Chapter 14 (The Unexpected Guest)

The gossip was endless in the Misselthwaite estate. Whether they were cooking, gardening, or just cleaning up the house the help couldn't help but whisper to each other the latest of news on this side of Yorkshire.

They're gossip could be about anything. From how a farm wife was having an affair with the son of her best friend to how some unlikely couple ran off to elope. If one calculated the accuracy of their gossip, well you'd be surprised to find out that they were more or less true. Except for some minor exaggerations. Which was natural in gossip.

But the talk of the day was the young American from the previous night. The cook heard that he was a millionaire in America looking for a British wife to take back to his home town. One of the stable boys heard the carriage drivers saying he had some illegal business on the side. And one of the maids, Janey Parker, heard that Lord Craven had invited him over as a suitor for the young Miss Mary.

At the dinner table all these theories on him were shared. The one that they stuck on was the one about him being a suitor. Mary was not a simple lady, they all agreed. Perhaps Lord Craven had realized that Mary wanted something different. Not some wealthy Englishman owning tons of property. But some blueblood American, who owned hectares of farm land back in his country. It makes sense, it makes sense they all agreed.

And he was dreadfully handsome, the maids swooned.

Dickon picked at his food, listening to their gossip. At first he had tried not to. He knew where Mary's affections lay…didn't he?

Well of course he did! She had said that she loved him; there was no doubt in her eyes as she said it. He didn't have to worry about this Julian fellow.

But then again, if Lord Craven were to choose who Mary was to eventually wed he'd have two choices. First, the servant boy from the moor who made his money doing odd jobs around the town. And his other choice would be this wealthy American, with plenty of money to his name. Well, his choice would be obvious, wouldn't it? If Dickon was in his shoes he'd choose Julian Ramsey.

But what if Lord Craven let Mary choose?

Dickon was always a humble person. He never thought too much of himself. Until now at least. Mary would choose him, and there wasn't a single doubt about that.

"Dickon…" Martha said touching his hand "Tha 'asn't touched tha's food."

Dickon just nodded and began eating. He couldn't help but smile reminiscing the time he had with Mary that day. And he couldn't wait for the next morning.

Mary stood with Colin and her Uncle as they waved the Heedley's carriage good-bye.

"Good-bye!" Mary called out politely "And good riddance…" she muttered so only Colin would hear her.

"You haven't changed one bit, Mary" Colin said to her as they were making their way back to the manor.

"What?" Mary asked.

Lord Craven chuckled "You're a dignified Miss Mary Lennox on the outside, but inside your still Mary Lennox from Misselthwaite wild and unpredictable…and incredibly honest"

Mary smiled. Wild and unpredictable. That much was true. She wouldn't have kissed Dickon back if she were they shy timid creature women were expected to be. It was a new century. A turning point, perhaps women were meat to be more than what men expected of them. After all women served in the war as well. Their contribution was just as important as the soldiers.

After a light lunch she and Colin made their way to the Garden. Colin had been very busy lately and seldom found time to return. Mary walked ahead of him eager to just sit and laze about the Garden in the day's sun. Of course, there was also the thought that someone else may be in the Garden. But of course, if he were there, Colin was with her. Would it be too difficult for them to not hint at their new relationship?

Mary cast Colin a nervous glance. He smiled at her. They had grown up together. Surely Colin might notice the change. She sighed. Maybe they should just tell him. They were best friends. He would understand. He should understand.

"Mary…?" Colin asked. She turned to face him.

"Hmm?"

"It's just…well…I need to speak with you about something."

"About?" Oh no. He knew. He knew and he was going to confront her. To tell her off. Keep calm, she thought to herself, it may be something else.

"Well…" he began. But he never finished. Because just at that moment a cheery voice called to them.

"Goin' for a garden stroll?" They saw Dickon walking up to them. His hands thrust in his pocket and smiling wildly at them.

"Dickon!" Mary called. Colin watched warily as Dickon approached them. His blue eyes flickered momentarily on Mary, then he immediately turned to Colin.

"Wassup?" he asked "I haven' seen tha 'round much."

Colin shrugged "There's a lot to do. Managing the businesses."

" 'Course." Dickon said smiling " I'm sure that won't mind 'elping out with the gardenin'?"

"No, I would not." Colin said.

"Then let's get goin'." Dickon said happily holding out his arm for Mary to take. She smiled at him and took it. Together the two of them made their way to their Garden, with Colin eyeing them suspiciously.

They were in the Garden for a few hours. Colin had forgotten what a joy it was being there. It was their sanctuary. The world or the war wouldn't change that. Being away for so long had somehow magnified its appeal. The flowers in the garden were more colorful than the others he comes across in his travels. Roses looked more beautiful here than anywhere else. Animals seemed more alive when they breathed in the air of the Garden. Of the three friends Colin understood this the most. It was he, invalid and sickly, who was healed by the Garden. By the wonderful power of the Secret Garden and his two friends.

He was watching them now. They were the same, yet different. There were times when their eyes would linger on each other for longer than a second. Or how if their hands met, there seemed to be something electric there. It was so very strange. Perhaps…no. It couldn't be, he thought. They wouldn't be dumb enough. It was getting late, they should head back to the manor. Colin voiced this too his two friends and soon enough they were on their way back to the manor.

There wasn't much talk between the three of them. It was felt awkward, walking back to the manor. Colin spoke up.

"Garden's looking wonderful."

"Yes, it is" Mary said nodding. Dickon just made a muttered something in agreement.

"Perhaps…we should take Father to see it. I'm sure he'd like too." Colin said again glancing at Dickon. He smiled and nodded.

"That's a wonderful idea, Colin." Mary said grinning up at him. Her smile was so different from everyone else's. Mary began chatting about when they could bring him down, maybe they could have a picnic, she said. Waving her hands about excitedly and smiling nonstop. Colin watched her and grinned. She was so very different from everyone.

Then he glanced to his side and saw it. Dickon was watching Mary. His eyes sparkling, a small smile playing on his lips. There it was, written all over his face. Colin wouldn't even have to ask him. There was something painful at the pit of his stomach, something bubbling up. He could've hit Dickon. Right then and there. His hand flinched. His eyes and Dickon's met. Dickon looked away; he looked towards the manor nervously biting his lip. It was no use, Colin already knew.

Archibald Craven was watching from his study as the three friends approached. He waved at them. They waved back. Mary, enthusiastically, Colin merely raised his hand and Dickon gave a sort of awkward salute. Something was on that boy's mind, he thought.

"Poor boy…" he whispered eyeing Dickon. Dickon and his family had taken care of the Craven's. Martha of course helped with the house. Their mother was a kind friend who had given advice to him on many occasions. And Dickon had breathed life into his son and niece. And eventually, to him. Unlike Colin and Mary, Dickon was used to the toils of life. He had begun working at such a young age to provide for his family. On top of that he had served in the Great War. Craven couldn't even think of any thanks he could reign on Dickon. Words could not express how much he appreciated him.

"Lord Craven?" Martha gingerly opened the door and stuck her head in.

"Hmm?" he asked watching as the farm boy waved his friends good-bye and made his way home…or to some other job.

"There is a Mister Julian Ramsey at the door, sir." She said.

"Oh. Yes. Let him in. Set an extra plate. Call for Mr. Higgins, I wish to greet our guest." Martha nodded and went off. He sighed. Yes, he did feel sorry for doing this; for hurting him. But sometimes, one must realize the sacrifices needed to be made. Even if it against that person's wishes.