the province of Mutsu!"
    She leaned toward Hanako. "There is no question in my mind you are worthy of the samurai's interest. The real question is whether or not he is worthy of you ."

 
Chapter Seven
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    Hanako pulled the weeds growing among her beans, trying to ignore the sounds of construction. However, it was hard to dismiss the activity of a dozen men as they pieced together the lumber for the framework of her new home.
    Her visit with the Widow Nakamura had been a turning point for Hanako. She had taken her time walking back to her own farm, her mind reeling with the new knowledge of her own ancestry. Her father had never talked about his wife's family, other than to say they were selfish, vindictive people, and that he and Hanako were better off without them. Growing up, she hadn't even known their names or where they lived.
    Now she had a name and a place. She had never heard of this clan, and had no idea where Mutsu province was other than it was not on the island of Hokkaido. But Nakamura-san had said they were important. And Nakamura-san was the most intelligent woman Hanako knew.
    The conversation still hadn't convinced her she should marry Hiro. Even if her mother had been a member of the Nanbu Clan, Hanako had no idea how to speak or how to act if she were to meet them. Her rough speech and manners would surely be an embarrassment to a man like Hiro. Perhaps Nakamura-san might agree to coach her in some of the ways of a lady.
    But her discussion