Garden of May - Chapter 65
Chapter 65
“How much further?”
“Almost there.”
Vanessa took his outstretched hand and carefully climbed onto the slippery rock. Reaching the top, her view extended far into the distance. Below the gently sloping ridge, a boundless expanse of green wheat fields stretched out, smoke curling from the chimneys of scattered farmhouses.
It felt surreal to be stealing away from Gloster Castle, headed to an unknown destination. Excitement, a terrifying thrill, and a touch of fear warred within her. She was so preoccupied that she didn’t notice him secretly smiling at her flushed face.
The path River Ross led her down was hardly an elegant promenade. The moat path was treacherous, and once they entered the woods, the ground became slick with mud. Rain-nourished weeds grew thick, and large toads and insects sprang out unexpectedly.
Despite the difficult terrain, Vanessa’s eyes sparkled like stars as she glanced back repeatedly.
“I didn’t realize the rusted bars would come out so easily. I should have tried this myself ages ago.”
“Vanessa, look ahead.”
“Alright.”
“And it’s pointless trying to memorize the way.”
“I’m not. I haven’t memorized it.”
Her face was pert as she feigned innocence. He knew she’d carefully studied their surroundings multiple times, trying to fix their location in her mind. Theodore’s lips curved into a subtle smile as he spoke in a casual tone.
“Then you won’t mind if it’s blocked soon.”
“…Blocked? Why?”
“They’re starting repairs on the bars tomorrow.”
Vanessa’s face fell, visibly disappointed. Again, she missed his amusement. Then, seemingly deciding to enjoy the present moment, her eyes sparkled anew.
“How did you know there was a farm here where we could hire a carriage?”
“I’ve used it a few times before.”
“Did Mr. Ross tell you about it too?”
“Yes.”
His answer was curt, as if dismissing a bothersome question, but Vanessa nodded understandingly. Glochester Castle, originally intended as a hunting lodge, was far from both the town of Bath and the estates of other prominent Southern socialites. Without transportation, leaving, even if not confined, was nearly impossible.
Therefore, the servants often pooled their resources to hire a carriage for trips into town. And as far as Vanessa knew, River Ross had never once used that carriage. Even though he left the castle at least once a week, always after emptying that dilapidated shed.
“Wait here.”
He said, opening the creaking gate of the farmhouse as they arrived. A farmer, sweeping the courtyard, spotted him and bowed deeply in greeting. They exchanged a few words and then disappeared together.
Vanessa obediently crouched where he’d told her to wait, observing the farmyard. Chickens and rabbits pecked and hopped about, fluffy chicks scurrying after their mother. The scene was idyllic. She watched the ducks catching insects, her chin resting on her hand, then abruptly stood as she heard frantic quacking. Behind a bush, a black cat pinned a lone duckling beneath its paw.
Just as she scrambled over the fence and scooped up the distressed duckling, the stable doors opened. A farmer in a straw hat led out a sturdy chestnut horse, hitched it to a carriage, and checked the wheels. River Ross followed the farmer out and arched a brow at the sight of Vanessa holding the muddy duckling.
“….”
His expression seemed to ask if she couldn’t stay put for even a short time. She felt a pang of injustice, but caught red-handed, she couldn’t protest too much.
“Come here.”
Vanessa placed the duckling in a safe spot and brushed the mud from her blouse and skirt. The carriage was ready. River Ross climbed onto the driver’s seat without a word, and after a moment’s hesitation, Vanessa sat beside him.
“I sit here?”
“Yes, if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t mind, but my clothes might get muddy.”
“But if I sit back there alone, you’ll look too much like… my driver.”
“You’re getting quite cheeky.”
“Honestly, you’re the cheeky one, River Ross.”
Vanessa narrowed her eyes playfully as she continued.
“Even if we’re in an equal partnership now, you used to be much kinder and sweeter when we were younger. What happened to you?”
He let out a scoff, as if the question wasn’t worth answering. He seemed momentarily speechless.
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 152 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 151 - Jun 16, 2026
- Protected: Garden of May Chapter 150 - Jun 16, 2026
