Before...

Before the "incident". Falling in love with James.

"I had the most beautiful flowers waiting on my steps this morning. Might you have any idea where they came from?"

James glanced over the rim of his wire glasses. "I may have an idea," looking back down at his book.

"Well, I am at a loss as to their name and was hoping the generous soul who left them might be able to help me. It would be lovely to keep them coming back each year. Of course if it wasn't you who left them, I could always ask Eugenia; she is after all an expert gardener."

James continued to read, following words with his fingers.  Melina watched him, thinking him adorable when he acted as if he was smarter than she.

 "She would not know,” he said matter-of-factly.

Melina placed her hand on her hip, slightly offended that he spoke so quickly about her mentor and friend. “And how would you know that…,” she huffed.

” I am fairly certain, my dear Melina, that they are the kind that will adorn the aisles and alter of our wedding.  If Professor Chattoway knows that, then by God, she is an expert at more than gardening" he said without looking up.