A/N: Hello, I'm back! This is the not-so-long-awaited sequel to "Forever And Ever And Ever," (it's been less than a month) and while it's probably not necessary to read "Forever And Ever And Ever" before reading this, please feel free to do so (and review!). This story is mostly done and in the process of revision, so updates should be fairly frequent. Well, I guess that's all, except the disclaimer (I don't own The Secret Garden in any way, shape or form, unless you count my copies of the book and movie) and to remind you to PLEASE REVIEW!!

A Good Year For The Roses

As you turn to walk away

As the door behind you closes

The only thing I have to say

It's been a good year for the roses

-"Good Year For The Roses," Elvis Costello

Chapter One: Man And Wife

The bride was beautiful in a simple yet elegant white dress that drew attention to her face, which shone with happiness as she gazed into the groom's eyes and murmured, "I do."

Mary Lennox's eyes filled with tears as the groom, Richard Blakely, slipped the ring on the finger of his bride and Mary's best friend, Cecelia Greenwood, soon to be Cecelia Blakely. Cece was positively aglow, and Mary was overjoyed for her friend: Cece had found her true love, a young, handsome man who was also very kind, intelligent, rich, and from a good family. Not only that, but he was completely infatuated with Cecelia, and she with him. It was a match made in Heaven.

Mary struggled to keep away the jealousy that she was sure plagued the other four bridesmaids. The six girls had spent the last five years together at Bradford's Academy for Young Women and were all of marriageable age, but Cecelia was the first to be married and had undoubtedly made the best match. All the girls had brought beaux (Mary had met them the day before), except for Mary herself – well, unless she counted Colin, and most of the girls did. Even Cece didn't believe that friendship was the only bond between Mary and Colin. "You might think so," Cece had pointed out, "but I'm sure he doesn't."

Mary had been tempted to show all her contrariness at the other girls' knowing looks, but it was Cece's wedding day and she was determined not to spoil it.

"I now pronounce you man and wife."

Mary couldn't help but smile as she watched Richard kiss Cecelia; it was not a chaste peck on the lips, as was expected, but a forceful, passionate kiss that indicated that the couple had had lots of practice.

Mary heard a few giggles from the bridesmaids behind her. Richard's brother and best man, Alexander, cleared his throat pointedly. Richard released Cecelia, and the blushing, beaming newlyweds made their way out of the church.

Colin appeared at Mary's arm as the congregation began to mingle and offered her his handkerchief. "You'd think it was your daughter getting married," he teased.

Mary swatted him, smiling. "She's my best friend, practically the same thing."

Colin raised his eyebrows. "Well, it's clear you're an orphan," he said.

Mary laughed. "Maybe not quite the same thing," she amended. "Cece's more like my sister than anything, I suppose. She looks so happy, doesn't she?"

Colin smiled slightly. "Yes," he said briefly before changing the subject. "Let's make our way back to the house. I'm sure Richard and Cecelia are anxious to start the reception." He grinned impishly. "After all, the sooner they get started, the sooner they get to leave."

"You're terrible!" Mary said, laughing and blushing. "But you're right. Let's go."

The reception was at the Blakely mansion, an old, ornate manor house even larger than Misselthwaite - but not nearly as nice, Mary was sure, and its gardens surely couldn't compare.

Dinner was first, and Mary and Colin soon found their place cards at a table with some of the other bridesmaids, groomsmen, and their dates. Mary was startled to see that Colin's place card read "Lord Craven."

Colin's smile faded as he read the title. "I don't think I'll ever get used to it," he murmured to Mary as they sat down. She squeezed his hand briefly under the table before turning her attention to Annabelle Taylor, who was anxious to show off her escort.

It was a very pleasant evening. All the guests were in high spirits, thanks to the infectious happiness of the newly married couple, as well as an abundance of champagne. The younger members of the party were especially enthused. The young men spoke of the newlyweds with increasing innuendo and teased the young women, to their delight. The call for dancing came just as the table's enthusiasm was reaching a peak, but Colin turned away from Emily Thompson, who was flirting outrageously with him, to whisper in Mary's ear.

"I want the first and last dances. My payment for coming along."

Mary giggled as she took Colin's arm. "You know you're having fun," she protested as they made their way to the ballroom.

Colin smiled but waited until the music began to make his reply.

"Now I am," he said as he and Mary swirled across the dance floor.

Mary loved to dance, and she happily partnered the groomsmen; her friends' dates; the half-drunk, teasing grandfathers; and once, Richard. Although Colin also danced with many of the guests, he kept insinuating his way back to Mary's side. Not that Mary minded; in fact, she rather enjoyed it. Colin was a splendid dancer.

All too soon (though it was many hours later) the band leader announced the closing song, and Mary found herself back in Colin's arms for a slow waltz.

"You had fun, admit it," Mary teased as they danced their way around the ballroom.

"I did," Colin agreed without hesitation. He smiled shyly at Mary. "You look beautiful; did I tell you that?"

Mary laughed self-consciously and brushed a lock of loose hair out of her face. "Oh, by now I'm a mess. But all the girls have been talking about how handsome you are; even Eliza is flirting, and she never flirts! You could have your pick of them, I'm sure."

"I don't want my pick of them," Colin said seriously, and Mary fell silent as they danced. Something was different about Colin: he had been over-attentive all night, and he had not yet closed the distance that had appeared between them at Misselthwaite a few months ago. She wasn't sure whether it stemmed from the emotional scene after Uncle Archie's funeral – she had found Colin crying in the library and had sung him to sleep – or from something else entirely, but it confused her. It wasn't that Colin wasn't nice to her, or even open – he joked and teased as he always did – but there was definitely something different about him.

The dance ended, and Mary and Colin separated and began to make their goodbyes to the other guests. The Blakely's mansion was in Leicester, nearly midway between London and Misselthwaite. Mary and Colin planned to travel through the night and arrive at Misselthwaite in the morning. Despite the late hour, they did not plan to take a chaperone – they were both orphans, after all, and they intended to exercise their independence.

Colin had hired a carriage from London, which had also brought them to the wedding (their luggage had been sent ahead a few days before). The driver had passed the hours of the wedding and the reception with other servants in the same situation.

It was raining heavily, Mary realized as she and Colin moved with other guests toward the open front doors. She hadn't noticed inside, but it was a positive downpour. She hoped it wouldn't delay their arrival at Misselthwaite.

Colin had evidently spotted the carriage; he took Mary's hand and pulled her out of the protective enclosure of the doorway to run across the driveway. He paused to help her into the carriage before clambering in himself. Mary couldn't help but laugh: Colin was completely drenched and looked half-drowned, though she knew she could hardly look any better.

Colin grimaced at her as he brushed at his clothes, attempting to shake off some of the water.

"Good luck," Mary advised him as she took a more proactive path and began to look for blankets.

The carriage jerked; Mary stumbled and fell half on top of Colin.

"Must be a loose stone or something," he commented, and Mary nodded and made to stand up. However, the carriage lurched again and swerved to the side before quickly gathering speed. Soon they were racing along at a breakneck pace; Mary and Colin stared at each other, wide-eyed. Something was very wrong.