violets for love......

Hortensia had been planting violets all day and was a little weary. She had always loved violets since Archibold had first presented her with a bunch of white violets as his courting gift. Planting violets was a particular honor and she took to her responsibilities with a joyous heart.

She knew that a lot of humans loved violets as much as she did, she often laughed with delight when she heard them exclaim in surprise at the sight of the delicate blooms. Hortensia wondered if they knew how much work gnomes put in planting them where humans could 'discover' them on their walks. She doubted that they had any idea of the planning that gnomes went to to provide an irresistible wander for humans to be inspired in. She wished, even though it was a long way down for them, that more of them would stoop down a sniff the delicate perfume that could ease a heart of grief and soothe away troublesome thoughts.

Hortensia had once long ago had eavesdropped on a young human couple listening to the most beautiful music on their radio as they had lain on their picnic blanket. After the music had finished, she had listened in amazement as she heard that violets had been the composers favourite flower - Chopin had been his name, and Hortensia had been a fan ever since. Over time (and with some clever detective work and careful spying on the home of a nearby human) she had learned to sing and play on her zither all manner of Chopin waltzes and preludes. She was particularly partial to waltzes, as being more than a little old fashioned, Archibold and her could dance a very neat waltz  - especially if she hummed a tune as they went around in their garden. Archibold loved waltzing but could get a bit wild on the turns, so Hortensia was often lifted into the air as they spun around in ever happier circles.

In any event, planting violets had become one of her special jobs and Hortensia was very grateful to be given such a heart warming task to do. She had worn her periwinkle blue apron and sung the whole day through (apart from when eating her cheese roll for lunch).

Later, she thought, when I have had a little foot soak in Aunt Mildred's Foot Ease, I shall write to Lupin and Horatio. She missed her sons now that they were away on work experience at the local garden centre.