Page 5 of A Rogue to Cherish

“Norman is bringing tea. I hope you will join me, Miss…”

“Darrow, Wren Darrow,” she replied. “I couldn’t possibly. I am sure Lady Roberts would not approve.”

“Probably not. However, I am famished and hate eating alone.” He motioned to the same chair she’d been sitting on, and she wondered if he’d seen her perched there, however briefly it had been.

Wren edged closer to the chair but didn’t sit. “If you could give me your reply, I will take it to her and be out of your way.”

“I do not have a reply as yet,” he stated, then went to the chair, pulled it back, and motioned for her to sit.

Feeling awkward and horribly underdressed, Wren sat and looked down at her chipped nails.

When he lowered his broad form into a chair across from her, she could sense his gaze on her. “I do not believe I’ve seen you before.”

She shook her head. “I only just arrived in Glasgow. My aunt works for Lady Roberts. With my aunt’s help, I was able to get employment at the house.” Lifting her gaze, she noted he looked away from her.

“Where did you come from then?”

“North of here, a small village, Bearsden.”

He nodded as if he knew the place. Wren didn’t dare ask him any questions, and after a moment’s pause, he said, “I have been through there. My father has family near there. Have you heard of Milngavie? Many have not.”

She couldn’t keep from nodding enthusiastically. “I have. My parents and I often went there for their harvest festival.”

“Ah, yes. Quite the thing.” Her companion met her gaze. “We may have been there at the same time in the past.”

She doubted that. Certainly, she’d remember such a handsome man, even if she’d seen him at a distance or in a crowd.

A clearing of the throat was followed by an austere butler and a maid nearing. They placed the tea service on the table, followed by two plates, each with a meal of sliced pieces of meat, roasted potatoes, and a chunk of bread.

“Do you require anything else, sir?” the butler asked, his expression unreadable.

“No, that will be all. Thank you, Norman.”

Before Wren could reach for the pot, Grant took it and poured tea for both of them. “I appreciate your company. Thank you for staying.”

It wasn’t as if she had a choice. Nonetheless, it was kind of him to thank her.

“Of course, sir.”

They ate insilence for a few moments, and Grant was sure the poor woman hoped to be allowed to leave. He almost told her she could, but then she smiled widely, and all thought left him.

“Look!” She pointed to a bluebird that lighted on a nearby branch, and she whispered to it, “Aren’t you a handsome one?”

This was a woman who took joy in the simple things. When he’d walked out and caught her in that stirring pose, he’d wished to be a painter in order to immortalize the sight. She was quite a beauty. Not like the elegant, overdone women he escorted, but in the simple, breath-of-fresh-air kind of way.

Wren had large, expressive eyes that were adorned with long lashes. Her face was kissed by the sun, a sprinkling of freckles across her pert nose. Her mouth was a bit large for her face, but it added to her allure. When he’d walked into the garden to see her with her arms outstretched to the sun, with an expression of pure joy, she’d been the most beautiful thing he’d seen in a long time.

“Why have you not replied to Lady Robert’s note?” She’d stopped eating and sipped from the cup, her ragged fingernails a contrast to the delicate item.

“I am not sure what to say,” Grant replied honestly. “I cannot tell her the truth because I know it will anger her. So, I must reply in a way that will not upset her.”

Wren’s brow lowered. “Quite a quandary then.”

“It is.” He shrugged. “In truth, I did write something. But I am not sure if it is the correct response.” Grant wasn’t sure why he was confessing to a servant. However, she was an impartial party, and it was obvious she had no idea of the relationship which existed between him and Lucinda.

“You should always be honest. People appreciate honesty,” Wren said. “Is she your aunt? A relation?”

Instead of a reply, he looked at the flowers. “You should pick some of those for yourself. I am sure there are shears about here somewhere.”