Post by Annemarie Gardiner on May 6, 2016 23:41:55 GMT -5
Deepening autumn required that the last of the medicinal gardens be harvested and the bed prepared for winter, even in Bordelaix. The task was done much sooner in Vasile and then in Shelbourne by virtue of their more northern locations; Annemarie would not have dared risk the precious plants this late in either location. However, the capital city enjoyed the last breaths of summer slightly longer, buying her time to see those headed to Vasile kitted out with supplies for the populace in Vanderhall and a general re-supply for the still-room in the now abandoned castle.
Once that was done and she had tended to other matters requiring her attention, she determined to spend the afternoon in the castle gardens allocated for her purposes. True, Annemarie could have relied upon some of the apprentices she had taken on to do it, and then asked the gardeners to cover the bed, but she enjoyed when she was able to attend to the wintering-over tasks herself. Inviting the Princess Royal to join her for company, if Antoinette had the time and interest - not that Annemarie would ever presume to ask Antoinette to garden - she set to work with a will.
Gloves covered her hands as they wielded shears and a small trowel, and a broad hat shaded her nose, already dusted with a few freckles. The plain gown was covered with a pinafore against clinging soil, both made of an easily laundered fabric that eschewed stains, unlike that nose, already sporting a smudge of dirt. Annemarie hummed softly, thinking herself alone, baskets slowly filling with the bundled herbs and flowers to be dried.
Oh, if only her fastidious cousin could see her now...
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Rowan Gardiner, @antoinettedeveraux