Page 22 of Forbidden: Claude

“I’m saying that I’m in love with Toft and have always been. He is my husband, and we will soon have a baby together. I hope to have many more babies with him.”

“Why are you telling me this? I don’t understand.”

There was an awkward silence between them and then she shrugged her shoulders. “I suppose I am rambling on because I miss Toft and wish he were here with me when I give birth. But you are here, and that is the next best thing. Now, carry me down to the water because I should have waited to remove my shoes until after we were on the shore. I don’t want to step on a stick or rock and stumble along the way.”

“Yes, my lady,” said Claude, scooping her up into his arms. He let out an involuntary groan, and that made them both laugh.

“Claude de Bar Montague, if I hear you groan again I am going to think you are telling me I’ve grown fat.”

“Never, my lady,” said Claude, carrying her down to the water.

“Where are they going?”Felix asked Evelina, causing her to look across the grass only to see Rose in Claude’s arms. They were laughing as he carried her to the shore. Evelina had been having a pleasant conversation with Felix and enjoying herself. But now, all she wanted to do was go back to the castle.

“It looks like they are going to walk along the shore,” she answered.

“That looks like fun. Let’s go join them.” Felix jumped off the wagon.

“Nay,” she said, feeling her stomach form into a knot. “I’ll stay here. I don’t think I am up for a stroll along the beach.”

Now, she realized she must have imagined that Claude was interested in her. He still loved Rose, and it was obvious. Never would she be fooled by him again.