Going Public
––––––––
THE NEXT MORNING, JINcame to pick her up so they could walk through the market together as an official couple.
Wren wore one of her nice dresses and tried not to be nervous.
They rode together, her on her horse chestnut, him on his regular horse.Side by side on the road to town.
They walked into the market hand-in-hand, and it took exactly thirty seconds for people to notice.
The whispers started immediately.
"Is that—"
"The Marshall and the pun farm girl—"
"Are they courting?"
"Look at them!"
Jin's hand tightened on hers."What did I say?Better than a town crier," he whispered in her ear, making her laugh.
They stopped at Mei's store first.The proprietor's eyes widened when she saw them together."Well," Mei said, smiling."It's about time.Everyone's been wondering when you two would figure it out."
"We're making it official," Jin said simply.
"Good.You're good for each other."She handed Wren her regular order."And congratulations."
At Madame Lin's shop, the seamstress clapped her hands together."Finally!I've been watching you dance around each other for weeks.This is wonderful news, dear."
Sara found them at the tea merchant's stall and hugged Wren so hard she squeaked."I'm so happy for you!Jin's perfect for you!"
By midday, the whole town knew.
Most reactions were positive.People smiled, congratulated them, and said they were a good match.The cursed farm girl who'd built the impossible farm and the dedicated Marshall who kept everyone safe.
Some reactions were less enthusiastic.Wren saw a few young women glaring.A few older folks frowning, probably thinking this was very sudden.
But Jin didn't seem to notice or care.He kept her hand in his, introduced her as "my intended" to people who asked, made it absolutely clear this was serious.
They were having lunch at the tea house, visible to half the market, deliberately public, when Viktor appeared.
"Jin.Wren."He smiled that charming smile."I heard the news.Congratulations."
"Thank you," Jin said neutrally.
"It's wonderful.Truly."Viktor looked at Wren."Though I confess, I'm disappointed I won't have the chance to pursue you myself.But Jin's a lucky man."
