This is Part III which covers Chapters 10-14 of Return To Misseltwaite Manor: Lily's Garden

Chapter 10: Le Jardin de Secrets- the Garden of Secrets


Mary and Katherine walked back towards the manor for breakfast, as the two young women were walking back Katherine said, “Mary, tell me something, did you believe you were chosen to find the key to your Aunt Lily’s Garden after Cousin Archibald buried the key.”

Mary looked at Katherine and said, “It was a miracle that I found the key to my Aunt Lily’s garden after all the years it had been neglected by my Uncle Archibald.”
“It was a robin redbreast that showed me the door to my Aunt Lily’s garden after I found the key.”

“You didn’t tell anyone about finding the key to your Aunt’s garden.” Katherine asks.
“Yes I told Dickon Sowerby, Martha’s younger brother. We became good friends and this was way before I knew Uncle Archibald and My late Aunt Lily had a son.” Mary said, “I need somewhere to go just to be myself. I found the garden. It was neglected, Dickon, I, and later the one gardener we could trust, and Ben Weatherstaff helped us to fix up the garden like it was when my late Aunt was alive.” Mary said.
“When did you tell Collin about his mother’s garden?” Katherine asked.
“It wasn’t until I could trust him and then I told him.” Mary said.
“I see the garden is a special place I could sense it.” Katherine said.
“The garden is a special place. My Uncle gave me the garden which belonged to my late Aunt after I restored them back to life and happiness.” Mary said.
“I sense your late Aunt Lily was a wonderfully loving young woman who died tragically.” Katherine said.
“Yes Aunt Lily died when she was very young. She was only 20 years old when she died on my Uncle Archibald and leaving Collin without a mother.” Mary said.
“I think my Aunt Lily when I was exactly what my Uncle and Cousin needed to bring them back to life and restore them to some sense of happiness.” Mary said.
“Where was your late mother and aunt born do you know Mary?” Katherine asked.
“My Uncle met my Aunt Lily in Thwaite Village.” Mary said, “Through my father who was married to my late mother.”
“My father and Uncle attended the same school.” Mary said, “That is how I came to be placed at Misselthwaite Manor.”
“I see so your late parents appointed your Aunt and Uncle to be your legal guardian if anything happened to them.” Katherine asked Mary.
“Yes that is right. I had asked my Uncle while he was alive did my mother have any other living relatives. I received no answer from him, so I took it my late mother and aunt have no other living relatives. I knew my father was an only child.” Mary said.
“That is what I am trying to find out now if my mother has any living relatives here in England?” Katherine said.
“There are many Cravens in this part of England; it doesn’t mean they are related.” Mary says, “All you can do is asked if they knew a young child or woman by the name of Lady Margaret Craven.”
“Where do I start though Cousin Mary?” Katherine asks.
“I don’t know, we could ask Barrister Cates in London how to go about doing the search for family members.” Mary said, “I will put it to Collin and see what he has to say about it.”
Katherine agreed that was the sensible thing to do as the two young women walked into the dining room took their seats to eat breakfast with Collin who was waiting for them.
Collin looked up and said, “There you two are. I wondered what had happened to you.”
Mary said, “I got up, someone lead me to the garden and while I was walking around I found Cousin Katherine sitting by the pond. We started to converse and lost tract of the time.”
Collin said nothing he picked up the bell rang for the cook, who brought them in their breakfast. All three of them sat down, ate a hearty breakfast together.

It was shortly after breakfast that Mary approached Collin and said, “Collin I must talk to you.”
“What is it Mary, you whatever it is you can talk to me about it.” Collin replied.
“Collin we must do everything we can to help Cousin Katherine find out about her mother’s side of the family.” Mary said, “It is important to know one’s roots.”
“Alright Mary what do you suggest?” Collin asks her.
“I think Barrister Cates is a good person to start with since he has been the family Barrister for such a long time.” Mary said.
Collin looked at Mary and said, “We can both relate to Cousin Katherine’s need to find out all about her family tree.”
“Yes that is why it is important we do all we can to help her. She is a lost soul. She was like me when I first came to Misselthwaite Manor.” Mary said.
“I remember your dear late father told Mrs. Murdock not to dress me in black. It would make me look a like lost soul.” Mary said, “Mrs. Murdock dressed me in color up until the time we had to go into mourning for your dear late father recently.” Mary said.
“Well the time of mourning is over. We may resume wearing uplifting colors that make us feel good.” Collin told Mary.
“You don’t think it is a wee bit too soon to wear uplifting colors as you call them.” Mary asked.
“No, I don’t think so. My late father would want us to be happy and not to dress like two lost souls rather than just one.” Collin tells Mary.
“Collin are you sure Cousin Craven never talked about Margaret Craven.” Mary asks Collin.
“If he did, I don’t remember the conversation much. Dr. Craven, my father’s cousin was very upset because I had recovered and was able to inherit Misselthwaite Manor rather than it passing on to him if I had died as everyone thought I would. I sure fooled them didn’t I?” Collin asks Mary
“Yes Collin, you sure did fool everyone.” Mary says, “I want you to think about any conversations you may have with Dr. Craven or even Uncle Archibald when you got older and into Oxford University about family relations.” Mary said.
“Hmm, Mrs. Murdock said that inside a wooden box are a lot of old family portraits. I wonder if any of the portraits may have any photos of children in them.” Collin said.
” I know Collin, why don’t we go to your father’s attic, look around like we did as children when we use to go rummaging through the corridors and in and out of the rooms in the manor.” Mary said.

“What a good idea, we can ask Cousin Katherine if she wants to join us. Maybe together we can find some clues and answer some questions she asked us.” Collin said.
“I will go get Cousin Catherine, wait here for us. We will go rummaging through the manor together.” Mary said she headed out to go get Katherine and bring her back so all three of them could explore the manor together.

Collin waited in the corridor around where his late mother’s parlors use to be. He was drawn into the room where his late mother, Lady Lily, use to sit, read, and look out the window toward the garden. He walked in, he could smell the scent of freshly cut roses, but there were none in the room. He smiled at the picture of his late father and mother together out in the swing that was still in the garden renamed in his mother’s memory.
Collin said, “Mother, how I miss you so. I wish you were here right now.”
A brisk air of wind rushed through the parlor and Collin heard a sweet but quiet voice say, “Ma Fils Je vouloir vous pour est joyeux.”
Collin said, “Is that you Mother?”
Lily sweet voice said, “Yes My Son, it is me your mother.”
“I miss you mother and I miss father.” Collin said.
“Collin we will never leave you. We are with you always.” Lily says in her sweet voice.
“I know mother that father and you are with Mary and I always.” Collin says.
“Collin, live for today, live for tomorrow, and remember the garden.” Lily says.
“Mary and I will never neglect your garden again.” Collin promises his late mother’s spirit.
“My son, I love you.” Lily says, as quickly as she came she had disappeared. One thing was certain Collin was left with a sense of peace and calm. Who would believe him if he told he has talked to his late mother’s spirit. Surely if he told anyone, everyone would think he was going mad, so Collin kept it to himself.



Chapter 11: A Visit To The Attic

Mary had come back with Katherine, she started to look around for Collin, who had promised to stay put but didn’t. Mary calls out “Collin, where are you. I am back with Cousin Katherine.”
Collin calls out, “I am in my late mother’s parlor I smelled fresh cut roses and came to investigate but could find none.” Mary gives him a strange smile, but it is a smile as if she understands why Collin could smell the fresh scent of roses, which permeated the air in his late mother’s parlor.

“Are you ready to go to the attic?” Mary ask Collin
“Yes I am ready, are you two prepared to get dusty, musky, and dirty.” Collin asks Mary and Katherine.
“Yes we are ready shall we go.” Mary asks Collins.
Collin holds out his hand, Mary takes a hold of it and Katherine follows behind them into an old attic, which has a set of stairs leading up to it.
Collin opens the door, “Oh heavens, this place hasn’t been visited for years it seems. Look at all the old clothes.”
Mary looks around and says, “These clothes are ancient, but aren’t they pretty.”
Collin gives Mary a strange look and says, “Yes, they seem to be for a younger woman, perhaps they belonged to my late mother.”
“They do seem to be from that time period.” Mary said, “It was so romantic.”
“Collin over there, that wooden box Mrs. Murdock told us about.” Mary said.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine all walk over to the wooden box, sit down by it, and Collin opens up the box and inside of it is a lot of old photos.

Collin takes them out and says, “Look old photos of the family Mary.” He hands them to Mary to see.
“Do you know who any of these people are in these pictures?” Mary asks
“I don’t know, I would have to take a better look at them, maybe there is some writing on the back of the pictures with dates when they were taken.” Collin says.
“Yes maybe that is right, let’s check, and see.” Mary says.
Collin turns one picture over it is dated 1900 and the writing says, “Albert, Rose, Lily, and Archibald, spring of 1900.”
“Mary look at this picture, it is a picture of our mothers and fathers before Aunt Rose and Uncle Albert, your parents left for India.” Collin says.
Mary takes the picture of her parents and Uncle Archie and Aunt Lily and says, “Yes this is my parents alright. Look, my mother is expecting me. She is not at the least bit happy.”
“I must have been conceived in England but born in India.” Mary said.
“Collin look at this picture-It is one of Aunt Lily and Uncle Archibald after they got married in the church in Thwaite Village. She is wearing the very wedding dress I wore when we got married a few months ago. My-she is beautiful.” Mary said.


