step ahead, straight-backed and composed, with a small bundle of white lilies cradled carefully in his hands. Je

d casually, "that she might n

over his shoulder. "I in

nothing says subtlety like a dozen

lightly over a small puddle and

to show her that I care. There is nothing mo

says, while carrying a bouquet that cou

tibly, and he glanced at Jeffrey. "It is not m

id, grinning. "I merely

ies, her skirts gathered around her knees, hair catching the sun like threads of copper. S

nds you well." Patrick said, hiding the bouquet b

eve answered. "Very well ind

please." Patrick said, hi

eyes and sharp features for the first t

if you call me Maev

nts" Patrick said,

ick." Maeve replied,

within Jeffrey and

effrey, that all may be mad

ound that made Jeffrey's

nough,

had been hiding. "I thought these mi

oat and her smile faltered. "Oh... I am... ra

eyes widened in h

, and Patrick's face paled as he realized the m

e her, gathering her hands in his. "Maeve, I am so sor

sneeze. "Really, it is not so grave. But you must take care n

him want to disappear into the grass with her. "I cannot forgive

e himself. "Patrick, you've done it now.

a sharp look. "

st from his coat. "It's quite heroic, really. A man, a

a hand to her mouth. "Y

er feet. "I assure you, this was not my intention. I s

. "Of course, Patrick. But you m

id solemnly. "N

simple 'sorry' would have sufficed. Though

lled to depart soon," he said quietly, almost reluctantly. "I must travel with my father to inspect a property n

aid softly. "You must

y. "A letter... that I hope will conv

ped him on the shoulder. "See? Pra

d toward him, unamuse

your humble envoy. And while I'm at it, I shall ensure th

do not believe this, Jeff

said, bowing theatrically.

ng under his breath as he began

enjoying the company of Maeve more t

>>>>>>>>>

letter folded neatly in his pocket. The sky was painted with the fading hues of sunset, and the air sme

ed softly, stepping i

then smiled when she recognized

said, bowing slightly as he handed her t

aking her head. "He cannot deliver an

"I am merely ho

ee, observing her face. Her expression softened as she read Patrick's elegant and carefully chosen words. He had

ed, Maeve looked up at Jef

ot fret. You are not in any danger of being ov

t involuntarily. "Your humour is quite agreeable, Jeffrey. I am

atter me. But I would not deny the lady a

re too witty for your own good. Tell m

e in his tone. "Only in the compa

nd of hair behind her ear. "You have a

you will permit me, I would like to kno

htening. "I have always loved primroses. They are small, cheerful..

Primroses," he repeated.

clearly amused. "I

I hope, when the time comes, to

ling with a strange, unbidden joy. He had delivered Patrick's letter, fulfilled his cousin's request, a

in her eyes. "You seem to enjoy yourself too much, Jef

its place, as long as it b

uppose this is the beginn

, bowing lightly. "And

it or the laughter that had first warmed his heart. But knowing that his cousin fancied Maeve made the situation all the more