Last week, you got to meet Kate Dearing from Follow the Heart. This week, I’d like to introduce Andrew Lawton.

“My brother tells me you have quite a plan for the gardens and park.”

Andrew looked down and shook the loose dirt from the boxwood’s roots. From their previous conversations, he knew Miss Dearing had a different idea than he on what comprised beauty in nature. Was she baiting him, or would she be able to see how order and structure created the perfect showcase for nature’s true beauty?

He tossed the skeleton of the shrub onto the sledge, then turned back to Miss Dearing. “I would be more than happy the to show you my plans for the park and gardens, either on paper or by touring you around and explaining the designs for each area.” He gave a slight bow. “I am at your service any time.”

She gave a slight curtsy. “Thank you, Mr. Lawton. I shall remember your invitation, and when I have time I would enjoy a tour of the grounds.” She glanced over his shoulder and grimaced, then looked back at him, stretching the shovel toward him.

He took the tool and looked over his shoulder also. A housemaid scurried toward them down the path.

“And now if you’ll excuse me, I do believe I’m being summoned.” Miss Dearing inclined her head, stepped back onto the gravel path, and hurried away to intercept the maid who had no doubt been dispatched to find her.

Andrew watched her depart until he realized just how much he liked watching the sway of her full skirt, even with her long cloak obscuring her figure. He lay the shovel onto the sledge, capturing a few branches of the bush under it to keep it from falling off. Once again he had found himself captivated by the American woman. And once again he had to remind himself that he was in no position to act on it.

No matter how much he liked Miss Dearing, he must—and would—conquer this attraction.