The Gardener

Kate Winters came under the guardianship of her aunt and uncle after the death of her father. It quickly became clear to her that they found her care a burden, and were anxious to marry her off as soon as a coming out ball could be arraigned.

In the meantime, Kate's infatuation with the handsome, young gardener, Barnes, has awakened her latent sexuality. She knew that such a relationship would not be sanctioned by Society in England of 1804-- or by her aunt and uncle. So when a marriage proposal unexpectedly arrives, she reluctantly accepts.

It is only after the wedding that Kate discovers her new husband is not the man she expected him to be, and her thoughts drift back to the gardener she left behind. Will Kate settle for the rules that Society demands? Or will she break free to follow her heart and risk being ostracized forever?