Caught In A Gossip

***

As soon as the carriage stopped at Torrence Hall, Charles waved Gilbert away when he came running to meet him and sent Albert with him, then with as much time in the world, he walked towards his mother's garden where he was sure he would find her. Lady Marjorie spent more time in a garden than he spent away from any party or soiree, tilling the soil or snipping at a flower ripe enough to be put in a vase. There were days she would simply sit with the flowers, breathing in the fragrant air and watching the vibrant colours.

Rather than take the simpler path, he decided to walk through the halls. Portraits and memories of his childhood filled the walls. He wished his mother would let go of her undying wish to see him smile. He was not who he once was, that boy was long gone. She should rather focus on her duties as Carlisle's Dowager Duchess and her flowers. When Charles finally reached the threshold where her garden was, his feet stopped of their own accord. He heard a laughter he w