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Then, to her utter shock, she kissed him. It was but a soft kiss. A reassuring kiss. Yes. That was exactly it. She meant to set his mind at ease. So why was she now wrapping her arms around his neck? And, oh my, why was he kissing her harder, and his hands holding her sides as if she were a precious item?

“Sir.” The butler’s voice was like ice water when it fell over her and she gasped, fighting to catch her breath.

“I best go,” Wren said, her face burning. “I should not have…”

“Wait.” Grant took both her hands and then smiled up at her. “I will call on you.”

“Why?” she couldn’t help but ask. They couldn’t be friends. They could barely be acquaintances. They were of different classes and kissing wasn’t something they could indulge in, never mind anything else.

Before Grant could reply, the butler cleared his throat. “Miss, the carriage awaits.”

“Oh yes. Thank you.” Wren whirled around and raced out of the room, down the stairs, through the foyer and out the door to practically leap into the carriage. Her aunt was going to take to her bed if she found out. Somehow she would have to keep what occurred a secret. That was it. Of course.

There was absolutely no reason to tell her aunt anything other than she’d fetched the doctor and returned home to bed. After all, she had to leave for work early the next day.

By the time she was deposited at her house, she felt more settled. Except, she’d replayed the kiss over and over. And relived the feel of Grant’s lips against hers. Not only that, but his scent surrounded her, it was as if a part of him, just a whisper remained. Each time she inhaled, her eyes fell closed, and her lips curved. Tingles had traveled over her, it was as if he was familiar and so very much a part of her. She was imagining things. Yes, that was it. A silly girl’s reaction to being kissed.

Thanking the driver, who waited for her to go inside, it was as if she floated over the ground.

Was Grant also thinking about the kiss? No. He’d probably kissed many a woman. Once he recovered, he would realize he had mistaken her for someone else and not call on her as he’d said. Despite how delighted her heart was at the moment, in the morning she’d have to face reality once again: Grant Murray was never to be hers. The kiss had been just that—a simple gesture of gratitude. It was to be the only kiss between them.

*

In the morning,Wren woke up with a smile and automatically touched her lips. After dressing, she entered the kitchen to find her aunt at the table as usual. Despite having obviously stayed up until a late hour, she seemed rested and alert. Her intelligent eyes swept over Wren.

“How did you get home last night?”

“What?” Wren fought for an explanation that did not include too many lies.

“This morning when I walked here from Martha’s house, I realized that the doctor had come directly. He did not say to have brought you here. He clearly stated to have come directly after you came by.”

Wren’s blood ran cold. “I—I was brought home safely. Nothing to worry about, Aunt Mairid. I best fetch my shawl.” She turned and hurried back to her room muttering, “No. No. No,” the entire way.

Thankfully, before her aunt could question her further, the wagon arrived, and they had to rush out. Wren had no doubt that her aunt would question her again once they returned home later in the day, and she prayed to have a good story concocted by then.

*

The day onlygrew worse. Wren had just walked into the garden shed when Berta appeared. The stern woman’s expression did not bode well.

“A word.” The woman motioned for Wren to go further into the shed and then she followed her in before closing the door behind them. In the cramped space, there was barely enough room for both of them, which meant the woman’s face was uncomfortably close when she glared at her.

“I saw you the other day, the day your aunt claimed you were unwell.”

“I found myself feeling better and decided to start a garden. So I went to the square to the market.”

The woman’s eyes narrowed. “How do you know Mr. Murray?”

Wren wanted to throw up. Her stomach seized and she gulped, pushing back the bile. “Mr. Murray?”

“Do not toy with me! I saw the two of you and it looked to me as if you and he knew each other. I saw you speaking to him in a manner that seemed quite informal. Then you and he went into the bookstore.”

Unable to formulate a response right away, Wren could only stare at the woman, wishing this were all a horrible dream. “He is a kind person. He recognized me from when I delivered a message to him from Lady Roberts. He followed me into the bookstore, and I had nothing to do with it. I assure you it was nothing more than that.”

The woman’s nostrils flared. “You should have declined the offer. Have you no sense of decorum?” She stopped Wren from answering, her palm held up. “It should not have happened, a servant and a gentleman speaking to one another as if friends. It is more than obvious your aunt has not taught you the correct way to behave.”

“It will not happen again. I will ensure it.” Wren did not wish to lose her position at the estate. The income helped so much, and she wasn’t sure her aunt would be able to help her anymore. Tears welled up but she blinked them away. “Please, Miss Berta, do not dismiss me.”

“Word will get to Lady Roberts sooner or later. It is best that today be your last day.” The woman’s gaze flickered over her and softened as she observed Wren’s tears. “You are a beautiful young woman. I am not surprised that you have caught a gentleman’s eye. But beware, Wren. Men like Mr. Murray do not wish for more than bed sport with someone of our ranking.”