Page 33 of A Rogue to Cherish

Chapter Thirteen

After tea and a tour of the house with Mae, Wren was left to begin her tasks for the day. The list of responsibilities was long, but Mae helped her to break the tasks into sections so that she could have a schedule of which rooms to see to, and when.

She learned that the man of the house often worked in his study and preferred not to be bothered. If he required any kind of repast, he would ask for it. The mistress spent most of her day in the sitting room or at social outings.

Mae informed Wren that Grant’s mother enjoyed gardening and would often spend hours outside tending to the beautiful flowers. A gardener did come to the house twice a week for the heavier tasks of weeding and trimming, however, Mrs. Murray preferred to do most of the tending herself.

In the sitting room, the remnants of tea, cups, cakes, and cheese remained on a table and Wren went about clearing the dishes. Once she took them to the kitchen, she returned to the tasks of sweeping, tending the fireplace, and dusting.

Outside the glass doors, she caught sight of Grant’s mother. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, she kneeled on a pad and trimmed a flowering bush. Wren couldn’t stop herself. She pushed open the doors, allowing the light breeze to carry the floral scents into the room.

Her employer turned and smiled. “Grant tells me you are an avid gardener yourself, Wren.”

“Yes, ma’am, I love gardening. I keep a tiny allotment at my aunt’s home, but it is only for vegetables.”

She neared and peered at the bush the woman was trimming. The phlox was a brilliant fuchsia, the clusters of blooms a wonderful addition to any arrangement. Wren took a couple steps closer. “With it being mid-spring, you will have blooms for another month.” She couldn’t keep the awe from her voice. “It is rare for them to bloom so early.”

Grant’s mother sat back on her heels. “The walls help; there is no bitter wind to distract them from blooming. It’s a bit cooler today, so I am cutting them back to force more blooms.”

Just as Wren was to tell her that was a grand idea, her employer’s gaze widened, and her lips curved. “Grant, darling, I am so glad you are here.”

Something in Wren’s stomach fluttered. She ensured a calm expression upon turning to greet him. As their gazes clashed, she realized she was holding her breath, and she released it audibly. If his mother noticed, she didn’t show it. Instead, she accepted her son’s assistance to stand and held her face up for him to kiss.

“The garden looks good. Is Wren helping?” he asked, his gaze never leaving Wren’s.

Wren shook her head. “I merely came outside to admire the garden. By the beauty of it, Mrs. Murray does not require any assistance in gardening in the least.”

The older woman’s cheeks pinkened prettily. “I am not so sure about that. I do enjoy being outside with my hands in the ground. Please excuse me, son, I won’t be but a moment. I must wash up.” Removing her hat, she walked inside, leaving Wren alone with Grant.

“I will fetch tea,” Wren said, turning away. Before she could take a step, he took her arm.

“I came to speak to you.”

The low tone made Wren wonder if something was amiss. She whirled to face him. “What happened?” The slight curve to the corners of his mouth relieved her somewhat.

“I wish to know how you are faring.”

“Oh.” Wren looked to the doorway, and gently, but firmly, she pulled her arm from his grasp. Then she took a pair of steps to ensure proper distance between them. If either Mae or Grant’s mother caught them talking, she could lose her position. “All is well. More than well. I could never thank you enough for helping me. I am indebted to you.” She turned to leave. “If you will excuse me now, sir.”

“Can I not visit with you?”

His question made her hesitate. Had her aunt been right in suspecting that his motives were less than honorable? What would happen if she turned him down? After one last look at the doorway, she turned to face him. “Sir, what do you expect in exchange for…”

“No, God no.” Grant’s eyes grew round, and he held out his hands palms up. “I do not mean to make you uncomfortable. If I ask to spend time with you, it is because I enjoy your company. Nothing more, I promise.”

She leaned closer to whisper. “You kissed me.”

This time he frowned. “Yes. True. Well. That was because I think you are beautiful. It was quite forward. Accept my apologies.”

“Whatever are you apologizing for?” His mother reappeared, standing behind Wren. If only the earth could open up and swallow her whole, she’d be forever grateful.

“I…” Grant started.

“He does not owe me an apology, ma’am. I am indebted to you for this opportunity,” Wren said. “I will fetch tea.” She rounded her employer, not stopping until she’d gone through the parlor and stood in the hallway. She hoped further questions on behalf of Grant’s mother did not lead to her dismissal.

When she returned with a laden tray that Mae had assured Wren she’d filled with Grant’s favorite bites, both mother and son seemed in good spirits. They’d moved to a table in the garden. It was shaded by a tree, making it perfect for teatime outdoors.

As Wren poured tea, Mrs. Roberts seemed to study her but said nothing.