Simon’s mouth nearly dropped open in shock. He shot an inquiring glance at Cecily. And could read her well enough to know she supported his sister’s aspirations.

  Instinct urged him to deny Annis’s request outright, but her and Cecily’s pleading looks encouraged him to consider before answering. “I will consider your request and give you my answer in a few days,” he replied in as gracious a tone as he could summon. That was the best he could do for now.

  As the head of the family, society and his own heart tasked him to do what was best for them. Letting them make their own choices somehow made him feel incapable.

  Melisant’s hands were clasped so tightly her fingers were white. “That you seek to dower us all well shows how seriously you take your responsibility as our guardian. I love living with you and my sisters, but I’m ready to have my own home and family. I ask that you agree to seek a suitor for me now instead of waiting until you’ve determined you’ve saved enough coin.”

  Twinges of guilt at holding Melisant back washed over him. “I see. Do you have anyone in mind?”

  “No. But in case it takes time to find someone, I need to start soon.”

  Simon nodded. “Very well. I’ll take that under advisement.”

  Cecily looked as proud as any mother.

  Simon turned to Nissa. “What is it you want?”

  His question brought tears to her eyes. “Thank you for asking. Nothing more than to assist you and learn what I can of your craft. I don’t know if there are any female apprentices or if I’m too old to begin, but I’ve always adored the beautiful pieces you create. How will this benefit you?” She glanced at her parchment. “Whatever tasks I can relieve you of yield more time to design and create. Mayhap I could learn to bargain for the gems and supplies you need. What do you think?”

  Nissa trembled. Despite her fear, she wanted this badly enough to ask. Surely, they weren’t afraid of him?

  “Females in my craft are few, and most are wives who have learned from or taken over for their husbands.” Simon prayed he could spare her the hardships of being different or mistreated by men who believed they were superior to a woman.

  His sisters were forcing him to take stock of his actions and choices made on their behalf. They’d said they appreciated him, but clearly, they weren’t happy.

  He’d been raised to believe a man was supposed to choose for the women under his care. How much should he take their wishes into account, especially if they went against his own? True, more women plied a trade now than in decades past. But since their parents had died, his goal had been to carry out their dream of finding husbands who could provide them with the most comfortable life. Accomplishing that required money.

  Then it hit him. He’d chosen to provide them the easiest, most comfortable life possible while sparing them unhappiness and worry. But those emotions were part of life. He’d hoped to avoid them suffering any hardships. The meeting showed that he’d sheltered them too much. And those realizations made his chest ache. Had he actually failed them in trying his best to support them?

  “Is tomorrow too soon, Nissa?” he asked. “We’ll start with simple things and see how you fare.”

  “I can’t wait! I’m so happy.” Nissa stood with excitement. Tears fell down her cheeks. “Thank you, Simon!”

  “Thank you, brother,” the others said.

  The trio looked to Cecily, whose approval evidently meant as much as his. Her radiant smile warmed his heart. She was a ray of sunshine when he hadn’t known he needed joy. But he did. Thanks to her encouragement, he was now willing to let his sisters go.

  How could he let Cecily go, too? He couldn’t. So how could he entice her to stay?

  Cecily couldn’t have been prouder if the sisters had been her own daughters. The three rushed over to give her a hug, then departed with a new lightness to their steps and talking about how they were looking forward to their new ventures.

  They’d dared to be honest with Simon despite fears of rejection and refusal. Despite standing up to a man.

  She had to be that brave with her grandmother, too. Or what did she have to look forward to but more of the same?

  As she stood, she noted that Simon regarded her strangely. The meeting had to have been challenging for him.

  “You put them up to this?” he asked.

  “Only after they confided their hopes and dreams. I advised them to prepare their requests with care and be calm when asserting them.”

  He was silent for a long moment. Was he upset? He seemed more sad than angry.

  “It’s hard for me to accept, but you’re right. I thought to protect them, but I can see that in so doing I might’ve hindered their happiness. I treated them all the same and they’re very different. How can I thank you for this gift you’ve given me? And my sisters?” He took her hands.

  The rush of warmth coursing through her at his touch was more than enough thanks. “None are needed. I feared that encouraging them wasn’t my place, even though I consider them friends. I’m glad you’re not offended.”

  “I admit to being so at first. It’s my duty to care for them. Their earnestness and words swayed me. Why should any brother be able to demand a sister live a certain way?” He shook his head.

  She liked the way his dark hair moved. The comfort of her hands in his. She liked too many things about him. Getting involved with his sisters had helped the three of them but could prove a mistake for her. Now she felt invested in the family.

  And, the process had shown her that living alone or with Gran were no longer her first choices. She, like Melisant, desired a family of her own. That admission both scared her more than anything and filled her with more joy than she’d known since her son and Adam had died.

  “Nothing has been the same since you came into my life.”

  For me, either.

  Simon still held her hands. She couldn’t bring herself to withdraw them. “Change is unsettling. But, I suppose, necessary to grow.”

  “Nissa has hinted about helping in my shop. I didn’t even consider her viewpoint or what good could come of a sister at work. And because a woman in business faces a difficult journey. She should make the choice whether to continue or to do something else. Not me.”

