“It means ‘Valley of Roses,” he said, as we savored the venison specialties at that quintessential British establishment at 35 Maiden Lane.

“And it’s where it all began” he continued, his eyes bright with memory.

“Sounds German,” I remarked, ever the language enthusiast.

“Actually, it’s Dutch,” he corrected with a knowing smile. “Roosendaal is a charming town between Bergen op Zoom and Breda, once home to the Van Gils headquarters.”

“You must try this,” he insisted, scooping half his steak and kidney pie—another of Rules‘ celebrated specialties—onto my plate, a gesture I’d come to expect despite my mild protests.

Between bites, in London’s oldest and most celebrated restaurant, he painted a vivid picture of Roosendaal’s charming streets, Bergen’s medieval beauty, and Breda’s tranquil canals and quiet elegance.

His words filled the room with warmth, bringing each town to life so vividly that I could almost hear the rustle of the blood-orange autumn sycamore by the lapping pond, glimpse the quaint little bookshop with its snug, inviting light, and wander through the cobbled alleyways lined with roses—the very symbol of Roosendaal.

“I fell in love with those little towns,” he said, his voice softening. “Roosendaal had the most beautiful name, and that’s why the rose became the company’s emblem. The town, and all it symbolizes, means everything to me.”

He glanced at me, his eyes glistening with nostalgia.

“I hope to take you there someday, Karen,” he added wistfully.

Though time prevented us from making that journey together, I finally did visit Roosendaal and its sister towns years later.

Walking those streets, I felt your presence in every sight and every sound.

And I pledge to carry forward the legacy of your cherished Dutch rose through the 1926 Collection—named in honor of you and your birth year.

It will forever carry the spirit of that place and of you in every step of its journey.