Page 9 of An Outlaw’s Desire

“Someday,” Rosetta murmured, “you will find true love, too.”

Blythe sighed. “I would like to.”

“You will. He will be a man as wonderful as Ash.” Rosetta winked. “When we next see each other, if you are not betrothed, we will sit down and figure out how to find you a gallant knight.”

Blythe giggled. “Oh, dear.”

“Why did you sound worried?”

“I was worried. Am worried. Sometimes things do not unfold as expected.” She’d thought to remind Rosetta of the surprise they’d tucked into their elderly tutor’s basket of embroidery before the woman had woken from her nap. Judging by Rosetta’s mischievous grin, though, she clearly remembered.

“The Tormenting Toad,” Rosetta said.

They both laughed.

“Ash just cast me a puzzled glance.” Still laughing, Rosetta dried her eyes. “Oh, Blythe. How I have missed you and the fun we always have together.”

Jealousy stirred again. “Soon, you will be busy with sweet, chubby babes.”

“Bearing children will not keep me from visits with you. In fact,” she grinned, “I might see you more often. Since you don’t have young ones of your own, you can come and cuddle mine.”

“I would love that,” Blythe murmured. She’d always wanted children, although a child hadn’t been possible in her marriage.

Waving again, Rosetta called goodbye to a lord, his wife, and two daughters who were traveling by horse-drawn carriage. “While I think of it…. What are your plans for Christmas this year?”

“I do not know yet. I have not thought so far ahead.”

“Why not spend the holidays with us?”

Excitement raced through Blythe. Several years ago, her father had been ordered by the crown to relocate to a fortress near the Scottish border. Some Christmases, she and her late husband had traveled to visit her parents; others, they’d celebrated with friends or at their castle.

“Are you certain, Rosetta? ’Twill be your first holiday as a wife, and—”

“I would love for you to join us. Mother’s already insisted we should have our first married Christmas with her and Father, so Ash and I will be going to Millenstowe Keep. We’ll decorate the castle, have a splendid feast, and once again, dance until our feet hurt.” Rosetta winked. “If you are there too, you can sneak me away from the festivities, if they all become too much.”

Blythe giggled.

“Also, by Christmas, I will have had time to put together a list of possible husbands for you.”

Oh, God. “Rosetta!”

“Fear not. I will only consider the finest candidates for you, my dearest friend.”

Tears stung Blythe’s eyes as she hugged her friend again. “I would be delighted to accept your invitation.”

“Good. I will smile all day, knowing I have firm plans to see you again.”

Blythe hated goodbyes. But, December was only four months away, and today’s parting was nowhere near as difficult as saying goodbye to Pitt long ago.

Catching her gaze, the stable hand signaled that the other riders in her group were ready to depart. “I look forward to December,” Blythe said.

“As do I. I know ’twill be an exceptional Christmas.”

The Town of Hakeston

Warwickshire, England

Early December, 1192