“Maybe he’s not coming. Maybe whatever you’re guessing he has isn’t priceless after all.” She had to take action. Standing quietly wasn’t helping her cause.

  “Maybe. I’ll find out for myself. Assuming he values your life more than King John’s chalice.” He took a few steps forward, then turned quickly back as if he realized he needed to keep an eye on her.

  Desperation rang clear in his voice, but Cecily wouldn’t feel sorry for him. “We could go to him. I know where his shop is,” she suggested.

  “No. We wait, and Simon better follow through, or else.”

  Cecily stood only a few feet away, apparently unharmed. Her face showed both hope and fear when she saw him. Simon couldn’t wait to have her free and in his arms again, but he resisted the urge to run to her. The last thing he needed was to put her in greater peril by angering whoever had taken her.

  He’d been ready to explode since receiving the missive. Just make the exchange and get her out of there. Unless he was a trusting idiot and the thief schemed to entrap him, too.

  From behind Cecily stepped Cuthbert, Julian’s clerk. Simon flinched. He hadn’t expected to have met the man guilty of taking Cecily.

  Cuthbert waved him closer with his right hand. Simon caught the glint of a blade in his left.

  He froze mid-step. Had the lunatic held Cecily at knifepoint all day? Slowly, he walked forward, masking his fury.

  “I see you paid attention and came alone,” Cuthbert said. “Where is it?”

  “Here. In this bag.” Simon held out a leather pouch.

  “Show me,” he ordered.

  After Simon opened the bag without displaying the chalice, Cuthbert grabbed the sack with one hand and shoved Cecily toward him with the other. Simon swept her into his arms as Cuthbert ran out of the gate.

  Simon released her, demanding, “Did he hurt you?”

  “No.” Cecily could barely speak for the depth of her gratitude. Simon had saved her. She needed the comfort and reassurance of his arms around her again.

  “Thank God.” He let out a breath of relief, then enveloped her in another hug until her shaking stopped. She was where she wanted to be. His caring soothed her as nothing else could.

  “You see how dangerous life can be?” he whispered. “This is far worse than anything I imagined might befall my sisters if I let them do as they pleased.”

  “We had no way of knowing someone would go this far to obtain the chalice.”

  “Why did you put yourself in danger, too? And now he has the chalice—”

  “Are you not grateful for my noble gesture?”

  “How can you jest at a time like this?” Simon had clearly been rattled when he arrived. “How can you be so calm seconds after dealing with a man who abducted me for ransom?”

  “I was horrified when I saw his dagger. I almost ran to pull you to safety. But I didn’t want either of us to be injured in the process.”

  “Why not send a constable?”

  “His missive demanded I come alone or you’d regret it. I defied him by bringing two constables dressed as peasants. They’re chasing him as we speak. He won’t get away.”

  Could she possibly admire him any more than she already did? “Of course you’d think of everything. Forgive me for questioning your abilities.”

  Simon’s satisfied look turned worried. “I recognize him. He’s Julian’s clerk, Cuthbert. Obviously, he overheard our meeting. What if someone else knows? Perhaps not even the constables can be trusted with an item of such great value if they learn what they have.”

  Two men came into view holding a thrashing and shouting Cuthbert. The pouch dangled from one of the constable’s belts.

  “You can’t stop me. Simon! I will find a way to get what I need!” Cuthbert vowed.

  “You’re already been stopped. And I pray you’re haunted night and day by your betrayal to the guild.” Simon quickly untied the bag and thanked the constables for their service.

  Cecily shuddered as the men dragged Cuthbert away.

  Simon heaved a sigh of relief. “We need to keep you and this protected. We’re not far from my shop. I shall put this back in my safe, if you’re willing to come with me.”

  “I’d welcome the chance to see where you work. After this, I’m more inclined than ever to give it to someone in authority.”

  “And I’m more inclined to sell rather than keep it. No matter what it might have meant to some relative centuries ago.”