”Yes our mothers were beautiful.” Collin said, “Sometimes I dream of my parents and they are walking in our garden which we renamed in the memory of my late mother.” Collin said
“I once dreamed of my mother after I moved here. She left me out in the garden and the garden turned into a jungle, she called me to her, and then abandons me.” Mary said, “She was wearing a white dress, white trimmed bonnet which falls off of her head when she was running away from me.”
Katherine looked up and said, “Oh my- that is what we call a nightmare in America.”
“What is a nightmare Cousin Katherine?” Collin asks
“A nightmare is a bad dream.” Katherine said.
“I have had plenty of those; I don’t have them anymore though.” Collin tells Katherine.
“I think all my nightmares were brought on by what everyone told me.” Collin said.
“I am sure of it, they filled your head with nonsense, and you believed it.” Mary said, “I remember when you believed you were going to die. Well you are still alive and well today now aren’t you?” Mary asked.
“Yes thank to my late mother’s garden, Dickon, and you.” Collin said.
“I would rather you give the credit to yourself. You made yourself well. The garden, Dickon and I may have contributed something, but you did it all by yourself.” Mary said.
“Yes I guess you are right. It does no good to argue with you Mary Craven.” Collin said.
“I don’t want to argue with you. I am just stating a fact.” Mary tells Collin.
“It is a fact well stated.” Collin says, “I will live forever.”
“Collin one day we will all die and none of us live forever.” Mary tells him.
“Well for now, I will live forever, one day I will die but I will still live on forever.” Collins says.
Mary just smiles, and continues to look over old photographs in the wooden box.
Katherine walked over to another box and said, “Cousin Collin, look what I found?”
“What Cousin Katherine?” Collin asks
“I have found a second wooden box I wonder what is inside of it.” Katherine asks.
“Why not open it up and find it. It is fine with me.” Collin says.
Katherine opens up the wooden box carefully, inside there are some more old pictures, letters, and documents stored inside of it.
“Cousin Collin, what are these letters and documents about?” Katherine asks.
“I have no idea, why not open them up, read them, you can let us know what they say and are about?” Collin suggests.
Katherine carefully opens one of the documents and it reads “Marriage Licenses.”
“Cousin, this is a marriage licenses I have found.” Katherine tells Collin and Mary.
“Whose marriage licenses is it?”” Collin asks.
“I am afraid it is pretty worn out and the printing is not readable.” Katherine tells them.
Collin walks over takes a look at the old marriage licenses and it is dated “1800.”
“Well it is dated some time in 1800, a hundred years before we were thought of. It may have belonged to my grand-father or great-grand-father Craven.” Collin said.
“Collin, who is this picture of here do you know?” Katherine asked.
“Turn the picture over it may have some writing on it.” Collin suggests.
Katherine turns the picture over and it is dated 1808.
“This is an old picture. It is dated 1808.” Katherine said.
“It must be of my grandfather, or great-grandfather Craven with his wife.” Collin said.
“When was your father born Cousin Collin?” Katherine asks Collin.
“My father was born in 1860.” Collin answers.
“Collin who is this picture of it is dated 1860.” Katherine asked
Collin takes the picture in his hand and says, “This is a picture of my grandmother and grandfather, with my father as a baby.”
“The picture says, “Lord Mervin Craven with wife, Maggie and son, Archibald, age 2 months old.” Collin said.
“Cousin Archibald’s mother’s name was Margaret.” Katherine asks Collin.
“Yes, Lady Margaret Welsh.” Collin says.
“Did they have any other children I wonder?” Katherine asks.
“I don’t know my late father never mentioned any brothers or sisters.” Collin replies. “That doesn’t mean he didn’t have any.”
“My-your grandmother was a pretty woman.” Katherine said, “What a smile she has.”
“Yes she was quite pretty wasn’t she?” Collin replies.
“Your grandfather was quite a handsome gentleman as well.” Katherine tells Collin.
“Yes he was a stately fellow wasn’t he?” Collin answered.
“Indeed he was he looks to be a very fine person.” Katherine said.
“Who are Cousin Craven’s parents?” Katherine asks Collin.
“My cousin’s parents were the younger brother of my grandfather.” Collin said.
“I see, so your great uncle had your cousin.” Katherine says.
“Yes that is right. He died while Cousin Craven was away in medical school. He is ten years older than my late father.” Collin states, “He is still alive but senile.”
“What a shame he is elderly. He may have had some information about my mother.” Katherine said looking through old pictures.
“There are so many pictures here Collin. There is no way we can go through them at in one day.” Mary says.
“Well then we will come back tomorrow and start fresh.” Collin tells them, “For now let us leave the attic, and go have mid-morning tea and biscuits.”
“It sounds charming, let us leave this dismal attic until tomorrow.” Mary says, all three of them leave the attic and head for the drawing room where mid-morning tea and biscuits are waiting for them.
All three of them enter the drawing room together and Mrs. Murdock says, “Where have all your three been?”
“We have been in the attic looking at old photographs.” Collin says, “Tell me some Murdock you remember my father and cousin as boys. Did you know my late grandparents?” Collins asks
“Yes Master Collin I did have a chance to meet your great uncle and grandparents once.” Murdock tells Collin.
“Did they make mention of any other relatives?” Collin asks her.
“Master Collin that was a very long time ago, my memory isn’t that good any more. All I can tell you is that your cousin became a doctor because he couldn’t stand to see your father suffer with his affliction.” Mrs. Murdock says.
“Did my great uncle have any other children?” Collin asks Murdock.
“Your great uncle and aunt may have had other children after your cousin.” Murdock says, “The best one to ask these questions to Sir is your Barrister.”
“Yes I had thought of that but then I have to call into London, and then travel back to London to meet with him.” Collin said.
“Perhaps not Sir, you could ask him to come out to Misselthwaite.” Mrs. Murdock said.
“Do you think he would travel out this way?” Collin asks Murdock
“He was in your father’s pay. I know Lord Archibald was paying him a goodly sum.” Mrs. Murdock said.
“I wonder if Pritchard knows anything. He was my late father’s male attendant?” Collin said.
“Sir, Pritchard is an old man. He is close to eighty now.” Murdock said.
“Yes but he knew my father as a little boy.” Collin said.
“Pritchard’s memory isn’t that good Master Collin.” Murdock said.
“Nonetheless, I will see what he knows about my father’s side of the family.” Collin said.
Mrs. Murdock knew better to sit there and ague with Master Collin when he was set in his ways.
Mary and Katherine are sitting on the couch sipping their tea and listening to Collin as he talks with Mrs. Murdock.
Mary looks over and says, “Do you really think Old Mr. Pritchard will have any information Collin?”
“Well it can’t hurt to ask him what he may remember.” Collin says.
“That is very true .” Mary says as she looks at Katherine.
“I say we go out to the garden. We all need some fresh air. Winter will be here soon enough and we will be stuck in doors until spring time again.” Collin says to Mary and Katherine.
Mary grabs her light coat, Katherine excuses herself to go up and get a sweater to carry with her into the garden.
“I can’t believe summer is gone and autumn is here already.” Mary says, “Let us enjoy our garden before it goes to sleep for the winter.”
“I dread winter. I hate being stuck in doors for all those months.” Collin says,” It reminds me when I was locked up in my bedroom for all those years.”
“I can imagine.” Mary said.
Collin we must make on more trips into London before winter comes.” Mary says.
“Whatever for, it is a long trip?” Collin states.
“We must do it for Katherine. We must all go to Mr. Cates, the barrister and ask him questions.” Mary says.
“Yes we will do it for Cousin Katherine.” Collin says, “if not for anyone else.”
Katherine comes down the stairs and says, “I am ready if you two are.”
“Well let us go out to the garden. We all need to get out of this house for a while.” Collin says, ‘I don’t like to be locked up into this house for too long.”
Collin, Mary, and Katherine go out the front door of Misselthwaite Manor, walk down the path that leads to Lily’s Garden.
Collin unlocks the door to the garden, and says, “Ladies first.” He then follows Mary and Katherine into the garden.
Mary walks around the pond sits down. “Do you remember this place Collin; it is where you learned to walk again.”
“Yes I do, I have fond memories of this place.” Collin tells Mary.
“Our roses are all hibernating for the winter all ready.” Mary says
“They will return as big and beautiful in the summer time again. We still have some flowers that are blooming for the autumn.” Collin says.
Mary looks at the garden and says, “Sometimes if you listen with your heart you can almost hear Aunt Lily sing her song while she tended the garden.”
Collin says, “I have come here sometimes by myself just to get close to my late mother and father and I can hear them laughing here in the garden.”
“This was a happy place until the accident that claimed her life so suddenly.” Mary said.
Katherine looks at Mary and Collin and says, “My late mother brought up to me before she died about the gardens she and her cousins use to play in while she visited Misselthwaite Manor.”
“Cousin Katherine there is a great many gardens here at Misselthwaite Manor. I mean this is just one of many gardens.” Collin says.
“Cousin was they anymore gardens that may have been locked up.” Katherine said.
“I don’t know perhaps Mrs. Murdock may know.” Collin said, “Perhaps Mr. Cates, the Barrister knows if any more gardens on the property were locked up.”
Mary said, “Martha told me why our garden was locked up and she said no one was ever allow to talk about it after the accident happened.”
“Don’t worry Cousin Katherine; somehow we will unravel the mystery concerning your late mother and The Cravens.” Collin tells his cousin.
“I do hope so before I leave England to return to America.” Katherine said.
“When are you planning your return trip?” Collin asks
“I must leave before winter sets in Cousin Collin. The ocean is much rougher than it is in the spring time.” Katherine said.
“Well maybe you could plan a return trip to England if it’s too expensive.” Collin tells his cousin Katherine.
“Cousin Collin, this trip was very expensive. My late mother left me the money to come over here and to return to America.” Katherine said.
“Well maybe you can delay your return trip to America and stay for the winter months and return in the spring time when the ocean is more at peace.” Collin says.
Katherine was thoughtful and said, “Yes that is possible. I could turn in my return ticket for a later date on another liner.”
“Then it settled, you stay for the winter months and this will give us more time to search for information that you seek on The Cravens.” Collin says, “We can make Christmas into a celebration Cousin Katherine.”
Mary agreed that it would be nice if Katherine stayed until the springtime, the weather got warmer, and the ocean was calm.
Collin called Mrs. Murdock and said, “Murdock Cousin Katherine is stay with us until the springtime make sure she is given whatever she needs.”
“Yes Master Collin I will make sure your cousin Katherine whatever she needs.” Mrs. Murdock said to Collin and Collin dismissed her from the parlor.
“I hope you will excuse me cousins but I am very tired.” Katherine said, “I would like to return to my room for a nap.”
“Yes of course Cousin Catherine if you need anything just use the bell in your ring and Mrs. Murdock will make sure you receive what you need.” Collin says.
“I want to thank you Cousins Collin and Mary for extending your hospitality to me. I hope I am not causing you any imposition.” Katherine said.
“We don’t have much company come calling at Misslethwaite Manor, we are glad to have you here.” Collin says kindly.
“I want to thank you for everything you are doing for me.” Katherine said.
“You are welcome and we hope you have a nice nap.” Collin says.
Katherine starts to walk up the stairs. She turns around smiles at Collin and Mary.

