Forbidden: Claude (Second in Command #2)(36)
“Let’s go,” said Claude, rushing back into the room to grab his weapon belt and fastening it around his waist. He scooped up the travel bag and stepped out into the corridor. “We have no time to waste.”
“Claude?” Evelina peeked around the door with sleepy eyes, clutching the blanket around her bare body. “What is happening?”
“Damn,” he spat, forgetting momentarily all about her. He had no time to wait for her to dress, and riding double was only going to slow them down. “Felix, you’ll wait for Evelina, and bring her back to the castle with you.”
“Are you leaving?” asked Evelina. “I don’t understand.”
“It’s Rose,” said Claude, taking one last look at Evelina. He wished things were different and wanted nothing more than to go back to bed and hold her tightly in his arms.
“It’s Rose?” she asked, looking at each of the men in turn.
“She needs me,” said Claude. “I should have been with her, but I was here instead. Now, because of my foolishness, the woman that means everything in the world to me might die!” He hurried away with the guard, only hoping he could make it back to Rose before it was too late.
Evelina packed the soul cakes into a travel bag and went to get her old clothes by the fire, only finding the shoes. She smiled at the shoes Rose had given her, running a hand over the soft, embroidered slippers. Then she picked up the purple gown and pulled it over her head. It had felt wonderful being a lady for the night, although she couldn’t say she wasn’t embarrassed at the way she’d conducted herself around Claude.
But making love to Claude felt right, even if she had given her virginity to a man that might not marry her after all. By the way he said Rose was the woman who meant everything in the world to him, it sounded like he was still in love with her after all. She thought things would be different after last night and that he’d care for her the way he cared for Rose. But this morning, he almost seemed to forget she was even there.
She hurriedly shoved the rest of her things into the travel bag, worried about the fate of Rose as well. It bothered her how Claude took off in a hurry to be at Rose’s side, not even taking a moment to say good morning to her. Was she being selfish and petty in such a time of need? Mayhap so, she wasn’t sure.
Had their coupling meant nothing to him? He told her he was falling in love with her, but he certainly didn’t act like it this morning.
“Evelina?” Felix knocked and then stuck his head in through the partially open door.
“Felix, I am ready,” she told him. “Let’s hurry to help Rose.”
“I’m afraid we can’t leave yet,” he told her.
“Can’t leave? Why not? Rose is in trouble.”
“I understand. But unfortunately, the horse we are using has thrown a shoe.”
“Well, get a blacksmith, quickly.”
“The blacksmith is in town, so we’ll have to walk with the horse until we get there.”
“Walk?” She looked down to her velvet gown and soft slippers. “Then I will have to change into my other clothes.” She looked through the travel bag but couldn’t find them. “Where are they?”
“Perhaps they are in the travel bag I saw Lord Claude take with him.”
“Well, then I will have to wear my good clothes, but I am afraid they will get ruined.”
“You look very pretty today,” said Felix. “Isn’t that the gown of a lady?”
“Aye, it is,” she told him. “I am wearing it because I am a lady, pretending to be a handmaid.”
“You are?” Felix’s eyes opened wide in surprise.
“My name is Lady Evelina du Pont from France. My father is a count.”
“By the rood,” said Felix, holding on to the doorframe for support. “Does Sir Claude know this?”
“I tried to tell him, but I don’t think he understood. Or at least, he didn’t believe me.”
“Why are you pretending to be a handmaid?” he asked.
“I will tell you all about it on the long walk to town.” She picked up the travel bag and slung it over her shoulder.
“Nay, let me carry that, my lady,” said Felix, taking the bag from her. She smiled. Felix accepted the news easily. Now, if only Claude would feel the same way, it would help. However, somehow, she thought he would have an entirely different reaction.
Chapter 14
Riding like the devil was on his heels, Claude made it back to Briarbeck Castle in good time. Even with the flooded roads and alternate route, he didn’t let it deter him from getting to Rose’s side.
He rode into the courtyard, jumping off the horse and tossing the reins to a stable boy. Then he grabbed the travel bag with the soul cakes in it and ran toward the keep. His mother was there to greet him just outside the great hall. She had a discontented look on her face, so he knew the news was not going to be good.
“How is Rose?” he asked, giving his mother a quick hug and peck on the cheek.
“Not good, Claude. She is having a very difficult time with the birth of the baby. It is too big and does not want to be born. The midwife said she has lost a lot of blood. The longer it takes, the less chance of Rose or the baby surviving.”