Page 29 of Forbidden: Claude

“You’re not missing anything unless you’d like a pair of shoes, too,” giggled Rose.

“Evelina was just about to try on her new shoes,” Isobel told him. “Go ahead, lassie, put them on.”

With everyone staring at her, Evelina had no choice but to try on the shoes. She decided she would tell Isobel and Rose her secret later. She wanted to wait until Claude wasn’t around.

“They fit ye like a glove,” said Isobel.

“Yes, they do.” Evelina lifted the hem of her skirt and admired the beautiful shoes.

“Don’t they look good on her, Claude?” asked Rose.

“Huh?” Claude glanced down at the shoes and then back up to Rose. “Yes, I suppose so. Rose, are you ready? We are going to be late for mass.”

“I’m not going,” she said. “I am spending the day with Isobel. We are headed to town to shop.”

“Not going to mass?” asked Claude in surprise. “Why not?”

“It is a pregnant woman’s prerogative to change her mind, Claude.”

“All right. I’ll have my squire prepare the horse and cart, anon.” Claude turned and headed for the door.

“You are not coming with us,” said Rose.

Claude stopped and turned to face Rose with a perplexed look on his face. “What do you mean? You will need an escort. I am supposed to be watching you.”

“My father’s guard can escort us,” said Rose. “I have another task for you.”

“You do?” Claude furrowed his brow. “What could be more important?”

“I have a craving for rosemary and lavender soul cakes.”

“Soul cakes? It’s not even close to All Hallow’s Eve,” said Claude. “Where am I going to find those?”

“I know a woman who makes them fresh every day at the White Cliff Inn,” Rose informed him. “That is where you can find them.”

“The White Cliff Inn,” repeated Evelina. “Where is that?”

“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.”