Mary says,” Collin there must be someone in your family that knows about Cousin Margaret.”
“Yes I agree but my entire late father’s relative are spread out.” Collin says.
“There must be someone who knows something.” Mary says.
“I say we go talk to Cousin Craven, although he is old he may still have some memory about Lady Margaret Craven.” Mary says.
“We will go tomorrow and take Cousin Katherine with us. Maybe that will shake his memory up.” Collin said laughing.
“Collin it is a well known fact that you didn’t particularly care for your father’s cousin, Dr. Craven.” Mary says.
“I always thought he was disagreeable and greedy man. He secretly wished I had died so he could inherit the property.” Collin said, “When I made a full recovery much to his dismay he knew he would never inherit the manor.” Collin said.
“You should tell your cousin Dr Craven that greed and envy are both one of the seven deadly sins.” Mary said, “Perhaps if he would attend church services more often he would get that greediness out of his head.”
Collin laughed at that and said, “Cousin Craven will never get the Manor now. We will have children I should hope and they will inherit the Manor.”
Mary looked at Collin and said, “Collin have you ever thought what if we don’t have children?”
Collin looked at Mary and said, “Why do you say that don’t you want children?”
“Yes later on perhaps, not right now.” Mary said.
“Mary remember I promised my late father I would heirs to pass on Misselthwaite Manor too.” Collin reminded her.
“Oh we will have children, but not right now.” Mary said.
“Mary are you afraid to have children, perhaps you are afraid that you too may die in childbirth as my late mother Lily did.” Collin said.
“Collin that has closed my mind, I don’t want to leave you like my Aunt Lily left my Uncle Craven, missing and mourning her for a good ten years.” Mary said.
“You are strong Mary Lennox Craven.” Collin assures her.
“I am sure my Aunt Lily was strong until the accident happened in the garden which now bears her name.” Mary says.
“I don’t know much about my late mother, Father would never talk about her after she died in giving birth to me.” Collin said.
“I know one thing Collin I don’t want to be like my late mother was towards me. She had no interest in me whatsoever.” Mary said.
“Neither of us will be like our parents were to us Mary. We are not our parents after all.” Collin stated.
“Thank heaven for that I don’t want to be like the vain creature my late mother was or the selfish person my late father was. All she cared about is attending socials, parties, dances, and galas and my late father all he cared is about his military duties.” Mary tells Collin.
“I refuse to let governesses raise our children. I will want to raise them myself.” Mary said, “I don’t believe in passing on the responsibility to someone else as my parents did and your late father did after Aunt Lily passed away tragically.” Mary said.
“Collin there is much more to life than attending socials, galas, parties, and dinner-dances.” Mary says.
Collin just sat back in his comfortable chair listened to Mary talk.
Collin smiled; he knew he had made the right choice when he married his cousin, Mary Lennox.
Mary walked over to the large picturesque window looked out, “winter will soon here and autumn will disappear as spring and summer did.”
“Yes Mary, but spring and summer will return.” Collin tells her.
“What in the world are we going to do all winter along Collin?” Mary asks Collin.
“We are going to help Cousin Katherine unravel the mystery of her mother, Cousin Margaret.” Collin says, “We can make that our project until winter turns back into spring.”
Mary looked out the window and said,” Collin what if we don’t ever unravel the mystery of Cousin Margaret for Cousin Katherine, her daughter.”
“We won’t give up until we do solve it. I don’t like unsolved mysteries.” Collin tells Mary, “just as you didn’t concerning the garden.”
Mary continued looking out the window, the wind was blowing, and it sounded like someone was lost out on the Moors as Martha once said.
John came into the sitting room said, “Excuse me Master Collin, I have come to light the fire in the fireplace.”
“Very well John carry on; make sure Cousin Katherine’s room has a fire in her fire place to keep her warm and cozy.”
“Yes Master Collin, after I leave the sitting around, I will start a fire in your bedroom fireplace, then I will go, knock on Miss. Katherine’s door, and ask her if I may light the fire in her fireplace in her bedroom.” John said.
“Yes you do that John.” Collin said.
John continued to start a fire in the fireplace in the sitting room.
“John have long had you been working for my late father?” Collin asked John.
“I came to work after your late mother passed away Master Collin.” John replied.
“I thought maybe you may know something about my late father’s family.” Collin inquired.
“No Sir, I am sorry I don’t know much only that what Mr. Pritchard wanted to share with me and that wasn’t much.” John said, “Now please excuse me Master Collin; I need to go up to your bedroom, start your fire in your fireplace.”
“You may go John and thank you.” Collin said.
“You are welcome Master Collin.” John said, left the sitting room.
“Collin, perhaps we should talk to Mr. Pritchard.” Mary says.
“What talk to that old bitter man, I partly blame him for keeping my father away from me all those years before you came to us here at Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said, “He is much like my late father’s cousin, Dr. Craven.” Collin said.
“Collin, you must get past the part of your life. It well over with now.” Mary says, “I know I should do the same whereas with my late parents.”
“I know it is hard Mary but how do we get past that part of our lives.” Collin asks
“I don’t know Collin, with the help of the garden.” Mary says.
“Yes the garden, my late mother’s garden. I know she wouldn’t want us waddling in self pity.” Collin said.
“You are right Collin; I know Aunt Lily wouldn’t want us to waddle in self pity.” Mary said, “She would tell us we must let go of our horrid pasts and live for today, tomorrow, and for each other. I know she lived for Uncle Archibald and wanted to live for you, but God called her home early to be with him.” Mary said.
“Yes I am still mad at God for doing it to me.” Collin said.
“Collin it is alright to be mad at God. I was mad at him for such a long time.” Mary said, “I am over that now, I am no longer mad at God.”
“I shall be mad at God for a very long time. He took away my mother when I needed a mother the most.” Collin said.
“Aunt Lily wouldn’t want you to stay mad at God to long. I know she is present with us even now watching over us.” Mary said.
“Yes I have that feeling too.” Collin replied.
“Mary sometimes I can hear my late mother talk to me in her quiet gentle way, “Collin, I am with you always. I have never left you.”
Mary looks at Collin and says, “I believe you, there are times when I hear my Aunt Lily talk to me as well she tells me to love you, to stay by your side no matter what.”
Collin looks at Mary and said, “Mary perhaps she even communicates with Cousin Katherine.”
Mary looks at Collin and says, “I have no doubt that Aunt Lily has communicated in some way with Cousin Katherine.”
“Mary when is the first time you heard my late mother speak to you?” Collin inquires.
“The first time is the day we married each other. She spoke in French to me and said, “She wanted us to be happy.” Mary replied.
“The first time my late mother talked to me was when I was in the garden crying because I miss her so much.” Collin said, “She told me not to cry because she would be always by my side watching over me.”
“Aunt Lily is watching over us even now Collin.” Mary said.
“Yes I sense her presence even now.” Collin said smiling
“Aunt Lily is never far away from us when we need her quiet spirit.” Mary said.
“The wind is really picking up over the Moors.” Mary said, “I use to hate that sound now I love it.”
“It is amazing how we use to hate things and now we love them isn’t it Mary?” Collin asks
“Yes it is I think it because we don’t appreciate what we have until we miss it.” Mary replies.
“I never stopped missing you Mary Lennox Craven when I was away at Oxford. I saw a lot of pretty young women but they could never compare to what we shared and have together.” Collin said.
“I thought of you too Collin while I was attending La Francais in Switzerland.” Mary said, ‘I would often keep to myself and walk the gardens at La Francais by myself.”
“I would count the days before I was able to come home for summer time vacation. I knew you would be here. I didn’t know if you had or didn’t have a girl friend at the time.” Mary said.
“I never did and I never wanted a girl friend. The girls that attended the women’s college around Oxford were silly, vain creatures.” Collin said.
“We were so far out in Switzerland; we had no gentlemen around us.” Mary said.
“Tell me something Collin, did you think about summer time when you were at Oxford?” Mary asked.
“Yes all the time. I had such vivid dreams about our garden.” Collin said.
“I did too, they were so real to me I would reach out to touch the roses.” Mary said, “I woke up to realize they were only dreams.”
“I was never so glad to see you Mary Lennox when I came to pick you up and take you back with me to Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said, “I saw you coming down the stairs, my heart raced so fast. I couldn’t believe how beautiful you turned out to be. You look so much like our late mothers.” Collin said.
“When I heard your voice Collin, I was so happy to see you again. I had missed you and thought about all the times we spent together in the garden.” Mary said, “I looked up; saw my good looking cousin, Collin Craven, a strong, young man.”
“It is all because of my late mother’s garden and you.” Collin said
Mary said nothing but smiled at Collin, they turned around to see Katherine coming down the stairs from her nap.
“Good afternoon Cousin Katherine, we trust you had a good nap.” Collin said.
“Yes thank you Cousin Collin and Mary.” Katherine replied.
“I trust your bedroom is warm enough for you.” Collin asked Katherine
“Oh yes thank you, it is very cozy and warm.” Katherine said.
“Is there anything you need Cousin Katherine?” Collin inquired.
“No Cousin Collin but thank you for asking though.” Katherine said.
“Cousin would you like some tea?” Mary asked
“No thank you but thank you for asking.” Katherine replied.
“Katherine we have decided to make finding out for you all about your late mother.” Collin said.
“I would very much appreciate it Cousin Collin.” Katherine said.
“Mary and I have been talking about how we could go about gathering information for you on your late mother.” Collin said.
“Tell me something Cousin Katherine did not your late mother tell you anything about the Craven’s.” Collin asked Katherine.
“My late mother was a very private person. I sensed she feared my father who is a terrible man with a fearsome temper.” Katherine said.
“I am sorry to hear that your father was such a terrible man.” Collin said.
“My late mother loved him very much. She would have done anything for him.” Katherine said, “It broke her heart when she told him he had a daughter rather than the son he had hoped for. She could have no more children after me.” Katherine said.
Mary looked at Katherine and memories flooded her about how she was treated by her own late parents in India. At least Katherine had the benefit of a loving mother whereas both Collin and she had been deprived of their mothers in one way or another.
Collin looked at Mary and said “what is it Mary?”
“I was just thinking about what Katherine said about her father. It brings back memories of how my late parents passed me on to Ayahs and Governesses to take care of. I was child that should not be seen nor heard.” Mary said.
“It reminds me of how I was neglected by my late father until you came into our lives Mary Lennox Craven in spring of 1911.” Collin said, “I may have been forgotten if you hadn’t come to live with us at Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said.
“Uncle Archibald didn’t intentionally neglect you Collin. He was trying to get away from the haunting memory of Aunt Lily.” Mary said, “Unlike my late parents who did it intentionally.”
Katherine said, “It appears that we all have something in common.”
“Yes it does appear we all have something in common Cousin Katherine.” Collin said.
“We must make a promise to each other that once you return to America, you will never lose contact with Mary and me over here at Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said.
“I can promise you that Cousin Collin and Mary.” Katherine said, “Now that I have cousins over here in England, I will have someone to write to although my letters may not reach you for months you know I will be thinking of you two over here in England.” Katherine said.
“Yes it is terrible that it takes the post so long to reach each other.” Collin said.
“I hope one day that Cousin Mary and you will visit me in America.” Katherine said.
“We would like that wouldn’t we Collin?” Mary asks Collin.
“Yes we might just do that.” Collin says.
“Collin something has just come to me. I wonder if Mrs. Sowerby would know anything about Katherine’s mother, Lady Margaret.” Mary said.
“Yes, Dickon’s mother may have some information on Lady Margaret. I have been told when my mother was alive she often use to visit Mrs. Sowerby at their cottage.” Collin told Mary.
“Aunt Lily had a heart of gold.” Mary said, “It is too bad my late mother didn’t share the same heart.”
“Where is Martha?” Mary asks Collin.
“I think she is in the kitchen with the cook.” Dickon said.
Mary picks up the bell and rings for Martha to come into the sitting room.
Martha comes at once to the sitting room and say, “Yes Ma’am you rang.”
“Yes Martha, this is my cousin Katherine who has come from America. I am wondering might your lady-mother have some information on Lady Margaret Craven, my cousin’s late mother.” Mary asked Martha.
“Lady Mary, next time I have a day off from the manor and I go home I will be glad to ask my mother if she has any information that may help Mistress Katherine.” Martha replied.
“We would appreciate it Martha.” Mary said.
“Is that all Ma’am, cook needs me in the kitchen.” Martha asks
“Yes that is all for now Martha. You may be excused.” Mary said,
Martha curtseys and leaves the sitting room where Collin, Mary, and Katherine are sitting.
Collin says, “I wonder what cook is preparing for dinner tonight?”
“I have no idea Collin, I am sure it is something very good.” Mary assures him.
“My -the wind is blowing fiercely outside.” Katherine says.
“Yes it is the wind blowing from the Moors.” Collin says.
“Does it always sound this way?” Katherine says.
“Yes most of the time. It is far worse when we have a storm blow through.” Collin says.
Katherine looked out the window; she could hear the wind whistling through the bushes and walked over to the fireplace to warm her.
Mary looks at Katherine and says, “I remember the first time I hear the wind coming through the Moors. It sounded like someone lost out there.”
“Tell me something Cousin Katherine how is the weather in New York?” Collin asks.
“The winters in New York are very cold and wet. We get snow sometimes, sometimes we don’t get any at all, but it is still cold.” Katherine said.
“How are the stores in New York Cousin Katherine?” Mary asks Katherine.
“We have so many stores we have several big chains like you have here in London.” Katherine says.
Collin and Mary listen to Katherine as she tells them all about New York, Brooklyn.
“It seems that London and New York City have very much a like.” Collin says.
“Yes all big cities are very much like no matter where they are located.” Katherine said.
“Is Thwaite Village much like Brooklyn Cousin Katherine?” Mary asks Katherine.
“I don’t know. Thwaite Village is so quaint, old fashion, and charming. Brooklyn is dirty, noisy, and loud.” Katherine says.
“If you live anywhere in the world Cousin, where would you live?” Collin asks Katherine.
“I would wish to move from Brooklyn and live in a warmer state.” Katherine said.
“Is there such a state in America that is warm all the time?” Mary asked Katherine.
“Oh yes, there are several states that are far warmer than New York?” Katherine says, “One such state is Florida and the other one is California. They are both on opposite sides of America.” Katherine said.
“Tell us about Florida and California.” Collin asks Katherine.
“Florida is on the eastern coast of The United States near the Atlantic Ocean and California is on the western coast of The United States near the Pacific Ocean.” Katherine said.
“America sounds very big.” Mary says.
“It is quite large and each state is different.” Katherine says.
“The only other place I have lived is in India.” Mary said, “It was dry, hot, and humid.”
Katherine said nothing but listened to Mary talk about India.
Mrs. Murdock walks in and says, “Master Collin, dinner is served in the dining room.”
“Thank you Mrs. Murdock, we will be in presently.” Collin says, gets up and says, “Come ladies let us go and have our dinner.”
Collin offers his arm to Mary, Katherine walks behind them to the dining room.
They take their places at the table, and cook brings in their dinner.



