Still raining. Leah pressed her forehead against the window, staring into the gloom. It matched her emotions. Releasing a sigh, the heiress stepped back to survey the foyer, noting the emptiness it carried. The chandelier was resplendent with its sparkling crystals, but it didn't possess life.

"Who am I kidding?" Groaning, Leah flopped her forehead against the glass once more. "I miss him." There. She said it.

Wren had left after the picnic due to Saturday night/Sunday being his assigned time off. With no school and Fiona grocery shopping for Hilda, Leah missed him. It was surprising as he hadn't been with them long.

I guess he has a way of making this place less lonely. It occurred to her how much less depressing the mansion had become since Wren had arrived.

Thunder rumbled, though it was more of a calming sound due to the distance between, driving her pondering to the picnic. Despite her grumpy mood, a smile graced her lips. She could still picture his drenched frame. Her heart picked up speed as it had done when he had extended his hand to her. Her smile widened. He had carried her! Again! She had apologized to Charles for the picnic being ruined, but deep inside had loved the turn the day had taken.

I wonder if he's thinking about me too? she mused. Was he attracted to her as she was to him? Did his heart thump at her voice like hers did for his? Did he melt when their gazes connected?

"I don't fall for children." Leah jerked upright as Wren's words echoed in her mind, and depression settled over her yet again. No, he held none of these feelings. He had made that clear.

A black sedan pulled through the large gate, and her loneliness vanished as Edward stepped out, followed by Fiona. They rounded to the back hatch, opened it, and filled their arms with grocery sacks. Happy to have a human presence, Leah hurried to the doors and swung them wide. "I'm so glad you're back!"

"Aw! Did you miss me?" Edward wiggled thick brows, grinning ear to ear as he set groceries on the doorstep. A water droplet dripped from the tip of his nose, causing the young heiress to giggle.

"It's not becoming for a master to miss her servant." She crossed her arms, switching her smile to Fiona as the maid dashed under the covered porch.

"You know"--Fiona flicked at the rain on her arms-- "as wealthy as Mr.Kingsley is, I wish he'd add a cover to this driveway so we can get out of a car without getting wet."

"Poor Fiona." Edward patted the top of Fiona's head. "Are you scared of light rain?"

Leah laughed when the maid scowled and shoved the intruding hand away. "No, it would just be convenient."

"Oh, sure." Edward tossed Leah another wink. "I think she's scared of rain."

Fiona hefted several bags in one hand. "Leah, please tell this man/boy to get the remaining groceries from the car."

Edward's jaw dropped as the maid hurried inside. "Hey! I resent that!" When he took a step forward as if to follow, Leah raised a hand.

"Oh, no, you don't. Rules, remember? No guards allowed inside the mansion except for emergencies."

The guard scowled, though teasing glinted in his chocolate eyes. "She called me a man/boy! How is that not an emergency?"

Leah laughed. "Because you are a man/boy. You can't even get groceries without fussing."

Edward scoffed before grinning. He took several swift steps, closing the gap between them. "But you like me that way." He wiggled his brows once again, causing Leah to bite her lip to keep her giggle inward. Reaching up, she flicked his forehead.

"Ow! What was that for?"

"Well, for starters, your foot stepped over the threshold. Second, you were in my personal space."

"You don't mind Wren entering your personal space."

Leah gasped as heat crept up her neck. "Groceries!" She snapped before whirling to stomp inside. Edward's laughter followed her, yet her smile faltered. How did he know that?

She entered the kitchen and leaned on the counter, watched Fiona transfer vegetables to the refrigerator. The maid quirked an eyebrow at Leah's crestfallen expression.

"Something wrong?"

"No. I'm fine." 

"So, I was thinking a walk would be nice if the rain stays gentle. What are your thoughts?"

Leah brightened. "That sounds fun. I'll get rest of the groceries!"

As Leah dashed away, Fiona stared after her in worry. "This will be an interesting year."

********************

 When Wren let himself in through the mansion door, darkness covered the hillside. The foyer, however, was alight from the chandelier and lamps, making the small body perched on the stairway visible. Chuckling, Wren dropped his overnight bag to the floor and walked with quiet steps to Leah's sleeping frame, sank down on his heels to match her level.

He paused his movements to wake her. She's so cute. Her body was slumped against the railing, knees drawn to her chest. One arm had fallen lifeless to her side, and her head had flopped back at an awkward angle. When a glob of drool dripped from the corner of her opened mouth, he stifled a laugh.

"She's missed you." Fiona's soft whisper caused Wren to turn. The maid stood behind him, but her eyes sought Leah. "I worry she might become attached to you."

Straightening, Wren frowned at the maid's concerned expression. "Isn't it good we're getting along now? She needs to depend on me. It's my job." He kept his volume even lower than Fiona's, but the maid's slight nod proved she'd heard.

"I know. It's just I have never seen her accept a caregiver. She has always fought them. But when you came in carrying her yesterday instead of Charles..."

Wren glanced at his ward, his mind racing. Her actions had surprised them all. Yet, he resisted the implications. "She's learning to trust me, Fiona. I don't think this should be an issue."

"It's not yet. But, I saw the tension between you and Charles yesterday. Please don't divide those two. Charles has been in Leah's life since she was a baby. You won't be staying for longer than a year. Watch your actions around her because when you leave, it will be Charles and me who have to pick up the pieces of her broken heart."

Wren raised his brows in shock. "Broken heart? We're just now being civil. Aren't you over-reacting?"

Unease entered the maid's gaze. "Perhaps." She attempted a smile. "Maybe you're right. Just be careful with her. She's only seventeen."

Wren once again turned to study Leah and a softness filled his heart; it surprised him. When he spoke, conviction laced his voice. "Nothing will harm her while I'm here. Not even me. I'll be careful."