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Chapter Eight

Aunt Mairid’s eyes were round as saucers, her hand splayed atop her bosom. “You happened upon a naked man in the house?” She spoke slowly, as if measuring every word. “Where?”

As much delight as she took in storytelling, Wren wasn’t particularly happy to tell this tale. However, as she was unsure if anyone had seen Grant Murray go into the sitting room and then seen her leave, it was best to keep her aunt informed of what exactly had occurred.

“In the small sitting room. He walked in bare as the day he was born.” She shook her head. “Why his clothes were there, I do not understand.”

Her aunt visibly swallowed. “What were you doing inside? I told you to avoid being in the house.”

“Berta instructed me to go and see about the flowers from the day before. She said to ensure they were still well-watered. I was worried, as they are but simple wildflowers, so I moved the ones that were starting to wilt into the sitting room.”

“And a naked man was there?”

“No, he walked in when I was placing them on the table by the window. Gave me quite a start. Actually, I think we were both startled.” Wren couldn’t help but smile as a picture of a very well-formed Grant Murray came to mind. She’d taken a good look, for which she was glad. Upon noting her aunt’s scowl, she ensured she recaptured a serious expression. “I am sure no one saw what happened.”

“Who was he? Did he say anything?”

“Mr. Grant Murray. He apologized. He dropped whatever it was he had wrapped around his waist.”

If possible, her aunt’s eyes grew rounder. “Dear Lord in heaven.”

“Then I said not to worry, or something to the like, and left the room in a hurry.” Wren tapped the tip of her finger to her chin. “After I picked up the flowers I had dropped.”

“Wren…” her aunt started yet seemed to run out of words. “You are not going to work today. I will make the excuse that you are ill. Hopefully, no one saw what occurred.”

“If you wish. I can clean the house and do a bit of gardening.” She considered the minuscule garden outside and had an idea. “I will speak to our neighbors and ask that they allow me to plant the entire area. Two of them have left their plots in neglect.”

“Do as you wish, Child.” Her aunt’s lips curved. “I must say, you keep life interesting.”

*

It took buta pair of hours to clean the entire home as it was small, and her aunt had kept it tidy. Wren went downstairs and knocked on the neighbor’s door, and an elderly woman opened it. Upon her asking about planting and sharing the crop, the woman was more than happy to allow her to do it. The neighbor next door was just as enthusiastic. The only one she didn’t ask was the neighbor who kept her small bit of the garden plot fully planted.

With a plan in mind, Wren grabbed a basket and headed to the city’s market. She’d find wilted and inedible items which she could, in turn, use to plant.

Despite the cloudy sky, the walk to the market was pleasant, and before long, Wren had managed to find more than enough items to start the garden. Most of the vendors charged very little or nothing at all for the overripened tomatoes, potatoes sprouting eyes, and peas with opening pods.

Excited at her luck, she stopped at a vendor and purchased a cup of hot cider.

“Wren?” A deep voice behind her spoke.

Cider splashed over the side of her mug when she turned to find Grant standing just a small distance away. In a riding suit with a matching hat, he was the picture of a true gentleman.

After what had occurred, the vision of him bereft of clothing formed and she blinked, pushing the thoughts away. “Good morning, sir.” She bobbed a slight curtsy. “How nice to see you.” Her eyes danced over him. Then she gulped down the cider, which was a bit too hot, and sputtered. “Oh dear, that burns.”

He peered down at her with concern. “I should again apologize for what occurred. Did you burn your tongue?”

She frowned up at him, ignoring the question. “No need to apologize, sir. I know it was unintentional. Unless you dropped the wrap on purpose.” When his eyes widened, Wren almost laughed. The poor man.

“Of course, I did not. I did not think anyone was there.”

“My aunt insisted that I not work today. She is afraid someone in the household may be aware of what occurred.” Wren looked over her shoulder. “Please do not tell anyone you saw me here.”

“Our secret,” he reassured and peered into her basket. “Allow me to buy you something more… er…eatable.”

Wren couldn’t help but giggle. “They are meant to be wilted. I am going to use them to start a vegetable garden.”

“I see.” He didn’t seem to, but Wren knew someone of his stature didn’t have to know about practical things like growing food.