Chapter 63

"So, there's a gardener?" I ask.

"I've had someone in, tidying it up. But I've not done anything beyond that. I assumed you would want to make your stamp on it."

I point to a break in the wall, a gate standing half-open. "What's through there?"

"Vegetable garden. Plenty of space there to supply anything we need if you wanted to do that?"

"Sounds lovely." Trotting across, I take a quick peek at turned soil, neatly planted with rows of beans and peas. A stand of raspberry canes takes up one corner. A large ironwork glasshouse another.

A long pergola frames a path leading toward the far end of the garden; a green tunnel, blooming honeysuckle and passion flowers. We follow it, ducking rambling climbers. I snatch the scent of jasmine from here, the fragrance of lavender from there.

In this green and perfumed bower, my Master pauses, looping an arm around my waist. "Come here…" He pulls me in close, his mouth falling on mine.

Above us, a bird rustles and flutters in the tangled havoc of an a