Blooms That Burden

Birdsong filled the air with a chorus of different notes; high chirps from blue-breasted bobbins, the shrill calls of territorial whistle-whip, and the low chortle of my favorite red crested knocker. Bumblebees buzzed around me joining in the song of nature. Unfortunately I was taken out of my calm moment enjoying the sensations around me by a more annoying sensation.

My glove had started slipping again, the wretched thing. With an exasperated huff I grab it with my left hand and pull it back into place with the lacing around my wrist on my right hand. Why my mother thought it was a good idea to choose these as a gift I’ll never know. A new book or writing quill would’ve been much more preferable.

With my glove fixed once more and my relaxing moment ruined, I turned back to the task at hand; monitoring the gardens. There’s been a series of vandalism amongst the community according to the letters I’d received from Abigail. Her mother’s rose garden had suffered a horrific amount of destruction a few nights ago, roots torn from the plant beds and fresh buds ripped to shreds. Not two nights before that Penny’s lilac beds had gotten trampled by what looked like a herd of wild boars. Not to mention several other ladies from our gossip chain. Unfortunately the authorities were useless in catching the culprit.

Those of us that haven’t taken a hit yet have been forced to take matters of plant protection into our own hands. Rose Marie hired a few of the local farm boys to take rotations in guarding her gardens every night. Astoria’s father brought in a few trained guard dogs to patrol her property while her husband was away. As for myself, I’ve taken to walking the family estate once every hour during the day as our family butler follows along with me in between his daily tasks carrying my long gun, the dear sweet thing.

Mr. Delorry has been my favored companion these last few months while my parents traveled to the North of The Vail with my sister. They insisted on going to see the last march of the flurry foxes before they went into hibernation during the summer months. He has made sure the manor stays clean and tidy and sits with me for conversation during afternoon tea.

A rustling from the border hedges alerts me and I turn my head to look, grabbing a handful of my bottom skirts should I have to run back towards the garden gates. A mop of messy straw colored hair pushes through a gap in the shrubbery and I heave out a somewhat relieved and exasperated sigh to see it’s my younger brother Hugh. There’s just over a year between us but he stands a good head taller than me now as a young man. His face lights up when he finds me standing by our sister’s goldenrods.

“Cora! I’d hoped you’d stayed home while the others traveled, nothing against old Delorry but you’re much better company even on your most irritable days.” Hugh laughed with his typical cocky expression. I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Of course I stayed. I’d rather keep to the company of my books and other hobbies than go traipsing around the untamed borders just for a glimpse of flurry foxes. And for your information,” I huffed and dropped my skirts, “Mr. Delorry is wonderful company!”

“Whatever you say sissy.” He sauntered over to put his arm lazily around my shoulders the way he knew I despised. I’ve never been one for physical touch. I shrugged him off and turned to continue my walk through the garden, slowly heading back in the direction of the manor.

“Besides, someone has to stay behind to guard the flower beds. I’m sure you’ve heard the stories now that you’re back in town from your visit with Charles. Vandalism to many of the local gardens.” I cut my eyes at him from the side and tilt my head. He looks sheepish and scratches the back of head.

“Ah yes, that. I don’t suppose they’ve figured out who or what’s responsible for it?”

“Not yet. All the ladies have been at their wits end worrying if their gardens will be hit next. There doesn’t seem to be a clear motive for the destruction but it seems more animal than human with each attack.”

Hugh takes a deep breath and shuffles along beside me.

“At least our gardens are still alright. I’m sure the problem will be sorted out soon enough.”

“We can only hope.” We’ve reached the gates now and I gather up my skirts again and turn away from my brother sharply.

“Have you tossed any ideas around with your circle of friends? I’m sure the lot of you have come up with some theories of your own.” He says cautiously as he follows me through the gates and up the patio steps.

“Of course we have.” I state curtly. “But it’s not like we have any clear evidence to back up our ideas.”

Hugh grabs my hand and brings me to a stop, I cock my head without turning my body towards him.

“You know how much I truly appreciate you sissy? You’ve always been good to me, had more patience than mother many times over! I promise I don’t mean to cause you any real stress.”

I can feel his pleading eyes on my back and take a deep, calming breath. I’ve given my brother as much grace as I possibly could over the years but I’m simply exhausted from it. At some point he’s going to have to grow up and clean up his own messes. Unfortunately for him, some tough love is long overdue.

“Far be it from me to betray family Hugh, but let me be perfectly clear. Get your beast under control. If there’s so much as a single petal disturbed on my prize winning moon-glow orchids I’ll personally see to it that the constable knows exactly who’s at fault for bringing an illegal breed of burrowcoon into the province!”

I jerk my hand out of his grasp and march furiously back inside before he has a chance to argue. I head straight up the stairs to the sitting room to wait for Mr. Delorry, it’s almost time for afternoon tea.