Chapter 12: A Visit to Old Cousin Dr. Craven

The next morning, Collin let both Mary and Katherine know that they would be taking a trip back to London to visit Collin’s late father’s cousin, Old Dr. Craven, who was living in a retirement community for elderly doctors.
Mary looked at her husband and said, “We are going to drive all the way into London to visit Dr. Craven?”
“Yes I thought we should go visit him. It may be he may remember some things about Lady Margaret Craven.” Collin said to Mary.
“Dr. Craven, your late father’s cousin is so old Collin.” Mary said.
“Yes Dr. Craven is old, but he may still have some memories of growing up with my late father, and know something about Lady Margaret Craven.” Collin said.
“I am sure if Dr. Craven sees Catherine it may stir his memory.” Collin said, “We can then go by Barrister Cates office and ask him what he knows.” Collin said.
Collin ordered the car to be car to brought around, Mary, Collin, and Katherine got into the car for the long drive into the London.

“Cousin Collin do you really think Dr. Craven will remember anything?” Katherine asked
“We won’t know until we try Cousin Katherine. We will also go my Barrister and ask him if he knows anything more.” Collin said as the chauffeur drives them all into London.

It is in the late morning when Collin, Mary, and Katherine drive up to the retirement home for doctors where Collin’s decease father’s cousin, Dr. Craven was staying.
They walk up to the retirement home and ask to see Dr. Mervin Craven.
The woman at the desk asks “May I ask who is calling on Dr. Craven?”
“Yes I am Lord Collin Craven from Misselthwaite Manor; this is my wife and my cousin.” Collin informs the woman at the desk.
“Forgive me Sir I didn’t know who you were.” The lady at the desk said.
“Dr. Craven is in room 112, right down the hall.” The lady tells Collin, Mary, and Katherine.
“Thank you very much. May I ask how my cousin is doing?” Collin asks the woman at the desk.
“Dr. Craven is holding his own he is pretty old.” The woman said to Collin.
“What does holding this mean holding his own? Collin asks.
“Sir you need to talk to the physician in charge of Dr. Craven.” The woman tells Collin, Mary, and Katherine.
“Who is the attending physician of my cousin Dr Craven?” Collin asks
“Dr. Hester is his attending physician Master Craven.” The woman says.
“We will go pay a visit to Dr. Craven and then talk to Dr. Hester.” Collin tells Mary and Katherine.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine walk down a dimly lighted corridor and come to room 112, Collin knocks on the door and says, “Cousin it is I, Collin from Misselthwaite Manor, I am here with my wife, Mary and our cousin, Katherine from America.”
Dr Craven looks up from his chair and says, “Who is there?”
“Cousin it is your cousin Collin from Misslethwaite Manor.” Collin says.
Dr Craven looks up says, Collin and Mary is that you.”
“Yes Cousin it is Collin and Mary. We have brought with us our cousin Katherine Carter, from America.” Collin tells Dr. Craven.
Dr Craven looks up and says, “Our cousin from America.
“Yes cousin. Her name is Katherine Carter. She is the daughter of Lady Margaret Craven who moved to America many years ago.” Collin said.
Dr Craven looks up and says, “Maggie Craven.”
“Yes cousin do you know her.” Collin asks Dr. Craven.
“I remember Maggie. She was a very pretty young woman.” Dr. Craven said.
“Cousin what do you know of her?” Collin asks
“Master Collin, Maggie left England many years ago. It is a long story.” Dr. Craven says.
“How is Maggie?” Dr. Craven said affectionately.
Mary whispers to Katherine and Collin, “He doesn’t know she died of Tuberculosis recently in New York.”
Collin sits down with Katherine and Mary by Dr. Craven and says, “Cousin, Maggie Craven Carter passed away recently of tuberculosis in Brooklyn, New York in America.”
Dr Craven says, “Maggie died she was 12 years younger than I was.”
“Yes I know, this is her daughter, Katherine, she has come all the way from America to stay with Mary and me out at Misselthwaite Manor.
Lady Margaret died when Katherine was young.” Collin says.

Katherine walks up to Dr. Craven and says, “My name is Katherine Carter; my mother is the late Lady Margaret Craven. She left me some money that I might come over to England and get to know my Craven cousins.”
Dr. Craver focuses his vision, which is slowly diminishes and says, “Yes, yes, you look like Maggie. What is your name my dear?” Dr. Craven asks
“My name is Katherine Sir.” Katherine said.
“Sir what do you know of my late mother?” Katherine asked.
“Young woman it is a long story why your dear mother left England went to America.” Dr. Craven said.
“Sir I must know. Mother died of tuberculosis this past year. “Katherine said.
“I am sorry to hear that Maggie died of such a horrible illness.” Dr. Craven said, “When I knew your mother she was a pretty thing. I was in love with her and I wanted to marry her myself. She wanted to leave England and go to America, which they call the land of opportunity. Maggie had an argument with her parents; they were cousins of ours too. She packed her bags, brought herself a ticket to America, that is where she met your father, Mr. Carter.” Dr. Craven said.
“Master Collin’s late father, Archibald started to suffer from a crocked spine. That is when I turned to medicine, went to medical school, and committed my life to Master Collin’s father and later on after Master Collin was born, took care of his health.” Dr. Craven said.
“Who were my grandparents Sir on my mother’s side?” Katherine asked.
“Maggie’s mother was Master Craven’s father’s brother, Lord Richard Craven, and his mistress, Lady Sarah Cornwall.” Old Dr. Craven said.

Katherine looked at Collin, Collin looked at Mary, and Mary looked at both Collin and Katherine and Collin said, “That is the secret that was being kept all these years that Lord Richard Craven and Lady Sarah Cornwall were never married, so therefore, their daughter, Lady Margaret Craven, was born out of wedlock cousin.”

“Yes Cousin Collin and Katherine, Lady Maggie was illegitimate. He was married to another young lady of nobility that he didn’t love at all. He was made to marry her. He carried on a love affaire with Lady Sarah, who was Lady Margaret Craven’s mother. She was very young when Lord Richard and she met. Master Collin, your late father, and I were made to promise we would never talk about it what his younger brother did. He was disinherited by your grandparents.” Dr. Craven said.

“Sir can you tell me if there is any of my grandmother’s side of the family still alive in England?” Katherine asked Old Dr. Craven.
“My dear I can’t say. Lady Margaret Craven mother was Lady Sarah Cornwall. They live in another part of England in the County of Essex.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“I remember your mother, Maggie, as we called her. I myself was in love with her, but I too was forbid to marry her due to her social status.” Dr. Craven said.

