The Headstrong Ward by Jane Ashford

unmollified.
    But Anne had lost interest again. “Thank you, Crane,” was her only reply, and she changed back into her blue muslin morning dress without further comment. Crane, picking up the offending garment as if it had a bad smell, left the room with her chin high, every line of her body expressing injured dignity.
    Anne, finally noticing it as the door snapped shut, smiled a little. “Poor Crane,” she murmured. “I must be a trial to her. I shall have to do something particularly nice to make up.” But she did not pursue this thought. Her expression became thoughtful again, and after a moment she went downstairs and into the library. Charles often sat there in the mornings working over his papers. But the room was empty today.
    Still preoccupied, Anne walked back into the corridor, where she encountered Mariah, struggling under the weight of a large leafy potted plant. “Mariah, let me help you!” she exclaimed and ran to hold one side of the container.
    â€œThank you, dear,” replied the other, straightening up with the lessening of the weight. “It is a trifle heavy.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you ring for someone to carry it—one of the footmen? You should not be doing such heavy work.”
    â€œNonsense. I do much more at home. And I didn’t want to disturb any of the servants. They have quite enough to do without my garden added to it.”
    â€œSomeone would have had time,” insisted Anne.
    â€œPerhaps, dear. But you see, I wanted it done now .” Mariah smiled up at her, her diminutive frame and pale coloring very much at odds with the iron determination in her face. Her light gray eyes danced with mild self-mockery. “I always do, and it is so vexing to wait until someone is free to help.”
    Anne smiled. “Well, I am nearly always free. Ask me.” She nodded down at the pot in their hands. “Let us take this in. It grows heavier by the moment.”
    Mariah laughed. “Very well.”
    They carried the plant down the hall to the “garden.” Anne had not seen the room for a whole day, and when they reached the doorway, she drew a surprised breath. The transformation was amazing. The earth the workmen had carried in was smoothed over the floor in a uniform layer about two feet deep, confined by a wide plank at the door. In this, Mariah had already planted a number of green things, including, astonishingly, two small trees in the far corners. There were also beds of flowers started here and there.
    â€œIt is quite a sight, isn’t it?” Mariah chuckled.
    Anne nodded. “I had no idea it would look so…so real.”
    â€œYes, it is a challenge. I am enjoying it much more than I thought I would. I think, when I finish, it will be unique.”
    â€œIndeed, it will.”
    â€œCome, we can put this down beyond the plank there. I haven’t yet decided just where I shall plant it.”
    They heaved the pot onto the soil inside the door. Mariah eyed it critically. “I think I shall have everything in by tomorrow, or perhaps the next day. It depends upon when Robin arrives from my house with the last load.”
    â€œAll this is coming from your garden at home?”
    â€œOf course. Where else?”
    â€œBut what will you do when you return?”
    Mariah stared at her. “Why, take it with me.” Then she grinned. “Unless Charles wishes to keep it for himself. I shall ask him.”
    Anne couldn’t restrain a smile at this prospect. Mariah stepped up over the plank and into the garden, immediately becoming engrossed in her work. Anne watched her for a few minutes, then strolled to the drawing room. To her surprise, she found Charles there.
    â€œHello,” he said. “I was just looking for you.”
    â€œFor me?”
    â€œYes.” He held out a stack of envelopes. “These invitations arrived with the morning post, the first of an avalanche, I suppose. Go