Chapter 133
Morwenna had no clue that Stuart was awake.
She couldn’t resist touching that little mole at the corner of Stuart’s eye, feeling utterly delighted.
She tiptoed around while getting ready for the day, convinced she hadn’t disturbed Stuart, and left for the market in a cheerful spirit.
Her good mood seemed to add vigor to her work, making the chopping of fish bones even louder.
After work, Morwenna stood by the fishpond at Mrs. White’s market stall.
“Mrs. White, I’ll take a fish today.”
“Pick any you like. What’s gotten into you today, splurging on fish?” Mrs. White teased.
With pride swelling in her chest, Morwenna replied, “I’m cooking for someone special.”
Mrs. White’s interest was piqued, “Do tell! Who’s caught your eye? What does he look like? What’s his job? Does he come from a good family?”
Morwenna shared openly, “Remember the guy who drove us to the hospital when you were sick? He’s the one. Handsome, works a corporate leadership role, comes from a wealthy family, and has the kindest grandfather.”
Mrs. White’s excitement faltered slightly. She had seen many faces in her life, and she could tell that the man Morwenna described was from a different world. He seemed too sophisticated for the innocent Morwenna.
Trying to be tactful, Mrs. White said, “Didn’t I hear you call him ‘sir‘ last time? You two seem quite mismatched.”
“Oh, that was just a joke. Yeah, we are different; he’s way out of my league. Anyway, Mrs. White, I’ll take this three–and–a–half–pound fish. I’ll leave the money in the basket and head home.”
“Morwenna, wait-” Mrs. White wanted to say more, but struggled to find the right words.
She worried for Morwenna, knowing how naive she could be. The man looked so out of this world, out of Morwenna’s world at least. She’s concerned the girl might be taken advantage of.
Morwenna didn’t think so. Stuart was gorgeous; if one of them was to be taken advantage of, it’d be him.
By the time she got back to Hetfield’s Homestead, Stuart had already left, and the rest of the Hetfield family were out. Only Norbert was there, asleep in a deck chair with a book on his lap.
Morwenna draped a blanket over Norbert, then went to the kitchen to store the fish, planning to prepare it fresh for dinner. After enjoying the lunch left by the cook, she realized since it was the weekend, she had the afternoon free.
Emerging from her meal, she noticed Norbert seemed to be sweating in his sleep. She sat down beside him, gently fanning him with a hand fan.
The weather in Rosefrost Hollow was unpredictable. July should be hot, but a recent spell of rain had them wearing sweaters, and she even knitted a scarf for Norbert. Now, it was sweltering again.
Norbert disliked air conditioning, claiming it gave him headaches.
As Morwenna sat fanning, the gentle breeze and the warmth lulled her into a light doze until she was startled awake by Norbert’s coughing. He covered his mouth, coughing in a violent fit.
Rushing to his side, Morwenna patted his back, trying to ease his breath, “Norbert, what’s wrong? Take it easy!”
After a while, the coughing subsided. Norbert sneakily covered a bloodstain on his sleeve, reassuring her, “It’s nothing, just got a bit choked up in my sleep.”
Worried, Morwenna suggested, “Are you sure? That cough sounded serious. Maybe I should accompany you to the hospital for a check–up.
Norbert dismissed her concerns with a wave “No need for all that. It’s just a bit of coughing, what’s to check out? I’m as fit as a fiddle.”