“I see why my dear mother left England and moved to America. She had no choice she was illegitimate or what society calls a bastard.” Katherine said in tears.
“I am sorry my dear you had to find out this way.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“Thank you Sir, for telling me, mother spoke of Misselthwaite Manor with great love and affection. She remembers the gardens within the grounds of Misselthwaite.” Katherine said.
“She should, we use to meet there, talk together. That is when she told me she had booked passage aboard a ship to America. She was in tears when she told me she had to leave England because the Craven family would not recognize her due to the fact that Lord Richard had shamed the family by bringing an illegitimate daughter into the family.” Old Dr. Craven said.

Collin and Mary looked at Dr. Craven with disbelief and Collin says, “Our family has so many secrets. It is first the secret garden and now the fact that late Uncle Richard had a child born to his ladylove, Lady Sarah Cornwell. “
“It is a good thing Mary found me when she did, when she first came to Misselthwaite what would I have remained another of the Craven secrets.” Collin said in an upset tone.

“Master Collin, when you were born I breathed life into you. I had to make a choice between saving your life or the life of Lady Lily.” Dr. Craven said, “I did everything medically within my power to save the life of Lady Lily.”
“Yes, you also had me believing I was sickly and weakly until Mary came to Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said.
“When you born it weren’t I that wanted to keep you a secret nor were it your late father. We were not sure you would live to reach childhood.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“No, my late father just tried to run from my late mother’s memory and her garden.” Collin said.
“It is true Master Collin; I was a very self-seeking man. I had hoped to inherit Misselthwaite Manor one day after Lord Archibald passed away, however, when I realized that you weren’t going to die, and I saw that you were getting better I was glad to see your father and you reunite spend some happy years together before he passed on this year.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“Well I intend to reinstate Lady Margaret Craven as a member of the Craven Family, and any monies coming from Lord Richard’s estate will go directly to her daughter, who I will see being given the title of Lady Katherine Carter, and no one better object. The time for dark secrets is over.” Collin told Old Dr. Craven, “It is time we move into the twentieth century and move out of the Victorian, Edwardian centuries that brand children with such disgusting titles as “bastards.” Collin says.

“I will then go about trying to help Lady Katherine establish any connections between The Cornwall Family in Essex and introduce Lady Katherine to them so they know that Lady Margaret of a blessed memory has a daughter although who is part American and part British by birth of her mother, Lady Margaret, being given any monies from Lady Sarah’s family as well”. Collin says

Mary was proud of how her husband, Lord Collin Craven handled the entire situation concerning his family’s deep dark secrets.

Dr. Craven looked at Katherine and said, “Yes, you do hold a remarkable resemblance to your late mother, Lady Maggie.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“I want to thank you Sir for telling me about my late mother’s family.” Katherine said
“Young lady, Lady Maggie had many suitors here in England. It broke my heart to see her go to America.” Old Dr. Craven said, “It broke Lord Richard’s heart even more so. He loved your grandmother, Lady Sarah Cornwall and he loved your mother, Lady Margaret. It just was that Lord Archibald and everyone else in the family was made to promise we would never talk about Lady Margaret.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“Well that time is over with Cousin. I am Lord over Misselthwaite Manor, I am my late father’s only child and heir, and I say, “We will talk about Lady Margaret, Lady Sarah Cornwall, and Lord Richard, my late Uncle.” Collin said.

“Sir, your paternal grandfather was a tyrant. Even his wife, was afraid of him. Your late father and I had to do what we had to do so he would not lose Misselthwaite Manor.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“Tell me something Cousin, how did my Uncle Richard die?” Collin asks Old Dr. Craven.
“He died in his thirties sir. He contradicted tuberculosis as his daughter did later on, and he died from it in an asylum for those who had the illness.” Old Dr. Craven said, “What I can tell you is that Lady Sarah Cornwall was by his side when he passed away and Lady Margaret was very young not more than 15 years of age.”

“Sir, my late mother died in an asylum for those afflicted with tuberculosis at the age of 42 years of age.” Katherine said to Old Dr. Craven.
“I am sure Lady Katherine, that the hospitals were better equipped in America to handle the illness than those here in England.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“Yes and no Sir.” Katherine said.

“Lady Sarah died many years ago. Lord Richard requested that she be buried by his side in a private cemetery in Essex, England where Lady Sarah’s family came from. She was nearly 60 when she died.” Old Dr. Craven said, “I attended Lady Sarah’s funeral as did Lord Archibald.”

“Lady Sarah never married. She only had one child my dear that was my dear Maggie.” Old Dr. Craven said.

“How sad for my poor late grandmother to die unmarried and to be in love with the only man she could never really have.” Katherine said.
“Some say Lord Richard married Lady Sarah, but we could never find any proof of it.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“It does not matter now, Sir. My mother has passed away. She sent me here to reconnect with the Craven family. I have done that. I am very happy to hear I have two wonderful cousins, Collin and Mary Craven from Misselthwaite Manor.”
Katherine said.
“I am your cousin too my dear. Please remember me fondly.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“I will remember you kind Sir, you can rest assure.” Katherine said kindly.
“I want to thank you Cousin for sharing this with us all.” Collin said.

“I am glad to get it off my chest. I want to die with a clear conscience. Forgive me Cousin Collin for all these dark secrets.” Old Dr. Craven said.
“I forgive you Cousin as I am sure Lady Katherine does as well.” Collin says.

“It is not your fault Sir that Cousin Archibald and you were made never to speak of it. I realize it was my grandfather’s father who was a tyrant.” Katherine said.
“Yes, Master Collin’s grandfather was a tyrant.” Old Dr. Craven said, “Even my own father his brother was afraid of him.”

“I see we are tiring you kind Sir, so we will take our leave of you.” Katherine tells Old Dr. Craven.
“My dear I hope you will come back and visit me, before you return to America.” Old Dr. Craven says to Katherine.
“I will come back Sir and see you before I sail for home.” Katherine promises Old Dr. Craven.
“We will be leaving now Cousin. We will return to London, before Lady Katherine books her trip back to America in the springtime.” Collin tells Old Dr. Craven.

“Good Bye Cousin Craven, Mary, and Lady Katherine.” Old Dr. Craven says, and the three walk out of the room, and walk down the corridor.

The lady at the desk says, “I trust you had a pleasant visit Sir.”
“Yes we had a very nice visit. My cousin is getting older but he helped us out today.” Collin said.
“I am glad to hear that Dr. Craven still has a sharp memory.” The lady says.
“Yes indeed he has a very sharp memory.” Collin says, Mary, Katherine, and he walks out of the retirement community for elderly doctors who are retired.

Collin, Mary, and Katherine stand out side of the retirement home and Collin says, “I hope you were not too disappointed on what you heard coming from Cousin Craven.”

“Cousin Collin, I had to learn the truth as to why my dear late mother left England and came to America. The truth is never easy to swallow but at least I know the truth now.” Katherine said.

Mary said, “Cousin Lady Katherine you are indeed a remarkable young woman with a lot of courage.”

“Thank you Lady Mary, coming from you who has gone through a lot since you were ten years old, that means a lot to me.” Katherine said.

“What Collin, you, and I have gone through has made us stronger.” Mary said, “None of us had a particularly happy childhood and we have all lost the ones we loved the most.” Mary said, “One thing is for sure we have each other.”

“Yes we do have each other. Although the ocean will separate us once I sail back home to America, I can at least pick up the fragment of my live and move on.” Katherine said.
“We hope you will keep in contact though the post is very slow from America to England and back again.” Collin says to Katherine.
“I will keep in touch with you Cousin Collin and Mary. I hope one day you will want to come to Brooklyn and America, I want to show you my country.” Katherine says proudly.
Collin says.” I have said I would never leave England, I have now changed my mind and I want Mary and me to sail to America and you can show us your American hospitality.”
“I will be proud to show you American hospitality.” Katherine says.
Collin hails his chauffeur to come, pick them up, and drive them back to Misselthwaite Manor.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine were quiet on the way back to Misselthwaite Manor. The car that drove them to London arrived back at Misselthwaite Manor around 7 PM and Mrs. Murdock came out to meet them, “Master Collin I was beginning to wonder what had happened to Mistress Mary, Katherine and you.”
“We went to see my cousin, Dr. Craven, and we had a very nice visit and we found out a lot about Lady Margaret Craven, Lady Katherine’s mother.” Collin said.
Mrs. Murdock gave Collin a weird look and Collin said, “You heard me right Mrs. Murdock, I called my cousin, Lady Katherine. We found out a great deal about Lady Margaret Craven and I have reinstated our cousin, to her proper title of Lady Katherine.” Collin says.
“Very well sir.” Mrs. Murdock said.
“I am hungry, and I am sure Lady Mary and Katherine are hungry as well. We will take our dinner in the sitting room this evening.” Collin said.
“I will see that cook prepares you all something to eat and I will have John bring it into the sitting room.” Mrs. Murdock tells Collin.
“Come ladies; let us go to the sitting room.” Collin says, and offers Mary and Katherine each an arm.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine walk into the sitting room where John has already started a nice, warm cozy fire in the fireplace.
Collin asks Katherine, “You will stay with us until the springtime will you not Cousin. After that we will see you safely off back on your home to America.”
“Yes Cousin Collin and Mary, I will stay until springtime, but then I must leave. I have so much to do after I get back home to Brooklyn.” Katherine says.
“It will be nice to celebrate the holidays with Mary and you.” Collin says.
“Cousin Collin, would it be alright if I took a picture of Your Mother’s garden?” Katherine asked.
“Yes of course, and we must all have our photo taken together so we can remember each other until we see each other again.” Collin states.
“We will see each other again Cousin Collin and Mary. It will be my turn next time to extent my hospitality to you.” Katherine said.

“We will look forward to it. Although we don’t know when it will be, we will have our picture taken in Lily’s Garden; it will give us something to look back on.” Collin said.
“One day I will return to England. I still want to try to look up my mother’s maternal side.” Katherine said to Collin.
“Yes it would be interesting to find out more about Lady Sarah Cornwall. I understand that there are still some Cornwall’s living in Essex.” Collin said.
“I wish I had more time to stay and travel to Essex, but I don’t. The next time I return we will go to Essex if it isn’t too much trouble.” Katherine says.

