It's a slow process. Corwin doesn't have all the supplies that Lenore requests—most gardening tools hadn't been needed by the Duke in so long, they were left to rust away until they had to be removed, unusable and now dangerous in their dilapidated state. It'll take time to have a new set of tools crafted, so he suggests that she focus on the living rose bush until then, and worry about the rest of the property once she has the supplies and help from a handful of servants who are willing to handle the more grueling physical labor.
Mary and Brina are her regular companions when she goes outside, although the unpredictable weather of Barrowmere means that rain is a common deterrent, forcing her to stay indoors. As is the case today.
Lenore sighs, looking at the raindrops hitting the glass doors of her balcony as Mary brushes and styles her hair for the day. There's no need for her to tend to a single bush every day, but it feels like something is tugging at her—urging her to take care of this property.
"It's good to take a day off now and again, my lady," Mary says, reading Lenore's emotions with ease. "If you push yourself too much, you'll catch a cold."
She may be right, but that doesn't make it easier for Lenore to have her sole duty put on hold constantly because of the weather. However, Mary's point about sickness isn't far-fetched. Lenore is used to the warmer weather of Rowanhart, not this wet, dreary weather.
She doesn't mention the soreness that's already taken hold in her throat that started after she stayed outside when the rain began the day before, dedicated to clearing out the rest of the corner of the garden she'd been working on. If she rests today and soothes her throat with some tea, then with luck, she'll be back to normal by the time the weather improves.
Once she's dressed, Lenore begins her day by heading to the dining room for breakfast. Even if Alaric doesn't join her, it's become part of her routine. There's a sense of freedom that comes with this simple journey from her chambers to the dining room. A reminder that she's no longer trapped in her uncle's manor, where she was invited to dine at the table only if guests were present who knew she lived there. Otherwise, she ate alone in her small, simple room.
However, she's pleasantly surprised to find Alaric already at the table when she arrives.
"Good morning, Alaric." Her voice comes out raspy, and she tries to clear her throat to hide it.
He looks at her, suspicion clear in his eyes. "If you're unwell, you don't need to push yourself."
Lenore sits down at her normal seat. "I'm fine. My throat is just a touch sore. It'll be better if I have some warm soup and tea."
As if to make a point, soup is the first dish she serves herself for breakfast. It's a light broth today, without a strong flavor and perfect for fighting off the chill in the air.
Alaric pushes the jar of honey closer to her. "A touch of honey in your warm tea should help."
It's that touch of kindness that she doesn't expect from him after seeing his distant expression at dinner day after day. Of course, she knows that it might be out of simple consideration and nothing more, but it leaves a warm feeling in her chest that she's not used to. "Thank you."
"The garden is looking nice. I'm surprised that even a single rose bush is alive, but winter will likely arrive before you have a chance to do much else." Alaric says it while looking at her, searching for a reaction, but she's not sure what he expects to see.
Lenore eats another spoonful of broth before she answers, the ache in her throat growing every time she swallows. "Still, if the grounds are cleared out, then it'll be easier for plants to grow again when spring returns. I read in one of the library's books that plants have a tough time if they're bogged down and unable to get sunlight, air, and water. So, if I can create an environment where they aren't stifled by old plants and debris, then new plants should have a better chance of surviving."
"Is that so?" Alaric asks. He still looks at her as if waiting for something, but she can't figure out what that might be.
The rest of breakfast is quiet, and Lenore tries to ignore Alaric's glances. He usually doesn't show up at breakfast, much less watch her this closely. It's almost a relief when she's headed back to her chambers, already more exhausted than normal. Her head starts spinning as soon as she leaves the dining room, and she wants nothing more than to lie down.
She pauses, leaning against the wall. Of course, when an illness starts, it never takes long to escalate. At least, not for her. But she got used to hiding her sickness when living with her uncle, afraid of being blamed if Alina caught it or seen as more of a burden than usual.
She draws a deep breath, only to irritate her throat and lungs. Lenore tries to compose herself enough to make it back to her chambers, pushing off from the wall, but keeping one hand on it in case she needs its support and stability again.
She didn't expect that Alaric would follow her, taking her hand and supporting her with his arm around her waist. The storm outside thrash like a warning, and yet she's never felt more safe than in his arms.
Lenore reminds herself that she can't grow fond of him, and that he won't return her feelings if they grow. However, it's difficult when he's the first person in more than a decade who's made her feel like Lenore. Like she has the right to be her own person.
"The weather here hits hard if you aren't used to it," he says. "It's easier beyond my property, but the curse's heart is here, and that has strange effects on the land, extending to the weather, too. I should have warned you."
"I've never spent much time outside," Lenore says, leaning on him more than she wants, but grateful for the support he provides. "I guess my body isn't used to it."
"The physician here is good. I'll call for him once you're back in bed."
"You don't need to be so nice to me. But I'm glad you are."
Alaric replies, but his words are too quiet to catch. Perhaps it's better that way. She isn't sure her heart could take hearing them—whatever they are.
If only for a moment, she wants to pretend that she has a husband who genuinely cares for her, and not just a political marriage.