  Simon took her hand as they began walking toward the River Foss.

  For a brief moment, she recalled how nice it had been to be part of a couple. To know someone chose to be with you and caress you. She and Simon weren’t courting, but even holding hands made her less alone.

  “I hope he’ll be in prison for a very long time,” she said.

  “As do I. I’ve no words to describe how I feared for your safety after reading his note.” He held her hand tighter. “We must determine what to do with our item sooner rather than later. Until we do, would you move in with my family? With your grandmother, of course. I’ll hire guards to keep us and my shop safe. I was going to ask you after the broken window. I need to be sure you’re protected.”

  Simon was right. If someone else knew what they had, anyone close to them could be the next target. She wasn’t willing to take the risk that she and Gran were safe on their own. And for a few days, she could keep pretending she wasn’t alone. That she belonged to a loving family. That she belonged with Simon.

  Chapter Nine

  Cecily entered Simon’s shop, keen to see where he spent so much of his time and learn more about how he produced such amazing pieces. The large, arched mullioned window at the far end let in some light. A narrow table with a slightly raised rim ran the length of the space. To her left, an array of tools including hammers, tongs, and saws hung on the wall next to his furnace, which had hole in the top, unlike Joanna’s kiln’s opening on the front. A pair of bellows rested atop an anvil mounted on a cylinder of wood. Metal sheets of gold, silver, copper, and more awaited him.

  “The safe is back here.” In the far corner, a locked door led to the tiniest room she’d ever seen. “In the closet.”

  “I’ve heard wealthy people are adding closets to their bedchambers for privacy, but this is the first I’ve seen.”

  “I had this built as an additional layer of security to discourage thieves.” He unlocked the door using a key from his purse. Indicating a large wooden chest with iron bands, he said, “This is the safe.”

  “You’re teaching me a lot today. What makes it a safe rather than a normal chest?”

  “It’s extremely heavy, so it’s difficult to move. I requested as many bolts as the maker could add. If someone tried to break in, figuring it out would take more time and increase the chances of the thief getting caught. I store my rarest gems and completed pieces in it until the purchaser picks them up.”

  He knelt before it and fiddled for a long while until the chest opened to reveal a trove of treasures, from a bowl studded with unpolished gems to a plain bowl holding various sizes of pearls. He cleared space in the lower right corner and placed the bag with the chalice inside. After locking it again, he said, “Now I’ll show you what I’m working on.”

  “I’d love to see. The necklaces you made for your sisters are stunning.”

  He led her to his bench. “This is for a knight’s wife. He requested sapphires for a cluster brooch, featuring a large central stone encircled by smaller ones. Finding the right stones wasn’t easy. Now that all the detail has been worked out on the gold, I can polish and then inlay the stones.”

  “Tell me more about yourself,” he said as he used a pair of tweezers to pick up a small stone, then secured it to a piece of wood with glue.

  Simon had become so involved in her daily life. The time had come to reveal her past. “The most important thing I haven’t mentioned is that I’m a widow.”

  Holding a block of sandstone above the sapphire, he paused to meet her gaze. “I’m so sorry for your loss. Can you tell me what happened?”

  “I wouldn’t have been able to until recently.” Since I met you. She relayed the sad tale of the fire and how she ended up living with Gran.

  “I grieved for my parents’ deaths, but they’d lived long lives. Losing a spouse and child…” He trailed off as if he couldn’t fathom such an occurrence.

  For the first time, sympathy made her feel better, not worse. Or was it just because the sentiment had come from Simon? Cecily felt so comfortable and at home with him wherever they were. Every day her admiration for him grew. But so did her attraction. She could sit and watch him endlessly. Moving in with him was necessary for her safety, yet risky.

  Despite their current worries, she’d drink up every moment of their time together as if it were the costliest wine she’d ever enjoyed. Because just like the wine, he’d be gone all too soon.

  He rubbed the sandstone over the gem. “Will you bring me that lead plate?”

