Forbidden: Claude (Second in Command #2)(17)
“Well, I hope this baby isn’t any trouble,” stated Rose. “Come along, Claude. You promised Toft you would be here for me, and I don’t want you out of my sight until after I give birth.”
Rose held on to his arm and started for the castle.
“Evelina, bring Harry to the ladies solar as well,” said Rose. “He likes to play with the thimbles.”
“Of course, my lady.” Evelina followed at the other side of Claude, holding on to Harry’s hand. Why did this make him feel so uncomfortable? It was bad enough that he had to be in the ladies solar instead of on the practice field with the men. But now, Evelina would be there watching his every move, giving him that all-knowing eye, trying to make him feel guilty that he was watching over Rose. Well, he was just going to have to show her that he was a knight doing his duty, at the service of Lady Rose, the daughter of the lord of the castle. There was naught to feel guilty about since he was only doing as asked by Rose and Toft.
Evelina couldn’t believe the way Claude doted over Rose, watching her every move. First, he gave her the sewing basket, and then he sat at her feet holding out his hands and letting her use them as spindles when she decided to wind yarn.
Most of the women were sewing and talking, but since Evelina was posing as a servant, they mainly ignored her. Harry fell asleep on a bag of wool the spinners used to make yarn for the tapestries. Feeling bored, she picked up a piece of stitchery and pushed the needle through the cloth, making small, beautiful stitches, following the pattern of flowers trailing across the bottom edge.
It felt good to be, once again, doing the actions of a lady. Being a servant was humiliating and much more work than she had thought it would be. Lost in her work, she jumped in surprise when Claude appeared from out of nowhere, bending over and whispering in her ear.
“For a nursemaid, you seem to know a lot about stitching.”
“Oh, I was just trying it since Harry fell asleep. It looked like fun.” She placed the stitchery down on the bench next to her, glancing up at Claude who towered over her.
“Really.” He reached down, picking up the stitchery to inspect it. “I have never seen such small, elegant stitches before. Your work is accurate and surpasses the skill of any of the noblewomen. Where did you learn to do this?”
“I’m a fast learner,” she said, hoping he wouldn’t ask more questions. She had to turn the conversation around quickly. “I noticed you were very skilled in using your hands as spindles for Lady Rose’s yarn.” She stifled her giggle. He had looked so silly. A big, strong knight, playing handmaid to a lady was very funny, indeed.
“I am at my lady’s service. No matter what she requests of me, I will do it. After all, I am an honorable knight, and it is my sworn duty.”
“If you say so.” She fussed with the wimple covering her head.
“Claude,” called out Rose. “I feel like riding. Will you see to our horses anon?”
“Riding?” Claude stood up with a jolt. “Please beg my pardon, Lady Rose, but I am not sure it is a good idea in your condition.”
“Aye, Rose,” said Isobel. “Ye should no’ be on a horse when ye are gettin’ so near to givin’ birth. Ye ken yer faither willna allow it.”
“Isobel, my father isn’t here to stop me, and neither is Toft. They have kept me from riding for months now, and I feel like I am going to go crazy if I don’t get out. Claude will watch over me. There is nothing to worry about.”
“I agree with Isobel,” said Celestine. “I don’t think you should go either. What if the horse gets spooked and throws you?”
“Rose, ye have already lost two bairns and canna risk losin’ another one,” Isobel warned her.
“I suppose you’re right,” said Rose with a sigh. She struggled to stand up. Claude shot across the room and was there at her side immediately. With his hand on her arm, he guided her, not letting go even when her balance was secure.
“Thank you, Claude. I am so glad you are here to help me.” Rose covered his arm with her hand.
“It is my pleasure, my lady.”
There was no mistaking the look of love in Claude’s eyes. Evelina shook her head, getting to her feet as well. Didn’t the man realize how foolish he was acting? Perhaps, she would have to point it out to him again.
“If I can’t mount a horse, then I want to ride in the wagon,” Rose announced. “It is a beautiful day, and I would like to take a basket to the coast and sit on the grass as we eat the food. I long to walk barefoot along the shore and let the waves lap at my feet.”
“Rose, that is no way for a lady to be actin’,” Isobel reminded her. “How will it look if ye are seen with a man who isna yer husband and yer feet are bare?”
Rose chuckled. “I think the part that bothers you the most, Isobel, is the fact I will be shoeless. I doubt that you have ever been without shoes in your life.”
“Isobel is right. You should stay at the castle,” said Celestine. “You know your father doesn’t like you anywhere near the docks.”
“I won’t be by the docks. I just need to get out in nature,” said Rose.
“I will protect her, Mother,” Claude told Celestine. “I am a knight now, not a boy anymore.”
Celestine and Isobel exchanged glances. Isobel nodded, and Celestine smiled at Claude. “Of course, Claude. What was I thinking? I’m sure we have nothing to worry about if you will be with Rose.”