“It is no trouble. I am only sorry that the Craven’s put your mother through so much heartbreak. I know my late father would have never approved of what my grandparents in particular my grandfather had done to his younger brother.” Collin said.
“Cousin Collin was grandfather alive when Cousin Archibald met your mother in Thwaite Village in 1899.” Katherine asked.
“No my late father had inherited Misselthwaite Manor in 1890 that is when his father passed away.” Collin said, “It makes me wonder had my grandfather been alive would he have approved of my dearest mother, Lily, when he married her.”

Katherine looked at Collin and said, “If grandfather didn’t approve of what my father his youngest son did, why he would approve of Cousin Archibald marrying a beautiful commoner like your mother, Cousin Lily?”

“Indeed it gives me something to think about. I know neither my mother nor Mary’s mother were of noble blood.” Collin said.
“I can’t see where it matters if they were or were not of noble blood and lineage. You would think that grandfather just wanted his sons to be happy with their choice of wives.” Katherine said.
“It is like Cousin Craver said, everyone was afraid of him including his brother, wife, and children.” Collin said.
“I wonder what kind of woman grandmother was when she was alive.” Katherine asked Collin.
“I understand she was very strong woman but she too was afraid of her husband.” Collin said, “I think her name was Margaret too.”
“So my father named my mother after grandmother.” Katherine said.
“My late mother told me she named me after a maternal aunt.” Katherine said.
“I am sure that your mother God rests her soul, must have come from a large family. I know that the Cornwall’s have a large family.” Collin said, “In fact I went to school with two of their son’s at Oxford.”
“What were their names Cousin Collin?” Katherine inquired.
“Lord David and Lord Michael Cornwall, Lord David is the heir to the Cornwall Estate and Lord Michael is a year younger than his brother.” Collin said.
Katherine says, “Lord David and Michael Cornwall of Essex.”
“Yes, both of them were quite funny. They use to make me laugh so much.” Collin said, “They are both very laid back gentlemen.”
Katherine just smiled and Mary was glad to see that Katherine was able to smile.
“When was Lord David and Michael born do you know Cousin?” Katherine asked.
“Yes, one was born in 1901 and the other in 1903.” Collin said.
“They are our age then.” Katherine inquired.
“There about, give or take a year or two.” Collin said.
“Is their parent’s still alive do you know?” Katherine inquired.
“I don’t know, I think Lord David Cornwall is a little older than my late father was.” Collin said, “I think he is still alive. Lady Cornwall she is a little younger than my late father, give, or take a year or two.” Collin said.
“I see so when The Senior Lord Cornwall passes away the title will go to his oldest son, Lord David.” Katherine asks.
“Yes that is usually how it works, unless the father disinherits the oldest son, and then the title is transferred to the surviving second son.” Collin says.
“Cousin Collin, what would have happened if Cousin Archibald wouldn’t have had you and if my father died before Cousin Archibald who would receive the property of Misselthwaite Manor?” Katherine asked Collin.
“The property would have passed on to Cousin Craven.” Collin said, “That is because his father was the younger son of my grandfather.”
“The property wouldn’t have passed on to the surviving female children.” Katherine asks.
“Now it would, because British law made it possible for female descendants to inherit the property if no sons were born to the person. However, back during my late father’s time, only male children could inherit.” Collin said.
“Cousin Craver never married did he?” Katherine asked Collin
“No Dr. Craven ever did marry. I think he wanted to marry your mother but was told if he did he would not inherit Misselthwaite Manor.” Collin said.
“I wonder if Dr. Craven has any photos of my mother and him here at Misselthwaite Manor.” Katherine asked Collin.
“Our cousin had his own residence. I am sure he may have had a photo or two taken of your mother and he while they were young.” Collin said.
“Poor man to love a woman he could never have or marry.” Katherine said.
Collin and Mary said nothing but listened to Katherine as she talked.

Katherine finally said, “Well I hope you will excuse me cousins. I am very tired but I had a wonderful day today.”
“Good night Cousin, sleep well. We will see you in the morning.” Collin replies.
“I want to say Good Night and thank you all the help you have given me.” Katherine says.
Katherine ascends the stairs and heads for her bedroom. She walks over to the window look towards the garden and smiles and says, “This trip has been well worth it.” She gets ready to go to sleep.

Chapter 13: The Second Visit to the Attic

It was late in the morning when Collin, Mary, and Katherine woke up. They were all tired from their second trip into London to visit old Dr. Craven at the Retirement home for aged doctors.

Katherine was still in bed, when she heard a knock at her door and she calls out, “Come in.”
“Cousin Katherine may I come in and are you a wake.” Mary asks
“Cousin Mary you may come in, although I am still in bed.” Katherine invites her in.
Mary walks into the bedroom, Mary says,” I hope I am not disturbing you and I hope I haven’t woken you up.”
“No Cousin Mary, I was a wake.” Katherine replied.
“Collin and I am going into the attic again, we thought you might like to come. We are going to rummage through the old photographs that we didn’t come through before.” Mary says.
“Yes I would very much like to go into the attic with Cousin Collin and you. My-what time is it, am I too late to have some breakfast? Katherine asks Mary.
“No you can still have breakfast, Collin and I have not had our breakfast yet. I will have Mrs. Murdock order cook to make you some breakfast and have one of the chambermaids bring it up to your bedroom.” Mary said.
“Thank you Cousin Mary I hope I am not too much trouble.” Katherine replies.
“Heavens no you are no trouble at all. Collin and I like having you here. We will be sad to see you go back to America. We understand that it is your home as England is home to us.” Mary says, “I never had many friends and I like knowing I have a female cousin through marriage that I can talk too.”
“I want to thank you Cousin Mary for the nice things you have said about me. It is true I am American and my home is in America. I will always cherish my trip to England and knowing I have two cousins in England.” Katherine said.
“I have to go to the kitchen, have Mrs. Murdock order the cook to make us all some breakfast. I left Collin in bed sleeping.” Mary said.
“What time will we be meeting to go into the attic?” Katherine asks Mary.
“We will come and get you so take your time eating your breakfast, if you need to bathe, dress.” Mary said, “Please excuse me Cousin, I must go downstairs, have Mrs. Murdock order us our breakfast.” Mary said.
“Cousin Mary thank you for all your kindness towards me.” Katherine says.
“You are very welcome Cousin Katherine.” Mary replies, walks out of Katherine’s bedroom and heads downstairs to order all of them their breakfast.

Katherine gets up wraps her robe around her. She walks over to the large picturesque window that looks out into the courtyard of Misselthwaite Manor. All the trees are bare because the leaves have fallen off the trees as they do in America when autumn comes to America.

Katherine thinks about Old Dr. Craven and his love he had towards her mother, Lady Margaret Craven. It was a love forbidden that was forbidden by a tyrant Uncle and grandfather, even though Lady Sarah Cornwall was born in a very noble family.
Katherine says to herself, “Poor Grandfather Lord Richard he loved my late grandmother so much but he was forced to marry a woman he never loved.”

Katherine hears a knock at her bedroom door and says, “Please come in.”
“Good Morning Ma’am I am Martha, I have come to bring you your breakfast.”
Martha said.
“Thank you Martha, you may set it over there on the table.” Katherine said.
“Yes Ma’am is there anything else I can do for you.” Martha asks.
“Excuse me Martha, are you the same Martha that was here when Cousin Mary came over from India.” Katherine asks Martha.
“Yes Ma’am I am the same Martha.” Martha replies.
“I take it you have been working for Misselthwaite Manor for a long time.” Katherine asks.
“Yes Ma’am, Mrs. Murdock gave me the job out of kindness. My mother and she went to school together.” Martha said.
“You can’t be any older than Cousin Collin, Mary, and me.” Katherine says.
“I am a few years old than all three of you Ma’am.” Martha replies.
“May I ask how old you are?” Katherine asks Martha
“Yes Ma’am, I am 25 years old.” Martha replies.
“I see, thank you Martha.” Katherine says giving Martha a golden sovereign.
“Thank you Ma’am.” Martha said curtseying and placing the golden sovereign in her pocket walking out of the door to Katherine’s bedroom.

Katherine sits down starts to eat her breakfast that is placed on the table that looks out into the courtyard of Misselthwaite Manor.

A few minutes later someone knocks on her bedroom again, “You dressed Cousin?” Collin asks Katherine through the door of her bedroom.
“Yes Collin, come in I am dressed.” Katherine calls out.
Collin and Mary walk through her door and say,” A hearty good morning to you cousin. I trust you slept well and enjoyed your breakfast.”
“Yes Cousin Collin I slept well and I did enjoy my breakfast thank you.” Katherine said.
“We have come to get you because we are going to the attic. I want to continue looking through the old photographs that are in that attic.” Collins says.
“I am ready to go with you.” Katherine said.
“Come ladies let us go and explore the attic together.” Collin says, Mary, Katherine walk out the bedroom door, Collin follows them and they all walk down the corridor together towards the little door that leads into the attic.

Collin pulls down the staircase that leads up into the attic. He allows Mary, Katherine to go before, and follows them up to the attic. He reaches for the light switch that lights up the attic, and turns it on.
“Where did we all leave off last time?” Collin asks Mary and Katherine.
“We were looking at old photographs and documents.” Mary said.
“Oh yes that is right. Cousin Katherine found another wooden box with more pictures in it.” Collin says.
“Mary and Katherine bring the wooden box to me. We can look at the photographs together.” Collin says.
Mary walks over to where the wooden box is, she picks it up, walks over and gives it to Collin, and he opens the box very carefully as it is very old.

