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Wren nodded and was about to speak, but Grant interrupted. “I just asked her this afternoon. We came immediately because some busybodies lingered as I proposed, and we wanted to be sure you learned our news from us and not from gossips.”

“You must make a social appearance as soon as possible. It will cause an uproar, especially amongst certain people.” Grant’s mother gave him a pointed look, making Wren wonder who the “certain people” were.

“This marriage. When will it take place?” Grant’s father continued to look confused. “Why was the lass working here if you were courting her? Honestly, Grant, I wonder about your ways.”

Grant stood and paced. “She would not allow me to court her because of her station. I am hoping that we can marry as soon as possible. Then go forth from there.”

“There is a small matter,” his father stated, and a knowing look passed between the men.

Grant’s mother interrupted. “The main matter at the moment is how we are going to deal with everything. A small ceremony at the chapel where we married would be nice. We can invite the Campbells and of course, Felicity and Evan…”

“And her family,” Grant said and met her gaze with his own. His strength gave her courage. “I believe you only have your aunt and your cousin, correct?”

She nodded. “Lars, he is married and has a son.”

“Both of you have small families then,” his mother added. Then all three turned to a silent Wren who sat with a teacup in her hands, peering up at them.

“What do you think, Lass?” Grant’s father asked.

Wren placed the cup down, picked up a napkin and dabbed it to the corners of her lips as she’d seen the older woman do. “I wish for whatever is easiest, and best, for your family, and for us.”

Grant’s lips curved and he looked at her as if she’d just won a major victory. “Very good.”

*

“You’re doingwhat?” Aunt Mairid showed the same lack of enthusiasm as both of Grant’s parents. With a hand splayed on her chest, her rounded eyes took them in.

They were in the small kitchen where dinner preparation had been forgotten.

“Wren, are you certain? This is madness. What will you do when people snub you, and later, your bairns?”

“I will have to accept that some people will never see me as their equal. And is that so different than it’s been my whole life? That’s nothing different. If so, then I have lost nothing. Once we have children, then we will see.”

Grant shifted in the hard chair. “I will ensure Wren is happy and always well taken care of. I assure you, she will never want for anything.”

“I will be assured if you promise to keep her safe and love her always.” Her aunt dabbed at her eyes with the corner of her apron and then clutched her hands on the table. “My sweet lass. I barely got to spend any time with you.”

Both Wren and her aunt turned to Grant, who reached to press a hand over her aunt’s. “You can be more than assured and will continue to spend time with Wren because I hope you agree to live with us.”

At his words, both she and her aunt stared at him agog.

“Oh, Grant, that would be so wonderful,” Wren exclaimed just as her aunt burst into happy tears.