The Jealous Girlfriend Makes a Scene
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WREN LOADED HER PURSEwith trade goods, mentally cataloging what she had: fresh silk garments, several velvet pieces, new batches of soap, the beefsteak tomatoes (carefully wrapped), bags of honeyberries, rubber products, shellfish and GreenHam, and—because she couldn't resist—a bag full of the thin mint "coins."
Her purse was getting quite the workout.
"Planning to buy out the store, madam?"Walter asked from his perch.
"I need a washing machine, or something like it.I am not hand-washing clothes in a bucket forever."Surely they had something useful here.If she could grow magical trees, someone must have found a way to make laundry easier.
"Practical as always."
She mounted her horse—she was getting quite good at it now—and the dandelions formed up around her.They'd been more cautious since losing their companion, staying tighter to her on the road.
The ride to town was becoming routine.Pleasant, even.The morning was clear, the road well-maintained, and she could see the town bustling with activity as she approached.
The guards waved her through with barely a glance."Morning, Miss Wren."
"Morning."
Her dandelions took their usual position outside the gate without needing to be told.She continued into town, riding to Madame Lin's first.
The marketplace was busy.She caught whispers as she passed:
"—that's her—"
"—silk sold out in an hour—"
"—Viktor Andersen's been asking—"
She ignored them and tied her horse outside the seamstress shop.It was mostly for looks, since she doubted he’d wander off.
The bell chimed as she entered.Madame Lin looked up from her work and her face lit up."Please tell me you have more silk!"
"I do."Wren began unloading."And the cotton clothes you made should be ready?"
"Ready and waiting."Madame Lin practically snatched up the silk garments, examining them with the same reverence as last time."This quality!I still can't believe it.I have six standing orders already."
They negotiated quickly—Madame Lin clearly didn't want to risk losing Wren as a supplier.Twenty silver for the silk, and the cotton work clothes were thrown in as part of the trade.
"Bring me everything you can spare," Madame Lin said as Wren changed into one of the new cotton riding dresses in the fitting room."I'll take it all."
The cotton dress fit perfectly—practical, comfortable, and actually matched local fashion.Much better than velvet for everyday wear.
Next stop was Mei's.
The general store was busy as always.Mei finished with a customer and beckoned Wren over."Good timing.I need to restock the soap—sold out yesterday."
Wren unloaded her goods: velvet pieces, soap, beefsteak tomatoes, honeyberries, rubber gloves, meats, and the thin mints.
Mei examined everything with her usual efficiency."The tomatoes look good, nice and red."
"They’re beefsteak tomatoes...except they're actually steaks."Wren grinned.
Mei unwrapped one, examined it, and laughed."Of course they are!These will sell well."She picked up a thin mint coin, unwrapped it."And these?"
"The money plant didn't make money.Made mints instead."
