Disclaimer: I own the plot and nothing else

The garden was not hidden. The door was the type you could see though. The garden was so beautiful that it caused Mary Lenox to have to stop to catch her breath. When she was called in to finally meet her uncle she was asked if there was anything she needed or would like.

"Well sir," she said, "There are two things"

He smiled encouragingly at her.

"Speak up child," he said gently

"If you might try to love me," Mary said, "I know it will take some time but if you could try-"

"That will take no time at all," he told her, "Of course I love you. You are my niece and my wife's niece."

"As I was walking down the way I saw the most beautiful garden," she said, "I was wondering if I might have it. The door, it was locked and-"

Archibald paused a moment then responded.

"What do you know about that garden," he asked

"I know that it's beautiful," she said, "and that I really want it"

Archibald smiled sadly.

"Nobody has been in there since about 2 ½ months after you were born.."

"Why is that," Mary asked, "or is that too personal"

"It's just something that happened to long ago to talk about. You are the first person in a long time who expressed an interest in the garden."

Archibald motioned for Mary to wait where she was. He then went into his study. He bent down and opened the draw in which he kept the key. He wondered back to that day. If only so many things!

Lily began to die in that garden. When she had fallen from the swing... when he had lost her... if only he had—no, it was too much to think about. He couldn't allow himself to think on that. It was just too scary. He retrieved the key.

"Here are the keys to the garden," Archibald said, "but before you go in there are some basic rules. Until the swing is fixed you may not use it. You need to have someone with you at all times. You cannot go in there at night. It's for your safety"

"One more rule," he added, "ENJOY the garden. Have picnics there. Whatever you feel like doing it's yours to do what you want with the exception of the swing."

Mary couldn't help but smile. For the first time in her life she felt loved.