Forbidden: Claude (Second in Command #2)(27)

Claude stopped the horse and slid off before it even came to a complete stop. Then he reached up and put his arms around Evelina’s waist, helping her dismount. With her hands on his shoulders, she slid down his chest. Claude was award of every womanly curve of her body against him and beneath his fingers. Then, she looked up, and he found himself falling deep into her bright eyes.

Sunshine illuminated her oaken hair as it lifted in the breeze. She was beautiful. Just as beautiful as any noblewoman he had ever known. Why hadn’t he fully realized this before?

“I’ll be right back,” she said, turning and walking into the foliage. He watched her go, feeling the bulge in his breeches growing even more. Damn, he wanted her. By right, she was only a servant, and he was a noble. He could command her to go to bed with him and she couldn’t deny him.

But Claude wasn’t like that. He didn’t possess the ways of his father or some of the other nobles. Nay, he had never taken any woman, not even a servant, to his bed without her consent. Bedding Evelina was out of the question. It was evident the girl didn’t like him because she kept slapping him.

“Do you want me to tend to the horses, my lord?” asked Felix.

“Aye,” he said. “I need a few minutes alone, so don’t bother me.”

“Of course, my lord.”

Claude went down to the water to douse his face and, hopefully, extinguish the fire burning inside him. With Evelina along, this was going to be a very long trip.





Chapter 10





After stopping to water the horses, Claude had Evelina ride with Felix. She was a little disheartened and wondered why. He had also been adamant that she ride behind Felix instead of in front of him.

“This is it,” said Claude, hopping off his horse as soon as they approached the White Cliff Inn. It was located at the top of one of the white cliffs of Dover, overlooking the channel. Dover was the closest point from England to France. Evelina had often been able to see the white cliffs of Dover from the shores of France on a clear day. The blue-green waters shone in the sun, and the vast sky was filled with swirling clouds.

“The view is breathtaking,” said Evelina from atop the horse.

“Let me help you down.” Felix reached up for her.

“Nay. You tend to the horses. I’ll get her.” Claude was there instantly, reaching up and wrapping his hands around her waist and helping her dismount.

“Thank you,” she said, staring out at the water. “Isn’t this beautiful?”

Claude didn’t even seem to notice the beauty all around them. “Stay here and look at the water if you want. I’ll go inside and pick up the soul cakes. Then, we’ll be off to get the rest of the supplies and be on our way back to Sandwich.”

“But we just got here,” protested Evelina, wanting to take some time to enjoy her surroundings.

“I have a job to do and need to get back to Rose’s side.” Claude was stubborn, and it would probably do no good to complain. He was in a hurry to get back to Rose and nothing she did was going to stop him.

“I’m hungry,” complained Felix. “Something sure smells good coming from the inn.”

“We’ll eat when we get back to Briarbeck Castle and not before,” growled Claude.

Claude left Evelina standing there, hurrying to the inn.

“What is the matter with him?” she asked Felix.

“I’m not sure,” said Felix, tending to the horses. “I have never seen him act this way before. It is almost as if something is bothering him.”

“Do you think it’s me?” she asked.

“You?” Felix laughed, running his hand down the neck of the horse. “How could you bother anyone? You are a pure joy to be around. And a sight for sore eyes as well, I must add.”

“You are too kind, Felix.” She looked over at the inn. It was a small and quaint establishment made of wood with a clay-tiled roof. The aroma of food drifted on the breeze, making her mouth water. “I just wish I knew why Claude doesn’t like me.”

It wasn’t but a few minutes later when Claude came out of the inn with a scowl on his face.

“Why the frown, my lord?” asked Felix.

“The innkeeper’s wife says they are sold out of soul cakes. She needs to make more.”

“How long will that take?” asked Evelina.

“She has to send one of her servants out to get more rosemary and lavender. She said it might take a few hours before they are ready.”

“Good,” said Felix. “That will give us time for an ale or two and mayhap a bowl of pottage.”

“Nay. You’ll take Evelina to town to get the rest of the things Lady Rose needs,” said Claude. “I will wait here for the soul cakes.”

“But the horses need to rest,” complained Felix.

“The innkeeper has offered to lend you his horse and wagon. Just don’t tarry.” Claude looked out over the channel. His eyes narrowed. “There is a change in the wind. I have a feeling bad weather is on the way. I want to get back to Sandwich before it starts raining.”

“Rain?” Evelina looked out over the sea. The sun was shining although there were clouds in the sky. “It is a beautiful day.”

“Trust me. I know about storms. There is one coming,” Claude grunted.