Quest of the Highlander (Crowns & Kilts #5) - Cynthia Wright Page 0,96

He needs a father.”

“Nothing can be done about that.” Nora watched her friend for a moment. What was in her mind? “Believe me, I will find a way. Dear Joan has already promised to look after the baby when I am away weaving, just as she would one of her own grandchildren.”

Cicely rolled her eyes. “That’s not good enough.” Leaning forward, she embraced Nora and kissed her cheek. “I will try to come again before we leave London. You are the bravest person I know!”

* * *

Outside on Cockspur Court, Cicely set off toward the comfortable home Robin owned a quarter mile away. One day she intended that they would live somewhere truly elegant along the Thames, but for now this cast-off family abode would have to suffice.

Her thoughts whirled as she wound her way through the crush. How could Nora possibly spend her days weaving while her child stayed in that gloomy house with Mistress Farthing? Was it folly to imagine that a suitable husband might appear, believing Nora to be a widow? But where could one be found?

“Watch out!” yelled a boy’s voice.

Startled, Cicely saw that she was about to collide with a packhorse belonging to a young water carrier. The lad, who was going from house to house to sell water, spilled half his bucket. She stepped back, mumbling an apology, but he continued to scowl at her.

“Look where you’re goin’, mistress!” shouted the water carrier.

“See here, I certainly didn’t mean—”

Before Cicely could utter another word, a hand gripped her elbow through the fine silk of her sleeve, and a shadow fell across her vision.

“Do not apologize to this varlet,” a man’s voice warned. Then, to the boy, her rescuer thundered, “How dare you speak to a noblewoman in that manner? Get away from us, this instant!”

Cicely’s heart pounded in disbelief. She tried to focus. It couldn’t be! Yet, looming above her, she saw the darkly handsome face of Sir Raymond Slater.

* * *

“Come into my coach,” Sir Raymond commanded, leading Cicely to his nearby carriage and then lifting her off her feet. Her skirts were caught in the narrow doorway, holding her back, but he reached down and quickly freed her. “I will take you home.”

She stared, still stunned, as he vaulted up into the vehicle and took the seat opposite hers. Resplendent in a crimson doublet trimmed with black and silver, his eyes sparkled as he stared at her.

“But,” Cicely croaked, “you are dead!”

“Not at all.” He flashed a wicked smile. “You should not listen to such vile rumors, pet. Did you really think a mere storm could kill me?”

“But where have you been? When did you return to London?”

“I stayed in Spain, with the wealthy merchant whose ship plucked me out of the sea.” Slater looked bored. “I have only been in London for a day. I was just going to my house, but soon enough I will get out of this godforsaken cesspit and travel to the country.”

Cicely put a hand to her brow, feeling overcome by shock and the oppressive heat inside the coach. It came to her that her meeting with Sir Raymond Slater had not happened by chance. It was clearly meant to be. “Raymond…”

“Yes, pet?” His voice was smooth, and his eyes wandered over her in a way that made her nipples tighten.

“There is something important I must discuss with you.”

“Are you inviting me to come inside with you?” His dark brows flicked upward suggestively.

Cicely was tempted, but she reminded herself that when she married Robin she had made a sensible choice, leaving flirtations like this behind. “No, I can tell you here. Do you remember a lovely red-headed girl you met while in Scotland, at Stirling Castle? Her name was Nora Brodie.”

“Ah, yes. The weaver’s daughter. A bit too stiff for my taste.” He paused. “How did you know of her?”

“We met when Robin and I went to Scotland, in the spring.” They had begun to clatter along the cobbles, bound for her own abode, Cicely supposed, and in only a few minutes they would arrive there. Time was of the essence. Leaning forward, she tugged at the slashed sleeve of his doublet. “I have news about Nora that you must hear.”

“You look pale, pet. Will you have one of my special sweetmeats?” He started to withdraw an emerald-studded case from a hidden pocket. “I brought them from the West Indies.”

“No, no, I am fine. But kindly attend me. This is important.” She began to tell him about