  “I’ve learned something from your sisters, too. Being willing to change instead of fearing the outcome or stubbornly insisting that things remain the same shows maturity.” Her mother had been right, though she couldn’t have anticipated how Cecily’s growth would come to pass.

  Another thing they agreed on. Were these enough to develop a true partnership?

  “I’ve been spending so much time on our pursuit of a way to open that box. I must do some work. Before I go, you should know someone broke a window yesterday. We doubt anyone entered the house, but that someone may be aware of the chalice.”

  “Oh, no. That’s most unfortunate.”

  “I’ll hire a guard today. May I visit you tonight after I leave my shop to discuss the chalice?”

  “Of course.” She had work to do, too.

  He leaned in. For an exciting instant, she thought he’d kiss her again, but Everard entered the room and the moment passed. She hoped before this was over, they’d share more intimate moments again.

  Chapter Eight

  Cecily walked to Joanna’s glass-painting shop. Simon’s meeting with his sisters and the commitment with which they’d spoken had inspired her. As had the look on Nissa’s face when Simon agreed to let her assist in his shop.

  She’d always liked Joanna’s workshop filled with interesting tools, sheets of colored and clear glass, paint jars, and brushes. The whitewashed glazing table held a work in progress, a narrow rectangle depicting, of all things, a chalice. Cut out pieces of blue and yellow and glass rested in their marked positions on the design.

  Her cousin pulled her into a hug. It brought Cecily comfort, and she suddenly wished that she and Gran would share the same.

  Joanna had lovely green eyes and red curly hair tied back with a strip of leather. An apron covered the front of her dark red gown. “What a pleasant surprise. So good to see you.”

  “And you, cousin.” They were nearly the same age. Fear of being pitied had kept Cecily away. Now she realized another mistake she’d made. Perhaps she could’ve relied on Joanna instead of avoiding her. “I’m so sorry it’s been so long.”

  “You were going through a difficult time.”

  Even now, the caring tone in her voice brought tears to Cecily’s eyes. This kind of sympathy at the time would’ve reduced her to a sobbing lump on the floor. She shook off the tears.

  “Yes. I should’ve accepted more help,” she admitted. “How is your family?”

  Joanna grimaced. “Unfortunately, my brother has been trying to gain control of my workshop. And Margery… I’m hoping she’ll settle down soon. How do you fare?”

  “Better than I have been.” Cecily shared the tale of meeting Simon and their subsequent dealings. Though she trusted Joanna, she didn’t mention the full truth of the chalice, just that it was of gold and gems.

  “What will you do with it?”

  “We’re not sure yet. So far, we don’t agree.”

  “And Simon…dare I say he sounds intriguing?”

  “Except for our disagreement, he’s wonderful. Handsome, intelligent, kind…everything any woman would ask for in a husband.” Though she’d never admit it aloud, she indeed wanted a husband—Simon made her feel that way. “And we shared a kiss. I’m at war with myself. I think about him all the time and can’t wait to be with him again. Is it disloyal to admit that I’m coming to care for Simon even more than Adam? And while I’m excited, I’m also frightened. I cannot bear losing another man who’s important to me.”

  “How does he feel about you?”

  “I think he struggles with his feelings, too. He’s said he cares for me. But he works long hours. Were he to wed, he’d likely prefer someone who brought wealth to his family.”

  Her cousin nodded in understanding.

  “My eyes have been opened to the way I allowed grief to consume me. How I pushed away friends and left myself with no one to confide in. Maybe I truly wasn’t ready to speak of it, but I should have tried instead of wallowing in it. I love Gran and owe her so much, but I can’t continue to be her maidservant.”

  “I wish my home was large enough for you both. If Margery marries, I’d have room for one of you.”

  “That is very kind. I’m not here seeking lodging, but employment. I don’t know anything about your trade beyond the little we’ve discussed over the years.”

  “Your timing is good. Margery doesn’t enjoy helping and asked for a break. So, you wouldn’t be learning the craft at first, but would take on her tasks.”

  Relief washed over Cecily. She threw her arms around her cousin. “Joanna, that sounds perfect. How can I thank you?”

  “More windows to make is all the thanks I need. You can start next week. Many of my—our—clients are wealthy. So maybe you’ll make connections Simon can benefit from, too.”

  Cecily left the shop finally. His patience ran thin, for she’d been inside too long. Now was his chance.

  Cuthbert had waited until she’d left her home, heading in the opposite direction than she’d take to go to Simon’s. Good. The farther away from him he could remain, the better.

  Just as he’d been about to make his move, she’d knocked on a door and been welcomed inside. He needed her alone, which is why he hadn’t approached her at home.

  Cuthbert followed Cecily as closely as he dared until she reached a quieter street.

  Now was his chance!

  Silently creeping up behind her, he lifted a burlap sack over her head and tried to cover her mouth.

  She squealed, squirmed, and even kicked, but was no match for him.

  “Cecily, I know who you are, and I know what you and Simon have. Stop struggling or I’ll have to cut you.”

