That Special Summer — Jeanne Robinson

Summer in an old mill in England? It sounds like a crazy idea, but Audrey Johnson is tired of always being logical. She needs some adventure; besides, she and her roommate both teach and have the summer off. After they arrive in Sussex, Audrey finds that her planning was worth it--the countryside is picture perfect. Especially intriguing is Smithfield Hall, a magnificent manor visible from her room. Unfortunately, it's closed to the public, but Audrey's curiosity soon gets the best of her.

No one is around when she climbs over the huge wall surrounding the manor, but Audrey suddenly hears voices and ducks into a building--into the arms of John Burtram. The handsome gardener makes Audrey's heart race, but he'd oddly secretive. By the time she finds out what he was been hiding from her, she is deeply in love with him. Then she must face the cruel possibility that there may be some barriers that even the strongest love cannot surmount...