  Cecily made sure not to touch him as she handed it over because she’d just want more of him. But after taking it, he set it beside him and reached for her hand. Desire melted hot as molten gold. He tugged gently to draw her closer.

  Instead of worrying why it wasn’t a good idea, she leaned in and kissed him. He dropped her hand and lifted her onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her as if he’d never let her go.

  As the kiss deepened, Cecily’s body hummed. Until good sense broke the spell he wove.

  “Simon. I enjoy this more than I care to admit. But one of us has to ask. What are we going to do about the chalice?”

  Simon usually enjoyed his workshop, one of the few places he found solitude. Somehow, having Cecily there made being here even better. Her pleasant voice had a way of soothing him. And her smile, well, that made him think of things he shouldn’t. More kisses. More of her. How much he yearned to be with her unsettled him.

  “You’re right. We may not agree, yet I’d prefer both of us walking away satisfied.” Walk away. Could he do that when their business was complete?

  He fought the urge to continue avoiding talking. What he’d rather do was keep kissing her. Then reach into her gown. Or reach under it and see if she desired him as much as he did her. But he wasn’t sure a wife fit into his plans or if she sought a second husband.

  His sisters had found the courage to tell him of their aspirations. Could he tell Cecily?

  She stood, and then sat on a stool.

  “I’m torn between our options. We’ve been so busy, I haven’t made the time I need to sit quietly and settle my mind,” he said. “I can’t decide something I’ve been waiting my whole life for in an instant.”

  “Yet not deciding has its costs, such as guards, two more people under your roof, and the lingering threat of danger.” She shifted on her stool.

  “All true. But we can figure out everything in the morning. I have an idea for tonight that should ease our worries, if you’re willing. I’ll tell you about it later.”

  Simon and a constable accompanied her home, and he waited outside while she told her grandmother the news. Gran was stunned but grudgingly accepted the temporary change in accommodations, and perked up when Cecily mentioned that Simon had a good cook.

  Cecily packed a satchel with some of their clothes and other necessities. Simon took it from her and handed her and her grandmother into the carriage he’d kindly hired.

  Upon their arrival at Simon’s house, all three sisters answered the door.

  “We’re so glad you’re here.”

  “And we’re excited to have a fourth sister and another grandmother.”

  “Well, come in!”

  Simon showed her and Gran the upstairs rooms, ending at the one they’d share.

  “We can’t thank you enough, Simon,” Cecily said as he set their bag inside the door.

  “It’s because of me that you’re in danger. So, this is the least I can do. We’ll both rest easier.”

  She did feel safer. And happy to be where he was. What a lovesick girl she’d become. Wait. She wasn’t in love with Simon, was she?

  That night, after the sisters and Gran were asleep, she and Simon sat by the fire in companionable silence. She wanted to ask what his idea for tonight was but allowed Simon his time. She was content to just be with him and set aside their disagreement for a few hours.

  At length, he turned toward her. The fire made his eyes brighter.

  “Enough thinking for the nonce. I’m going to ask you something. We’ve shared kisses that have made me desire more. Would it be wrong to pleasure each other in the moment?” he asked in a low voice. “Would you like to spend the night with me, Cecily?”

  Her mouth dropped open. That was the last thing she’d expected him to say. Was she brave enough to accept his offer? Truth be told, she wished nothing more than to sleep in his arms.

  “Yes, Simon, I would.”

  His smile hinted at all the delights awaiting her as he led her up to his chamber, which featured a large, curtained bed.

  Should she be nervous? Unsure? She wasn’t. For this one night, she’d do as she pleased. And what pleased her was Simon.

  He lifted his tunic over his head as she boldly approached. She presented her back so he could help remove her gown. Instead, he dropped soft, sweet kisses on her neck. Those made her want a true kiss. She turned in his arms and drew his head to her.

