Radclyffe: Love's Melody Lost

Anna adopted her employers formal tone, afraid that she had given offense. "I will, thank you. Ill keep you informed, of course."

Graham waved her hand dismissively, her mind clearly elsewhere. "I thought we might go through some of this correspondence. Its been neglected for months."

Anna took a seat beside the desk, availing herself of the opportunity to study her employer. Close to her now in the light of day, she could see the fine lines around her eyes, and the abundant gray streaking her coal black hair. The scar on her forehead scarcely detracted from the symmetrical arch of her full, dark brows, the high cheekbones or the strong chin. Her lips were soft and full, in striking contrast to the stark planes of her face. Her eyes were dark and clear, and although Anna knew them to be sightless, the gaze which fell upon her was penetrating nevertheless.

"Why dont we begin with these," Graham said, indicating a stack of unopened envelopes by her left hand. "If you could read them to me, Ill tell you which ones need a reply. Theres a tape recorder there for you to make notes."

For the next hour they sorted mail into piles, some to be discarded, some to be forwarded to Grahams attorney, and some that needed Grahams personal attention. Anna was surprised at the scope of Grahams financial involvements, and a little overwhelmed.

"You know, some of this is quite beyond me," she said at length. "You need more than someone who can barely balance her own checkbook."

Graham stretched her long legs out and shrugged, apparently unconcerned. "Never mind. Youll learn." She stood and walked to the open doors. She leaned into the breeze, her hands in the pockets of her trousers. Anna observed her with interest, trying to imagine how one experienced a world one couldnt see.

"Its nearly one oclock, isnt it?"

Anna glanced at her watch. "A few minutes before."

Graham nodded, crossing to the long buffet on the opposite side of the room. She reached into a small refrigerator enclosed within and withdrew a bottle.

"Would you like some champagne? It seems a reward for our efforts would be appropriate."

Anna smiled. "Id love some."

Anna watched intently as Graham confidently set two crystal glasses on a silver tray, opened the bottle, and placed it carefully in an ice bucket. Turning to Anna, she held out the engraved silver tray.

"If you could take this, we can sit on the terrace. If you dont mind the slight chill to the air," Graham added, raising a questioning eyebrow.

Reaching for the tray Anna smiled. "Id rather be outside no matter what the temperature."

She followed Graham across the flagstone terrace to a round wrought-iron table near the ornate open stone balustrade. The sea breeze blew up from the ocean, ruffling Grahams hair. Graham faced the water, a slight frown on her face.

"Are you quite sure youre not cold?"

"Im wearing a sweater," Anna replied softly, moved by Graham's thoughtfulness. Graham herself was more exposed in her thin silk shirt. "Can I get you something warmer?"

Graham took a seat next to the glass-topped table and shook her head. "It doesnt seem to bother me."

Graham slid her hand across the table to the tray, deftly found the glasses, and expertly poured their champagne.

"Thank you," Anna said, accepting the glass. Graham nodded slightly in response, and together they turned toward the sea. Silently they basked in the spring sun, not quite warm yet, but full of promise. Anna found herself surprisingly content in the presence of her austere employer. Despite her reserve, Graham displayed moments of warmth and quick humor that were quite engaging.

"Graham," Anna began at last, "Id like to see what I can do with the gardens. There is so much beauty here, and it needs care. Id enjoy doing it myself."

Grahams expression was guarded. "David Norcross told me that you are a landscaper. Tell me about it."

Anna sketched her history for Graham, passing quickly over her marriage to describe the last year of her life. She explained her classes and found herself revealing her hopes of some day having her own business.

"You mean to be more than a gardener, then," Graham commented seriously.

Anna laughed. "I love the physical work, but I also want to be involved in the actual design."

"Youll need help with Yardley. There was a time when we employed two gardeners here full-time."

Anna nodded. "And youll need to hire someone again. But I can handle the formal gardens myself."

"But if I understood you correctly, you have your own work to do!" Graham protested. "My work alone, never mind Helens needs, will keep you busy enough! It would seem that undertaking to save Yardley too would be quite a task." Although her tone was lightly mocking, her face was quite serious.

Anna was strangely touched that Graham gave any thought to Annas work, let alone considered it important. What a surprise this woman was!

"I dont need to go to school this summerin fact, I can really use the break. And, besides, working here at Yardley will give me a chance to practice some of my ideas. Theres so much that needs to be done. I promise, if I cant handle it, Ill be the first to say so!"

Graham spoke softly, her voice dreamlike. "You cant imagine how lovely Yardley was in the spring. There were blossoms everywhere, new life seeking the sun. I would walk for hours through the gardens, just looking at the colors. The interplay of the different hues in the sunlight was like a symphony for the eyes. I couldnt wait to get hereout of the city, away from the crowds. After a long tour we - " She stopped abruptly, a quicksilver flash of pain passing across her face. The hand that held the fine crystal flute tightened. Anna feared for a moment Graham would break it in her hand.

Anna tried to imagine what it would be like to know she would never see another spring. Saddened, she felt an uncommon tenderness for this woman who had lost so much. Impulsively, she said, "Youll know when the roses bloomyoull be able to smell the blossoms in the air."

"Yes." Graham saw no reason to explain that she rarely walked about during the day. At night, in the dark, it didnt matter that she couldnt see. She would not have to imagine what she was missing in the sunlight. Impatiently she shook her head. She thought she was long past such regrets. "Do what you like. If you find that you need help, hire someone. Ive arranged a household account at the bank in your name."

"Oh, no! You hardly know me!"

"I know what I need to know." Graham rose abruptly, suddenly anxious to be done with this conversation. She did not want to remember - any of it. "Id like to see you tomorrow at one oclock. We can continue with the papers then."

Anna stared after her as Graham disappeared into the house. She wondered how Graham would spend her time until next they met. Each time she saw her, she was left with more questions and greater curiosity about her secretive host.

Chapter Five

Anna stretched her back, cramped from the long hours in one position. She surveyed her progress. Graham was rightshe was going to need help. Nevertheless, she was happy with the start she had made in the gardens below the terrace. In two weeks she had pruned back the rose bushes and bordering shrubs, and had rescued most of the perennials from the thick vines that had encroached upon them over the years. Since her mornings had quickly become filled with managing the affairs of the house, she worked mostly from midafternoon until dusk. The Yardley household itself required little attention. Whatever needs Helen had were easily accomplished on Annas trips into the city for her classes. However, Graham owned property in both Boston and Philadelphia. Much of the financial matters were directed to the attorneys, but Anna found herself becoming quite adept at dealing with building managers, contractors, and accountants over the phone.