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“Very nice to meet you,” Anthony replied and then, after another slap to Grant’s back continued on his way with his wife by his side.

“The news will spread like fire,” Grant informed Wren. “I am afraid we must move quickly and inform my family before they hear it from someone else.”

*

The reception atthe Murray household was what Wren expected. The butler was formal in his greeting, his demeanor not giving away his thoughts as they walked into the house together. Once they were seated in the drawing room, the atmosphere became surreal. Wren peered through the glass in the door to the room where Grant and his mother spoke. Several times the older woman turned toward where she sat, her gaze distant as if she didn’t see her there, watching them.

As much as Wren wanted to get up and run from the house, out into the street and to hide somewhere like at the shop where Laurel worked, she knew that wasn’t the answer. She’d promised Grant that she would wait, that together they would face whatever came.

Her heart was torn between the love she felt for him and fear of what they’d face. A part of her wondered if she should flee and attempt to return to her simple, uncomplicated life. However, she knew that the bud of love had finally bloomed into a beautiful flower that filled her completely. She could never be happy away from Grant. A warmth spread to her that gave her courage. Just now peering through the doors to where Grant stood. Resplendent and so achingly handsome, his wide shoulders and back tapering to slender hips and powerful legs that were currently encased in boots that went over his calves.

In that moment he was facing the first of what would be many more encounters. He seemed calm, nodding as his mother no doubt listed the many reasons why they should not marry.

“Lass? What’s happening?” Mae appeared with a tray. On it were a teapot, four cups and a pile of biscuits. “Why are you here?”

The woman placed the tray on a side table and moved closer, taking in the scene outside the window. “Is he speaking on your behalf so that you can work here again?”

The question made sense; the comedy of it was not lost on Wren. She wanted to laugh at the absurdity that this day had become.

“Not exactly. Grant asked me to marry him. He is informing his mother.” Both she and Mae stared to where the two people had stopped talking. The matriarch straightened, as if fortifying herself, and together they turned to walk into the house.

“Oh goodness,” Mae exclaimed, not making to leave. Instead, she stood next to where Wren sat as if to be there for support. That the woman remained gave Wren a sense of safety, and for it she was glad. She gave Mae a grateful look.

“Wren,” Grant’s mother said by way of greeting. “I hear you accepted my son’s proposal of marriage.” The statement was said in a tone that gave no indication of her thoughts. The woman searched her face, as if seeing her for the first time. Not that she’d been invisible to her before, but this time she was being judged on the fact that once she and Grant married, she would be part of the family.

“Mrs. Murray,” Wren replied, unsure what exactly to say. The thundering of her heart and clenching of her stomach made her wonder if she’d pass out. “I love him.”

For some unknown and inexplicable reason, tears pricked her eyes and Wren wiped at the corners. “I am sorry to cause you concern.”

The woman lowered to sit in a chair across from her, and Grant settled next to Wren. When they sat, Mae appeared to come to life.

“I have always expected you would marry a beautiful lass,” Mae murmured as she poured tea and then milk into each cup. “The best marriages are when two people truly love one another.” The woman couldn’t seem to stop talking. “I always told my Henry, that was why we were happy until the end.”

“Thank you, Mae,” Mrs. Murray finally said, bringing Mae to be silent. Mae gave Wren one last smile and left the room.

They lifted their cups and drank in silence.

“I told Mother we wish to marry as soon as possible. It will be easier for us if we marry first, and then you meet our family, our acquaintances and others.”

“Easier?” Wren asked, wondering what he thought. “I think it will be the same, whether we are courting or married. Some will never accept me into their circles.” She paused as the reality of this almost seemed insurmountable. She accepted it—would he? The love Wren felt for him brought a protective sense that she’d not considered. Love was unselfish, it was brave, and sacrifice was part of it. “Grant, you have to consider if that is something that will cause harm to you or your family. I would never wish to bring something that will cause harm to any of you.”

“We do not have a large social presence,” Grant’s mother surprised her by interjecting. “Our closest friends are the Campbells. Henry married a… well, he married my daughter’s best friend. The couple come from very different stations.”

That her lack of social standing was to be the main obstacle made Wren sick to her stomach. “My only hesitation in this is how it will affect you,” Wren said, looking to both Grant and his mother.

“Grant has made up his mind, and I assume you have as well. If you truly love my son, then you must be strong. You will be snubbed and there will be difficult moments. However, I am willing to declare that once the next item of gossip happens, the news of your marriage will pass by the wayside.”

Wren studied Grant’s mother trying to figure out if the woman was ready to accept their relationship. If places were traded, she would advise Grant to take time to think things through and ensure it was truly what he wanted. And, she’d tell him that she hated what he’d go through because of marrying a woman from such a low social station.

“Mrs. Murray,” Wren began, “What do you think of all this? Please be honest.”

The woman’s smile was soft, and her gaze warmed. “I suppose I suspected how Grant felt about you before this. His admiration was evident the first time I saw him speak to you.”

“What is this? What’s going on?” Grant’s father entered, a slight frown on his handsome face. Again, Wren’s stomach tumbled with nerves.

“Grant has decided to marry,” Mrs. Murray announced. “He wishes to marry Wren.” She motioned to Wren. “And she’s accepted.”

For a long moment Grant’s father took the information in. Then he stepped further into the room and stood behind his wife’s chair. “I see.” He scowled. “When did this come about?” Were you not here when I left this morning?” he asked Wren.