Disclaimer: I don't own Secret Gardan. This is AU so if you want to tell me the facts I'd love to hear it but realize this will NOT be fact realated.


Dr. Neville Craven was a good man who loved his brother sister-in-law and niece very dearly. He didn't just love his sister-in law. He was in love with her. He would never let Archie know such a fact. It would also remain unbeknownst to Lily. Neville knew that he had loved Lily from the moment Archibald brought her into the home Neville had inherited from their parents after their death. He was the oldest son and so he was the one that inherited Misselthwaite Manor. Their sister Maybelle would have inherited it but she had been long since dead by the time their parents passed away. He knew that Archibald loved Lily the minute he saw them together.


"Neville," Archibald said with a smile, "This lovely lady here is Lily"

One look at Lily and Neville's breath caught in his throat.

"It is lovely to meet you," he managed

"The pleasure is all mine," Lily said, "Archie has told me so much about you"

"All good I hope," Neville said smiling.

"Oh yes," she said, "He told me how brilliant you are and at the same time spiritual"

"Doesn't she have the most beautiful eyes," Archibald asked Neville.

Lily's eyes were a deep blue. It seemed like the color of liquid love. You could drown in eyes like that.

"They are quite beautiful," Neville said, "and Lily my brother is right I am knowledgeable and spiritual at the same time. To me one does not contradict the other."

"I completely agree," Lily said, "What we know we know very little of with what our eyes ears and other senses tell us. We may only be seeing 1% of the whole picture.


That was absolutely true. Archibald was a good example of that. Anyone who looked at Archie would think him to be a man who was harsh and unforgiving. Archibald often wore a stern expression. He walked with a hunch. If you had ever met Archie though you would know that he was gentle and positive with a good sense of humor. Lily had given birth 4 years ago to the most beautiful daughter.


"Lily is so wise," Archibald said, "I do not know how I was so fortunate as win the heart of this beautiful and perfect maiden"

Lily blushed.

"I am not perfect Archie," she told him, "I have been known to have a sharp tongue at times and do not hesitate like many woman do to speak disapprovingly when I feel an injustice is done."

"You act as though that is a flaw when in my eyes it is an asset," Neville said softly.

"I would have to agree with my brother," Archibald said, "I find it to be an asset"

"Many men sees it as a flaw which is why the dunking pool is in existence"

"No it is in existence because many men are childish and fear loss of control. I personally find that or anything else that is negative to be an abomination of humility."


Their daughter, Daisy was a carbon copy of Lily. She was beautiful both on the inside and the out but as all children are she was naughty at times. Archibald held true to his word. He never scolded or used his walking staff even when there was a disagreeable situation. He has never employed the dunking pool or the dizzy swing. One time a neighbor asked Archibald how he commands his household without employing the use of punishment.

"Does not your wife speak out against your decisions when she feels differently without the means of control," he asked

"She does," Archibald said with a smile, "and I desire that she does for she is not a simpleton."

"Yes but you are the man of the house," the neighbor pointed out.

"She is my equal," Archibald said firmly.

"Well are you not afraid your unborn child will develop its mothers traits?"

"Nothing," Archibald said, "Could make me happier"


Months after Neville's first meeting with Lily Archibald came into the home with his beloved Lily. Neville knew quite simply that he had shared the same loved of this girl with his brother.

"Neville," Archibald said, "I must have a word with you if I may."

"Of course," Neville said as they went into the into the other room

"Neville," Archibald said, "I would like to have Lily live with us in Misselthwaite Manor and since you are the master of the manor I know I must get your permission before I invite her-"

Neville held up a hand.

"Archie in name I am the master but this is every bit your home as it is mine. I would love to have her here. Have you asked her yet?"

"I was waiting to make sure that you approve," Archie explained.

"Believe me," Neville said, "I completely approve. I think Lily will make a fantastic addition to the manor"


To the servants Archibald was considered master of the manor as well as a good friend. He had complete authority and at the time it was not uncommon for servants to be punished for deeds that displeased their masters. Archibald had NEVER punished the servant save one incident where he nearly did. It was an incident that proved his love for Lily beyond the shadow of a doubt. It happened shortly after she moved into the manor.


Archibald had a necklace. It was a keepsake a memory of his beloved sister. He had assumed the necklace had been stolen after it was missing so he called a meeting of the servants. He told them if the necklace was returned by sunset nothing would happen but if not the offender when found would receive 10 blows with the walking staff. Several days later it was discovered that Lily had mistaken the necklace for her own. If he didn't follow through he would lose the respect of his servants but there was no way he could punish Lily. He did the only thing he could. When Lily was in town he removed his jacket and had the head servant deliver him ten blows with his walking staff.