“This is a strange box. It has carving on it.” Collin tells Mary and Katherine.
“Perhaps it was used as a jewelry box at once and then they turned it into a memory box.” Mary says.
“Yes that seems to make sense.” Collin says, he continues to open up the lid to the box and inside is some more photographs, documents in envelopes with some ineligible writing on the front of the envelope
“Look at this envelope it is so old it could fall a part.” Collin says.
“What is in the envelope?” Mary asks Collin
“I don’t know I am going to open it up and see what is inside.” Collin says.
Collin opens up the old envelope and says, “Photographs of a young woman with a baby and look here who is this man?” Collin says.
Mary and Katherine walks over to Collin and on back of the photograph are written Lord Richard Craven, Lady Sarah Cornwall, with daughter, Lady Margaret Craven, 1882
“Cousin Katherine, this photograph is of your grandfather, my uncle Richard, Lady Cornwall, and your late mother, Lady Margaret when she is only two years old.” Collin says handing the photograph to Katherine.
Katherine looks at the picture of her grandparents with her mother as a two-year-old child and smiles “My they are an attractive couple aren’t they?” Katherine replies.
“Yes Uncle Richard was indeed a handsome gentleman, so was Lady Sarah Cornwall. They look so happy in this old photograph.” Collin said.
“Cousin when was my grandfather born do you know?” Katherine inquired.
“My father was the oldest son, Uncle Richard was the second son, hmm, your late mother was fifteen years old when he died of tuberculosis and that was 1890.
He was born ten years after my late father that must have been around 1840.” Collin said.
“I see how old was my grandmother when she finally passed away?” Katherine asked.
“She was an old lady when she died somewhere in her sixties.” Collin said.
“She outlived grandfather and must have died of a broken heart.” Katherine said sadly.
“There is a lot of sadness in the Craven family. We accept what we must.” Collin says, “It comes with our family that has many dark and hidden secrets they didn’t’ want any one to know about.” Collin says.
“Yes it is sad that our family has so many dark and hidden secrets.” Katherine said.
“Here is another picture Katherine. Hmm, I wonder who this young man is in this picture with your late mother.” Collin says he turns over the picture written on the back of old photograph is Mervin Craven and Lady Margaret Craven 1888.
Collin says, “Look at this photograph it is of Dr. Craven and Lady Margaret in 1888, the picture is taken at Misselthwaite Manor and in one of the gardens.”
“Katherine, this photograph was taken right before your late mother, Lady Margaret left for America.” Collin said, “My- she was a beautiful woman as beautiful as my late mother and Mary’s mother was.”
“I can see why old Dr. Craven was in love with her. She was only 18 in this photograph.” Collin says handing the photo to Katherine, “You were born in 1902, right Katherine?”
“Yes I was born in 1902.” Katherine said, “I am two years younger than you are.” Katherine replies, “Mary and you were born in 1900.”
Mary pulls out another photograph and says, “Collin, Katherine, look at this photograph how strange?”
Collin takes the photo and it is a photo of four people on back it says, Archibald, Lily, Rose, and Albert 1899 in garden at Misselthwaite Manor.
“Collin do you realize that our parents were married in 1899, one year before we were born.” Mary asks Collin, “This picture is taken in our garden.”
Collin looks at the photo of the four young people in the photograph and says, “This is a photograph of our parents before your late father and mother were sent over to India in late 1899.”
“Our parents look so happy in this photo.” Collin says.
“Yes they do look like the best of friends don’t they?” Mary replied.
“Our mothers are so beautiful.” Collin replies.
“Yes they were and so different in many ways.” Mary says.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine continue to look at old photographs together.
“Cousin Katherine, would you like to have those old photographs of your grandparents and mother?” Collin asks her
“Yes I would love to have them. I want something to remember her by and I have never seen what my late grandparents looked like until now.” Katherine says.
“They are yours, and if we find anymore old photographs you may have them too. They are part of your heritage.” Collin says.
“I will start a scrapbook of photographs of our family.” Katherine says, “Once I get back to Brooklyn.”
“It is a shame you don’t want to stay in England Cousin Katherine, but we understand.” Collin says.
“My home is in Brooklyn Cousin. I am an American.” Katherine states, “My mother became an American citizen and when she died an American Citizen.”
“I am sorry how the Cravens treated our late cousin Lady Margaret Craven, and I am shame that she was forced to leave England and give up her British citizen to become an American Citizen.” Collin says
“My late mother was very proud when she became an American citizen. Although they brand children, that are born out of wedlock the same terrible name as they brand children who are born out of wedlock over here a bastard, at least women are treated as equal citizens. I will be able to inherit any property my father owns after he has passed away.” Katherine states.
“Do Cousin Mary and you plan on having any children in the future?” Katherine asks.
“Yes we hope to have children. We just married in the summertime.” Collin says.
“I hope you will let me know when you have your first child.” Katherine says.
“We will we will telegram you from Thwaite Village and let you know.” Collin says.
Mary looks at Katherine and says, “Have you no boyfriend in America?”
“No I have no boyfriend, I am afraid I didn’t attract too many boys in high school.” Katherine said.
“I don’t understand why, you look so much like your mother Lady Margaret and she was very pretty.” Mary said.
“I guess it is because my father turned me into a tomboy, and didn’t allow me to dress up like a female child.” Katherine said.
“What a pity I am sure our cousin would not approve of that.” Mary said.
“No she tried her best to convince my father to be happy with me, but he wasn’t.” Katherine said.
“When we have children, I don’t care what they are I will love them all the more.” Mary says, “I know it is natural for all men to have a male child, however, history has proven women are able to do what men can do and sometimes better.” Mary said.
“Yes that is true I remember reading about Isabella of Castile, Queen Elizabeth the First, and the Late Queen Victoria of England.” Katherine replied.
“Ah yes we have much better queens than we have had kings.” Mary said,” I can’t say much about the last Queen of the Netherlands.”
“Tell me something Cousin Collin; was your late father in any war?” Katherine said.
“No he was too old to serve in the Great War, I don’t know about the Crimean War I don’t think so it was fought between the years of 1854 and 1856 while HRH Late Majesty Queen Victoria was on the throne.” Collin said.
“I fought in the Great War against Germany, Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary. I was glad when England, France, Russia, and America made Germany, Ottoman Empire, and Austria-Hungary to sign the Treaty of Versailles.” Collin said.
Katherine said, “Let us hope that we never experience another war like the Great One.”
“I say Amen to that Cousin.” Collin says.
“I will pray for peace and plenty.” Mary says.
“Yes that would be good for everyone a world that is finally at peace.” Katherine said.
“Look at this picture Collin?” Mary says, “It is another photograph of Uncle Archie and Aunt Lily.”
“They look so happy.” Collin said
“Yes they were happy until the accident that bought you on too early and claimed Aunt Lily’s life too soon.” Mary said.
“I don’t want to think of our garden as a garden of doom and gloom.” Collin says.
“Our garden is one love, hope, and of new life.” Mary replied.
Katherine just looked over old pictures as Mary and Collin talked to each other.
“Cousin Dr Craven said that Lord Richard and Lady Sarah may have been married but when my mother was born was there actually marriage licenses.” Katherine asked.
“We saw one for my grandfather.” Collin said.
“We don’t know for sure if that is grandfather’s marriage licenses. We can’t read the print on it.” Mary said.
“This is true it is old and about to fall apart.” Collin said.
“Collin, what if that is actually the marriage licenses of Cousin Richard to Lady Sarah.” Mary said.
“Well that would prove that Uncle Richard had married Lady Sarah before he married this other young woman of nobility and the second marriage was null and void.” Collin said.
“It would prove that Katherine is legitimate and born in wedlock.” Mary said.
“Yes, that means Katherine is now in line to inherit Misselthwaite Manor if we can prove that late Uncle Richard had married Lady Sarah.” Collin said.
Katherine looks at Collin and says, “Cousin as much as I love Misselthwaite Manor because it ties me to my late mother. I have no desire to inherit Misselthwaite Manor as I am an American and my home is in America.”
“I understand that but maybe one day when you marry you will want your own children to have a part of your legacy.” Collin says.
“One day if I marry I hope to be able to leave my children more than just a piece of Misselthwaite Manor, I want to leave them something that they can remember our family by.” Katherine says.
“Yes I understand and I hope we can prove before you depart for America that Lady Sarah and Lord Richard were indeed married to each other and that is why he requested that she be buried by his side upon her death.” Collin said.
“Who was the other lady he married?” Katherine asked.
“I don’t remember my late father ever making mention of it some young noble woman that lives in another county.” Collin said.
“Collin what if Cousin Richard never did marry that other noble woman.” Mary said.
“I have no clue to if he didn’t or did because according to Cousin Craven no one was allowed to talk about cousin Richard and Lady Sarah Cornwall.” Collin said.
“Why would grandfather oppose Lord Richard from marrying Lady Sarah? She was a young woman born into a noble family.” Mary said.
“I understand grandfather was a peculiar man.” Collin said, “I think that is why father waited to marry my late mother. He would not have approved.” Collin said.
“Yes, both of our mothers were commoners.” Mary said, “They were from Thwaite Village.”
“Our fathers went to the same university at the same time.” Mary said, “That is how Aunt Lily met Uncle Archibald through my father and mother.”
Katherine said nothing; she just listened to Collin and Mary talk about their parents knowing each other.

“I wonder what time it is.” Mary asked
“It has been near noon time.” Collin said.
“I am hungry and I bet Katherine is getting hungry too.” Mary said.
“Let us leave this musky attic for now. I will ask Murdock to ask the cook to prepare us some lunch.” Collin said, and Katherine, Mary, and Collin left the attic. They were prepared to return later date.

All three of them headed for the den and Collin picks up the bell, rings it.
Mrs. Murdock comes in and says, “Yes Master Collin.”
“We are hungry Mrs. Murdock. Ask Cook to make us some lunch.” Collin says.
“Yes sir I will ask cook to make you three some lunch. Will you be eating in the den?” Mrs. Murdock asks
“Yes we will be taking our lunch here in the den.” Collin says.
Mrs. Murdock curtseys and leaves Collin, Mary, and Katherine in the den.

One of the chambermaids brings Collin, Mary, and Katherine in their lunch and places it before them. “Thank-you “Collin says.
“You are welcome Sir.” The girl says with a curtsey and leaves the room.
“Collin is she new?” Mary asks.
“She must be I guess Murdock hired her.” Collin said.
“I see she reminds me of Martha when we first met each other.” Mary said.
Collin just smiles and continues to eat his lunch with Mary and Katherine.
The day wears on, and the three cousins sit together in the den in front of the fire because autumn in Yorkshire can be cold, windy, and rainy.
The only place is to stay is inside front of a cozy fire.



Chapter 14: One Last Visit to Lily’s Garden for the Year of 1923


The rain had stopped finally; the weather became less blustery so that Collin, Mary, and Katherine could take on final visit to Lily’ Garden before winter came to Misselthwaite Manor, and Yorkshire.
The three cousins decided to pay one last visit to the garden Collin and Mary had renamed The Secret Garden to Lily’s Garden, in memory of Collin’s late mother, Lily Craven and Mary’s Aunt Lily.

Collin said, “Come on Mary and Katherine, we can pay one last visit to our garden until springtime comes again. It will be too cold for us to go out to our garden and it will go to sleep until springtime comes again.”
Mary, Katherine, and Collin grab their sweaters and head out the front of Misselthwaite Manor, walk down the path to the Lily’s Garden.
Collin takes out the key, opens the door, and all three of them walk into the garden for one last time until springtime of 1924 comes.

