Page 67 of Ironvine

“Here in England, it was the wine-loving Romans who came and grew grapes and made wine. But when they left, that died out. If you wanted wine, you imported it from Bordeaux.”

“Only the war has put a stop to that, hasn’t it?”

“Yes, for years now, England has had to look to other sources for its wine, like Portugal and Spain. My ancestor Laurent de Mont Clare had ambitions to make English wine on English soil. Soon enough, his efforts caught the attention—or rather fulfilled the appetites—of the local nobility, most especially a duke who then shared his wine with the king.”

“And the king was most impressed?” She took the framed illumination from Charles.

“Very. Mont Clare’s talents were much praised in all the right circles. Around that time, Henry VIII dissolved the all-powerful and very wealthy monasteries, and it was then that Brother Montclare was given a title and this estate as a reward for his unique talents.”

“Extraordinary.” Georgina’s attention went back to the illuminated parchment. “Imagine, if Brother Laurent had been good at illuminating Bible verses, he would not have gone on to create such a wine that brought satisfaction to so many. Nor be granted his title and these lands by the king himself.”

“Quite right. Who and where would I be without his wine?” He let out a short laugh, gesturing at the framed piece. “I’ve often wondered why he took this with him when he left the monastery.”

Georgina put the framed piece back on its stand on the desk. “Perhaps as a reminder that his past failures and stumblings led him to his most rewarding present.” She met his gaze. “I daresay, there’s a lesson in that for us both.”

ChapterTwenty-Nine

Charles

“Could we see the conservatory now?”Georgina asked. The excitement in her voice was plain, and his pulse quickened. “Yes, of course. This way, if you please, Countess…”

He led her straight through to the back of the house, where the main hallway suddenly opened to a gleaming wall of sunlight and green. Georgina gasped at the sight.

They stepped inside, the air thick and humid and alive with the scent of earth and fragrant blossoms. Rows of trees and potted plants stood in the glass-enclosed conservatory with a small sculpture of the goddess Diana, taking aim with her bow and arrow in the centre of the room. By the front, there were two armchairs and a small round table. Outside, the garden spread open, a dazzling display of dahlias, vibrant lavender, and lush herbaceous borders in rich emerald green.

“Spectacular.”

“I’m glad you think so.”

“What a delight it must be to take tea or a glass of wine here in the spring and early summer…the autumn.”

“I suppose.”

“You never have?”

“I cannot say I have ever spent time here, Georgie. I found all this glass rather insufferable. Cold in winter, unbearably hot in summer, the glare. But the plants and trees seem to like it.”

“Well, that’s what’s important, isn’t it?” She let out a laugh, and his gaze shot at her. Her genuine happiness filled his chest with a kind of warmth he had not felt for a very, very long time. Was that hope? Was it delight?

Georgina strolled up and down each and every aisle of trees and blooms and flowering plants. Something told him she would fill this entire house with her hope and delight. A woman had not lived at Ironvine in over a generation, and he could feel the very stones were in wonder at this girl’s presence between their walls.

“If there’s something, in particular, you’d like to change or to have in here, you have only to inform the gardener.”

“My mother and sister talk endlessly of flowers and shrubs, but I never paid much mind. But this, this is inspiring. These flowers and trees seem like rare creatures that should be tended to and cherished, which is why they flourish in this special place, so…yes, perhaps I shall take up an interest now.”

A servant appeared. “Tea is served, my Lord.”

“Ah, very good. Come, Georgina.”

Charles led her to the Blue Silk drawing room, so named for the brilliant sky blue wallpaper in the elegantly appointed room. They sat at the table before a large window, which looked out onto the vast park.

“I shall pour the tea for my husband as is my duty” said Georgina, her lips quirking.

Charles only clenched his jaw. An image of his mother pouring tea for his father flashed before his eyes. Right here, at this very table. Now he had brought a wife into this house of gloom. Would she survive it? Would she survive him?

“Charles? Do you take sugar?”

“No.”

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