“And I shall have ten currant buns.”
“Who are you purchasing those items for?”
Leo gave her a smile that made something flutter in her stomach.
“Actually I could eat the lot, but I am visiting friends, and shall allow them one each.”
Once they were outside again, Beth handed over a bun each to Joseph and Amanda, and a gingerbread man to Scarlet.
“Well, good day to you, my lord. We are to return to the house now.”
“I shall walk with you,” he said, already eating one of the buns.
“We have no wish to delay you.”
“You will not. I have no fixed time for my arrival.”
“But surely you have no wish to walk all the way to my house?”
“It is a fifteen-minute walk at best, Beth. I fear it shall not tax me overly.”
He gave her a smile that told Beth he knew exactly what he was doing, annoying her with his continued insistence that he keep company with them.
“Just go, Leo,” Beth said, exasperated.
“No, and I like it when you call me Leo, by the way.”
Before she could stop him, he’d lifted the children onto his horse once more, and started back the way they had come.
“Are you coming?” He looked over his shoulder to where she still stood.
She wanted to shake her head and say no, but it would be childish to do so, even if right at that moment she felt just that. Raising her chin, she made herself join him, but this time she did not take his arm, as she was holding the food. Thankfully.
They walked, he conversed, she listened, and found herself relaxing slightly. At least if she walked with him, she was safe. A strange thought, but for a few brief moments she could let her worries go and simply breathe. No one would harm her with Leo at her side.
Looking around them, she recognized no faces, but had not thought she would, as it was too early for many to leave their beds.
Nibbling on her bun, she picked out a currant and enjoyed the sweet burst of flavor as she popped into her mouth.
“My sister used to do that.”
“Do what?” Beth looked at Leo.
“Pick out the currants before eating the bun.”
“I have always done so, and it allows one to savor the bun, as it lasts longer.”
“I have another should you wish to consume it faster.”
“I’m sure you have more need of it than I.”
He didn’t reply, just took another large bite of his bun and made a humming noise that told her he was enjoying it.
Beth sucked on another currant and looked around her. She saw a man standing in a doorway; it was set back slightly from the shop’s façade. He stood with his face averted, and yet she was sure he was watching her. A trickle of fear slithered down her spine.
“What?”
“What?” She pulled her eyes away to look at Leo.