  Their mouths met with more passion than she’d imagined possible. Her hands slid into his hair, and his, around her back. After several long kisses, he whispered in her ear, “Let me unlace you. Doing so has been on my mind for days.”

  She turned, allowing him to free her laces, then he helped her out of the gown. Both stood in their underclothing—vulnerable and wanting each other. Quickly, he pulled his off, then reached for hers.

  His smile widened as he held her close. “You’re lovely, Cecily. You feel wonderful against me.”

  “You’re lovely, too.” She admired his lean yet muscled frame.

  He laughed and carried her to the bed.

  She was in love with Simon. And she’d tell him the minute they agreed on a plan for the chalice.

  She wouldn’t allow fear of the unknown to hold her back any longer.

  On the other hand, he’d only asked for one night. Maybe, despite the way he held her as if he’d never let her go, he didn’t love her in return. Their future could be another important decision on which they didn’t agree.

  Now she couldn’t sleep. She’d savor every minute in his arms, in case they were the last she’d get.

  When Simon awoke after their glorious night, Cecily was watching him. She offered a tentative smile.

  “Good morrow.” He caressed her cheek and gave her a brief kiss, then showed her where to make her ablutions.

  He chattered mindlessly as he dressed. Clearly, he wasn’t in the mood to address anything of import. Even how much they’d enjoyed sleeping together.

  “I’ll meet you at the table,” Simon said.

  After everyone broke their fast over a conversation about the Yorkists’ recent victory over King Henry VI’s forces, Simon nodded to Annis and stood.

  Politics and war were, for once, preferable to going back and forth about their options.

  “We’re off to work until the evening meal,” he announced.

  Cecily hadn’t expected Simon to carry on as if she wasn’t there. As if nothing had changed between them. Maybe for him, nothing had. True, he’d offered just the one night. But after being so passionate and intimate, how could he not want more?

  She followed them to the door.

  “Are you ready to discuss the chalice?” And what sharing a bed meant?

  His demeanor was formal. Not that of the friendly man she’d come to care about or the lover she’d reveled in mere hours ago. Where was the Simon whose eyes she’d been enchanted with? Who’d made her body sing?

  What had gone wrong?

  He pressed his lips together and sighed. “When I return.”

  Chapter Ten

  After the evening meal, Simon and Cecily once again sat by the hall fire. The distress between them was so great, he could almost taste the bitterness.

  “We have much to discuss,” he began. “As to the chalice, our options include selling it to the highest bidder, guarding it for the next generation, or delivering it to someone in authority. We could remove the stones and melt the gold, and I’d use the material in other projects. Or we could sell them. Then no one else will learn what we might or might not have. We could even throw it away so we are no longer burdened. Do we agree the latter two are not viable?”

  “Yes. So, we choose from sell, keep, or deliver. First, we need to agree on whether we owe a duty to our families or the king. I believe we owe the king, so my choice is to deliver it. Keeping it seems selfish when our faith teaches us that greed is a vice.”

  He sighed.

  “I think our families were meant to be protectors, not owners. And the way to fulfill that duty is by giving it to the king or his representative.” Her hunched shoulders displayed her tension.

  Simon stared into the flames. Her fervent speech encouraged him to bow to her will in defiance of his own beliefs. That was the reason he couldn’t be intimate with her again.

  He’d lingered at his shop, though he’d finished and delivered the brooch to a satisfied customer. He hadn’t been quite ready to face the problems awaiting him at home, such as what he’d tell Cecily when she brought up last night.

  Simon had said everything important about their time together. He’d been clear when he asked for one night together, and until he’d seen the happy expression on her face this morning, had assumed she accepted his proposal for what it was.

  He couldn’t bear crushing the hope in her eyes.

  Simon willed himself to be calm instead of pacing. “We can’t be certain the chalice ever belonged to the king. Nor do we have proof the chalice was stolen. We’ve been told John’s treasures were lost and none have ever been recovered, so how small is the chance we have the one item that survived?”

 

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9