  Instantly, she stilled. Except for her shoulders, which moved with her heavy breathing.

  “I have a dagger. I’m going to take the bag off and you’re going to come with me quietly. Understood?”

  She nodded against his hand.

  He pulled off the bag and met her wild-eyed gaze.

  Why hadn’t he brought a blindfold? Now she knew what he looked like. Then again, he couldn’t walk through York with a blindfolded woman.

  She didn’t recognize him. No one ever noticed a mere clerk.

  He snatched his dagger from his waist and brandished it. She recoiled, as he’d hoped. Better for her to fear him.

  Two men strode around the corner, and he turned the blade down and tucked it beneath his arm.

  “Do not scream, Cecily. Do you understand me?”

  She nodded again.

  “Good. We’re going for a walk. I don’t intend to harm you, but if you disobey, you’ll make me.” He pressed the tip of the blade against her back, just hard enough so she’d feel pressure through her gown.

  “What do you hope to gain?” Her voice wavered as if she might cry.

  He didn’t like that. Tears made him nervous. “I need the chalice. It’s either that or your life.”

  “What chalice?”

  His hand tightened around her waist. “Don’t be stupid. I saw you with Simon. I saw it. And I must have it. No matter the cost.”

  He smiled and took her elbow as if they were a couple, and he escorted her on a pleasant stroll. Again, he wished he could blindfold her so she couldn’t tell where they were going.

  She remained silent until they reached his tiny room. He’d even cleaned it in anticipation of his honored guest and bought better bread than usual. He’d thought everything through.

  Cuthbert offered her his stool. She sat.

  “What now? You think to hold me ransom for the chalice?”

  “A messenger will deliver a note to Simon at sext. Assuming he follows my instructions, you should be free before nones.”

  And he’d slip out of town before vespers.

  Cecily shivered as if winter winds blew despite the heat in the chamber. The man stood in the corner by the grimy window, staring at her with narrowed eyes. Sweat plastered his thin brown hair to his head.

  He was mad, obsessed with the chalice.

  When his dagger had pressed against her back, she feared any sudden movement would lead him to stab her. His grip on her arm hadn’t been very tight, so she’d considered trying to outrun him or at least raise enough of a cry to summon help. But she worried that someone might get injured trying to help her. Including Simon. She couldn’t bear that. She’d have to figure out how to free herself before he received the note.

  “If you’re hungry, there’s some fresh bread,” he said. “I really don’t want to harm you. I just need the chalice.”

  “Thank you. Perhaps I shall eat some in a bit.” She tried to appease him. Even if he had the finest drink, it wouldn’t help her swallow down bread right now.

  The man paced nervously but could only take a few steps before having to turn around, which made her more anxious. She didn’t dare close her eyes lest she miss something. So, she stared at a stain on the wall that resembled the shape of a flower.

  He hadn’t tied her up. Could she flee?

  When he was as far from the door as he could go, she leapt to open it. He was upon her in an instant, smashing it closed, narrowly missing her foot.

  “It’ll be your fault if I hurt you, Cecily.” His breath was sour.

  The pommel of a dagger gleamed from his belt. Yes. She grabbed it from the sheath, but he knocked it out of her hand. The dagger hit the wall and fell to the floor.

  The man snatched up the weapon and pointed it at her. “Are you asking for trouble?”

  “No.” She returned to the stool.

  Now what?

  “My first day! I’m ready to learn,” Nissa said as she and Simon entered his workshop. “Where do we begin?”

  Her bright eyes and eagerness made Simon more comfortable with accepting her offer. Nissa had visited his workshop before, of course, but now she was his apprentice. He’d never worked with a woman, much less a sister. So, he’d treat her the same way he’d treat a man.

  “I must finish a brooch, so I’ll give you a simple yet still important task. Then I’ll teach you about some of my tools and how I work.” He indicated a stool he’d placed next to his and handed her a rabbit’s foot. “Use this to polish this silver plate. See these tiny specks? You need to save them. Put this on, and use it to collect the scraps.”

  “Very well.” Nissa put on the leather apron. As she sat, a knock sounded at the door.

  “Who could that be? We’re not open yet.” When he opened the door, a boy he didn’t recognize handed over a missive. After giving the boy a coin from his purse, he opened the letter and gasped.

  “I have Cecily. Bring me the chalice. Come alone to Micklegate Bar. Do not bring a constable, or she’ll regret it,” he read aloud.

  “Oh, no!” Nissa cried.

  Simon quickly opened the door again and glanced up and down the street, but the boy was long gone. Livid that anyone would threaten or harm someone he knew, he worried about Cecily and how frightened and alone she must be.

  “I’ll be back,” he said.

  Nissa jumped to her feet. “What are you going to do?”

  “Save her, of course.”

  “It’s time. Let’s go.” The man waved the dagger toward the door. As before, he held the tip against her back as they walked for a few minutes until they ended up at Micklegate Bar, one of York’s main gates.

  Minutes passed. Many people went in and out of the city, but none were Simon.

  “He should be here by now.”

  She knew the man was getting more nervous by the way he breathed. That didn’t bode well.

 

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