The Compleat Gardener

In 18th C. England, Susan Kirke falls in love with the gardener on her father’s estate. Her parents dismiss John Dean. On a trip to London, Susan attends a masquerade at Vauxhall Gardens. Disguised as a boy, she escapes to find the man she loves. Dean elopes with her to Scotland, where more adventures ensue. The Serpentine Path is loosely based on the story of my ancestors.

John Dean cannot find work in England to support his growing family, so he moves to Scotland. At Ellon Castle, John discovers that his employer is not the Earl of Aberdeen, but the Earl’s mistress. Against her husband’s wishes, Susan becomes friends with the mistress. Their friendship threatens to destroy Susan’s marriage in an unexpected manner, and she agrees they must leave Scotland at once.