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“Away from prying eyes and overly curious ears.”

It’s clear we’re following a path, and with my attention on our surroundings—timber-framed buildings with thatched roofs, others built of stone—I don’t notice when she veers off in another direction. But she certainly notices.

“Nay! This way.”

I stop and strain to see what’s ahead.

“Why don’t you wish to continue this way?” I ask.

She grimaces.

“I shall go ahead and see for myself.”

Aedre exhales loudly, frustrated. “That way lies the forge where my father works.”

Ah yes, she’s the blacksmith’s daughter.

“He would not be keen to see us together?”

Understandable, as Aedre is an unmarried maid.

“Even less if he knew the reason. This way.”

Following her through the winding paths between buildings, I consider her words. So her father does not care for her chosen profession. Interesting. Back home, without a father’s approval, she would find it difficult to pursue such a path.

A dog emerges from what appears to be the tailor’s shop. Stopping, I reach down to pet him without thinking. It’s attention he wants, and I’m more than willing to give it.

“Good day, Lady Aedre.”

The tailor.

“And . . .”

I stand, offering my hand. “Lord d’Abella, at your service.”

Though quite old and unable to stand completely straight, he shakes my hand vigorously. “Ronald, my lord.”

I step back, aware Aedre wishes to move on. “Good day, Ronald. To you and . . . ?”

“Dog.”

Did I hear him correctly? “Your dog’s name is Dog?”

“Aye, my lord.”

I try not to smile. “Very good. ’Twas my pleasure to meet you both.”

As we move away, I notice something quite surprising.

“You’re smiling,” I say to Aedre without thinking. But the smile disappears as soon as I mention it, my words snuffing it out of existence.

“This way,” she says with an aggrieved sniff.

Emerging once again at the water’s edge, the docks giving way to a rocky coastline, we continue to walk. As the buildings fall away, I watch her. Curious.

“Should we not stay in the village?”

No answer.