He didn’t wish to dampen their spirits.Eve had come to his aid when he needed her most.
But he questioned how much he should rely on her judgment as to safety in matters of life and death, considering a few things he knew about the nun.
For one thing, she seemed to be Sister Eve only when it suited her.
She somehow had an endless supply of clothing and seldom wanted for coin.
For a woman on her own, she traveled fearlessly far and wide.
And he had to wonder why she’d arrived in a sumptuous velvet gown and was fleeing again in a humble nun’s habit, rushing off as if the Devil were after her.
But he didn’t want to ask too many questions and risk offending her.
Instead he said, “I’m sure you’re right.But I’d feel safer if we had the clan seals and royal approval on the wedding decree.”
Eve shrugged.“Done.Do ye have the document?”
He fetched it from his satchel.
She took the scroll, lifted up her scapular, and stuffed it down the front of her leine.
Before he could utter another word and while Carenza’s jaw still hung open, Eve whirled and headed for the door.
“You’re leaving already?”he asked.Her hasty departure was highly suspicious.
“Aye.”
“But you’re coming back?”
“O’ course.”
“But your gown,” Carenza said.
Eve took a considerate glance at the precious garment.“Hold onto it for me, will ye?”
Then, before Carenza could even close her gaping mouth, Eve peeked out the door and slipped out, continuing on her way, scurrying rapidly across the glen.
To Hew’s surprise, Carenza was first to bring up doubts about their guest.
“How well do ye know Sister Eve?”she asked.
He didn’t want to tell her how close he’d come to swiving Eve when he hadn’t realized she was a nun.“Not terribly well.”
“Do ye trust her?”
“To be honest, not completely.”
“I know, aye?Where did she get such an expensive gown?”she asked, stroking the soft velvet as if it were a pet.“There was definitely someone chasing her.”
Hew nodded.“I don’t think she’d hurt a fly.She doesn’t have a mean bone in her body.”
“And she’s a nun.”
“Right.”Hew didn’t want to have that complex discussion right now.“But I’m not sure she always has her facts right.”
“I’m glad she’s goin’ to get the permissions.”She looked up at him with creased brows, as if she didn’t want to disappoint him.“I know ’tis miserable for ye, living alone in the woods with only birds and squirrels for company.But I’d rather live here with ye till I’m old and gray than come out o’ hidin’ too soon and risk losin’ ye.”
Hew’s heart melted at her touching words.If she realized how much he’d enjoyed sharing this laborious but rewarding adventure with her, she wouldn’t have apologized.Mostly he was relieved he didn’t have to be the one to dampen their plans to return to Dunlop.
