Forbidden: Claude (Second in Command #2)(25)

“It’s in Dover,” said Isobel.

“Dover is several hours’ ride each way,” protested Claude. “Can’t you ask your cooks to make some here in Sandwich?”

“Oh, please, Claude,” said Rose, rubbing her belly. “I have a craving for them. I am not sure the cooks here even have the proper ingredients to make them.”

Claude sighed and then nodded. “As you wish, my lady. I will hurry and return to your side as soon as possible.” He turned to go.

“My handmaid, Evelina, will be accompanying you.”

“What?” blurted out Evelina and Claude at the same time.

“I’m in need of some new undergarments that they sell at the clothier’s shop in Dover,” Rose told them. “It is the only place I know of that sells clothes already made instead of making them to order. I wouldn’t think of asking a man to purchase undergarments for a lady.”

Rose looked over to Evelina and winked. Suddenly, Evelina knew where this was leading. Hadn’t Rose suggested that Claude would make a fine husband for her? She squeezed her eyes closed, knowing Claude was going to protest.

“I don’t suppose you can have your clothier make them here at the castle, can you?” asked Claude.

“These are already made and are some of the finest. I will give Evelina instructions as well as money to purchase what I need.”

“All right,” Claude agreed, causing Evelina’s eyes to spring open. Where was the protesting of having her along that she expected? “But we’re riding horses because a wagon is only going to slow us down. I will be back before sunset, Lady Rose.”

Claude left the room. Evelina stood speechless, not knowing how to respond.

“Rose, I have a feelin’ ye are no’ really needin’ soul cakes or undergarments at all,” said Isobel. “What are ye up to?” She crossed her arms over her chest and looked at Rose from the corners of her eyes.

“Isobel, whatever do you mean?” asked Rose, walking over to the pouch of coins on the table and scooping it up, giving it to Evelina. “Here you go. That should be more than enough. Be sure to pick up a nice gown for yourself as well while you are at the clothier’s shop.”

“A gown? For me?” asked Evelina. Rose leaned in closer and whispered. “Claude likes the colors of blue and purple the best. And if you have a chance, get yourself a bottle of rosewater too. The scent of rosewater is one of his favorites.”

Evelina gripped the pouch of coins tightly in her hand. Her heart beat faster. Thinking of being alone with Claude sent a spiral of heat surging through her. “How do I know what kind of undergarments to get for you?” asked Evelina.

“Oh, just get whatever you’d like. I trust your judgment.” Rose swiped her hand through the air in a dismissing manner.

“Thank you, Rose,” said Evelina, feeling uncomfortable. She couldn’t take what was offered until she told Rose the truth. “I need to tell you something first. Once you hear what I have to say, you might change your mind.”

“Evelina,” came Claude’s bellow from the corridor. He appeared in the open doorway with a scowl on his face. “God’s eyes, what is taking you so long? We need to move faster. If you are going to be tagging along, I won’t have you slowing me down. Do you understand?”

Evelina felt as if she were never going to be able to tell Rose the truth. She didn’t move, not knowing what to do.

“Whatever you have to tell me can wait until later,” Rose told her.

“That’s right,” said Isobel. “Now go on and get outta here so I can take Rose to town. Our shoes await us.”

“Thank you,” whispered Evelina, clutching the pouch and hurrying to join Claude.





Chapter 9





Claude hurried to the stables, glancing over his shoulder to make sure Evelina was keeping up with him. Bid the devil, why was Rose sending him on errands? That was what servants were for. Servants like the handmaid, but not nobles like him. He was supposed to be there to take care of Rose and protect her. He needed to be there for her when she birthed her baby. He didn’t like the idea of being so far away.

“Squire, do you have those horses saddled yet?” Claude stormed into the stables.

“My lord, we are working on it,” said Felix, saddling two horses with the stable boy helping him. “You just gave me the order not five minutes ago.”

“Well, we’ve got to move fast,” said Claude, reaching out and securing the straps on the saddle himself. “It will take a good part of the day to ride to Dover and back. I need to be here for Rose.”

“She is in good hands with Isobel and your mother,” Evelina told him.

“Rose is my concern,” he said, securing the travel bag to the horse. “I promised her father as well as Toft that I would protect her and watch over her until they returned.”

“Don’t you think you are going a little overboard with all this?” asked Evelina. “After all, Rose is a grown woman. She’s not the young girl you once knew.”

“If you are going to be riding to Dover with me, I must warn you now; I don’t like chatter.”

“She’s coming with us, my lord?” asked the squire. “Shall I saddle another horse, then?”