For Richard

In May, Will and I were traveling back from our trip to Malta with a one-day layover in London. We went to Etchingham (south of London) to visit his aunt and uncle (who has been ill), who run a beautiful bed and breakfast there. We were thrilled to have a quiet visit with just them and us-- and watch a wedding taking place in such a gorgeous setting.

At one point, Richard went to feed his ducks, who came up close to the house for their daily ration of wet bread. I quickly took this photo of him walking out to feed them, clucking and quacking at them, encouraging them to come a bit closer.

He and his lovely wife Jill also took us around their gardens--the secret garden, the roses, the wildflowers. Everything was in bloom and just so wonderful. Will and I felt truly lucky to see King Johns Lodge in the summer-- for me, it was my first time to see everything in bloom and for Will, it had been over ten years. Absolutely amazing and fairy tale-like.

Richard, you will be missed.