Mary smiles and says, “I can’t believe this will be our last visit to our garden until after Christmas, and New Year comes and goes.”
“It will soon be too cold for us to come out to the garden. Everything will be a sleep and waiting for the springtime to come again.” Collin says.
Katherine just looks around and says, “This will be my last time I see this splendid garden, because in the springtime I will be sailing back to America. I want to remember this garden the way it was in its entire splendor.”
“Yes cousin Katherine we want you to have happy memories to take back with you when you leave us to return home to America.” Collin says.
“Oh I will. I will remember Mary and you forever.” Katherine says, “This trip was worth it.”
Collin and Mary smile at their cousin Katherine and say,” We hope you will come back to England one day in the future.”
“I would like that very much.” Katherine says.
“We look forward to it. You will be here for Christmas, New Year celebrations.” Collin says, “We can hail in the New Year together.”
“Yes I would like to spend the holidays with my family here in England.” Katherine said, “I have no one to spend it with in Brooklyn. My father is not much of a holiday man.”
“I am sorry to hear that.” Collin says.” My late father didn’t like the holidays much until Mary brought us back to life. We all spend the holidays together as a family.”
“So much has happened this year. We don’t have Uncle Archibald here.” Mary says.
“This is true Mary. We have each other and our American cousin here with us. We can still make this a holiday a merry one.” Collin says.
“Yes we can make it a merry holiday for all of us.” Mary said.
Katherine says, “I will always these holidays I spent with Mary and you.”
“This garden is so beautiful and I hope when I come back it is still here.” Katherine says.
“Our garden isn’t going anywhere Cousin Katherine. It is the one thing we will always have besides each other.” Collin says.
“Yes I have found a new family and although we will be separated by many miles we will always have each other.” Katherine says.
“Miles will never separate us I don’t think.” Collin says.
“I don’t think so either Cousin Collin or Mary.” Katherine says.
“We are kin and no matter where we live we remember blood is thicker than water.” Collin says.
Mary walks through the garden and she hears the quiet voice of Lily speak to her, “Ma nièce Mary, Je Suis très joyeux que Collin et vous avoir assister Milady Katherine.”
“Thank you Aunt Lily, how I miss Uncle Archibald, and how I wished I could have known you.” Mary says.
Lily answers Mary back, “Ma nièce Mary, vous faire savoir me et Je volonté toujours est votre Tante.”
Mary answers Lily and says, “Je volonté toujours est votre nièce a’ Collin volonté toujours est votre fils.”
Lily says, “Mary, jamais oublier ma jardin et toujours prendre garde de ma jardin.”
“I will take care of your garden Aunt Lily.” Mary promises, as quickly as Lily appears she disappears. Mary is left smiling and Collin calls out for, “Mary where are you?”
“I am over here Collin and Katherine, near the pond.” Mary calls out.
“There you are. You always go off by yourself.” Collin says.
“I know Collin; I like to walk these paths sometimes by myself. It is at these times
I hear Aunt Lily speak to me.” Mary says.
“Yes sometimes when I am by myself I can hear mother speak to me.” Collin says.
Katherine says, “One time Cousin Lily came to me in this very garden and she told me that you would help me unravel the mystery to who my grandparents were.”
“I am not surprised my lady mother loved everyone. “ Collin said.
“I would have loved to meet your late mother Cousin Collin.” Katherine said.
“Yes I would have loved to know her too, but she was called out of this world but she looks after us even now.” Collin said.
“I believe that too.” Mary says smiling.
“It is getting cooler now and we should start heading back to the manor.” Collin says.
“Yes I agree and I would love a hot cup of tea and some biscuits.” Mary says.
“Yes that sounds nice.” Katherine said.
“Come Ladies, say good bye to our garden until the springtime.” Collin says.
Mary turns around and says, “Adieu ma jardin.
Katherine turns around and says, “Farewell Lily’s Garden. I hope one day I will see you again, you will remain in my heart forever.”
Collin offers both Mary and Katherine an arm, they leave the garden, and head back for the manor.
Collin opens the door, and calls, “Mrs. Murdock, ask the cook to make us some hot tea and bring us some biscuits to go with our afternoon tea.”

Mrs. Murdock appears in the great hall and says, “Will you be having your tea in the den Sir.”
“Yes Mrs. Murdock brings us our tea in the den. Please call John to bring in some fresh logs to place on the fire. It is getting low.” Collin asks Mrs. Murdock.
“Very good Sir, I will have John tend to the fire at once.” Mrs. Murdock says.
Collin, Mary, and Katherine go sit by the fire to get warm.

John comes into the den to place some more logs on the fire.
Collin says, “Thank you John."
“You are welcome Master Collin.” John replies.
“Oh John, make sure there is new logs in the fireplace in Lady Katherine’s room tonight.” Collin asks.
“Yes Sir, I will do that after I place logs in the fireplace in your bedroom.” John replies.
“Very well you may go John.” Collin answers.
John walks out of the den, and Martha brings tea and biscuits into the den.
“Here is the tea you asked for Master Collin.” Martha says.
“Thank you Martha you may place them over there on the table.” Collin asks.
Martha carries over the tea and biscuits over to the table, places on the table, curtseys, and leaves the room.
Collin walks over to the table, starts pouring everyone his or her tea. Katherine and Mary walk over, get their tea, go, and sit down by the fire.

“Listen to that wind coming from the Moors.” Mary says.
“Yes it sounds terribly lost and lonely.” Collin says.
Katherine just listens to her cousin’s talk about the wind coming from the Moors.
“Does it always sound this lost and lonely?” Katherine asks Collin and Mary.
“Yes, always. It is usually quiet in the day but it picks up in the evening and night time.” Collin says.
“We don’t get such sounds like it in Brooklyn. The only thing you hear is a lot fire trucks with their sirens going off.” Katherine says, “Some times you hear police cars and their sirens going off.”
“You hear a lot of that in London. London and New York are very much a like. They are crowded, noisy, and people always seem in a rush to being going some where.” Collin says.
“Ah but London has those quaint little cafés that line the side streets. They have the most delicious aroma coming out of them, that you smell the aroma walking down the streets.” Katherine said.
“Yes our cafés and bakeries do tend to smell good in the early hours when they start to open up.” Collin said, “It is like that Thwaite Village.”
“Yes speaking about Thwaite Village, Mrs. Murdock told me about a new dress maker or seamstress that makes women’s apparel to order.” Mary said, “I think Katherine and I should check her out.”
“Yes I would like to visit Thwaite Village with you Mary.” Katherine said.
“Good it is settled. I will have the chauffeur bring the car around, Katherine and I will take trip into Thwaite Village. It will be just us ladies.” Mary said.

Collin looks at Mary and says, “Make sure this lady dressmaker makes something special for Katherine to wear on her journey back home to America. We want to send back home in style according to the rank as Lady Katherine Carter.” Collin tells Mary.
“Oh we will make sure this lady knows who we are but in a nice, polite manner.” Mary says.

“Katherine, you and me will take that trip into Thwaite Village tomorrow.” Mary says.
“I look forward to visiting Thwaite Village.” Katherine said.
“Thwaite Village is a small village it only has a population of 107 people.” Mary says.
“It sounds charming.” Katherine says, Mary, and Collin smile at her.

Mary looks at the window and says, “winter is coming soon to Yorkshire and Misselthwaite Manor.”
“Yes it seem that way. One day it is spring and the next it is winter.” Collin says.
“No wonder it is a gloomy and dismal place.” Mary says, “It needs color to bring it back to life.”
“You are the Grand Mistress of Misselthwaite Manor; decorate it the way you want.” Collin suggests.
“I would have to wait until after holidays. We would have to go into London to have a decorate come out and look at Misselthwaite Manor before we could redecorate.” Mary says.
“Well then we must live with these dark colors until warmer weather allows us to travel back to London.” Collin says.
Katherine just listens to Mary and Collin talk about decorating Misselthwaite Manor and Mary says, “Lady Katherine if you were to decorate Misselthwaite Manor what colors would you chose?”
“My- this is a big manor I am not sure. I think I would bright cheerful colors like blues, rose, and ivory which would make it much more cheerful.” Katherine said.
“How you would decorate this room if you were given a chance?” Mary asks Katherine.
“This room has such possibilities I can see floral curtains, walls that are painted ivory, and new tapestries hanging from the walls in bright floral patterns.” Katherine said.
Mary and Collin looked at each other and said, “What a wonderful idea Katherine. I think we will use your idea. It will definitely make this room look more cheery.”

“Tell us Katherine how is your flat decorated?” Collin says.
“Flat Cousin Collin, oh I am sorry Americans use the word apartment.” Collin apologizes.
“My apartment is very small. It has a bedroom, living, dining room, bathroom, and kitchen in it.” Katherine says.
“You have indoor plumbing.” Collin asks
“Oh yes for a very long time. Almost all apartment and houses in America has indoor plumbing now for sanitization reasons.” Katherine said.
“My-America is a progressive country isn’t it?” Collin asks
“Yes America is progressive.” Katherine said, “We have electricity.”
“Yes I heard of This Edison chap that invented electricity.” Collin says.
“Did you know he invented the first silent movie back 1904.” Katherine said.
“No, we didn’t know that.” Collin said, “It must be nice not to have to use lamps and candles all the time.”
“Yes it is but electricity cost money to use it.” Katherine says.
“You live by yourself do you?” Collin asks
“Yes I live by myself. I have made very few friends.” Katherine said.
“Don’t feel bad Cousin, while we were made at our prospective schools that associates we met didn’t bother to keep in touch after we graduated.” Collin says.
Mary says, “Aunt Lily says all we will need is each other and the garden.”
“My late mother was right about that. We don’t need anyone but her garden and each other.”
Katherine just smiles because she knows Lily is right about it.
Katherine can hear Lily soft voice speak to her in the den, “Tout vous volonté toujours avoir besoin de est ma jardin et se.”
Lily says, “ Quand vous devenir esseulé aller a’ ma jardin et que est ou’ vous trouver le paix vous sont recherché.”
“Thank you cousin Lily, I will remember that. When I get home, I will plant a small garden outside of my window. When it blooms I will think of you.” Katherine tells Lily’s spirit.
Lily say quietly to Katherine, “Se rappeler me dans votre chemin queue pour America.”
“I will never forget Lily’s Garden and I will never forget you Cousin Lily.” Katherine speaks quietly to Lily.
Lily’s spirit vanishes as quickly as it appears. Katherine just smiles.
Collin and Mary look at Katherine and both nod because they know that Collin’s late mother has always be a guiding spirit for them ever since Mary first came to Misselthwaite Manor in 1911.