Spring has returned. The Earth is like a child that knows poems.

[mistresswanda]

Monday April 26th, late morning
The Porch of the Dormouse

"And soon the flowers will be out, and will make everything so colorful and pretty, and the roses in the backyard---"  My daughter's little head turns to look at me, hearing her name.  I laugh and bounce her on my knee a little.  "No sweetling, there is a flower called 'rose', you were named

Comments

[valmont_vicomte]

I saw Wanda briefly at my wedding, but I had hardly time to do more than call Rose the most beautiful of babies and to say she was looking well. And then of course she popped in to give Jarmyn a scolding. But we haven't had a proper catch up in a while.

This weekend Hermia and I wrote our thank you cards for the gifts we received, and I decide to drop in on Wanda with hers. And a gift of my own. I know how Wanda loves roses, but it seems early in the season. However, a trip to the florist's shop reveals an early blooming variety. Its name is, ominously, Banshee, but it doesn't seem scream-inducing so I buy it.

I see Wanda on the porch and wave.

"Hello, my dear."

[mistresswanda]

I smile as I see Valmont coming up the road, even moreso when he waves and comes up my walk.

"Hello, my dear."

"Hello darling." I say happily, rising and shifting Rose to my shoulder so I may brush his cheeck with a kiss before sitting back down again. Turn Rose around again and she peers up at him with wide, green eyes. I motion for him to sit if he so chooses.

"What brings you out and about on this lovely day. Shopping for Hermia?" I ask, nodding towards the plant.

[valmont_vicomte]

"I thought I would come to see you, and this charming lady," I say, smiling at Rose. "And this is for you," I say, setting the flower down. "I know how you like roses. Oh, and there's this," I add, taking a card from my pocket. "Thanks for our wedding gift." I smile at her and sit down. "And how are you girls today?"

[mistresswanda]

Valmont confirms that he's indeed here for a social call, and sets the potted plant down next to me, apparently a gift.

"I know how you like roses. Oh, and there's this,..." I take the card with a grin, for Rose is looking from me to the plant, back to me, then the plant again. Her little feet start kicking in excitement. "Yes darling, those are roses, aren't they pretty?" She wriggles and coo's, agreeing with me. "And they are, what a pretty, pale color." I say, leaning in to take a sniff. "And you're most welcome. I am glad we got to come and share in your day."

"And how are you girls today?" He sits down next to me, and Rose turns her attention from the rose plant to him, openly curious