Page 158 of Historical Hotties
Carington’s emerald eyes brightened. “He does? Can we go and see?”
He held out his elbow to her and she took it gladly. As they began to walk down the street, Burle and Stanton followed. The rest of the escort was not far behind. A breeze blew gently, scattering leaves in their path as they proceeded down the wide dirt avenue. It also carried cooking smells and Carington sniffed the air, looking around to see where the delightful smells were coming from. Creed noticed her distraction and realized what she was looking for; he smelled it, too.
They ended up at the food stall of a man selling roast pork and delectable little cakes with a filling of custard. Not usually a hearty eater, Carington gorged herself on the succulent pork and ate at least four of the little cakes with the custard. Creed did not eat anything but Burle and Stanton did; they, too, stuffed themselves on the pork. Creed was more interested in watching Carington eat as he had never seen her eat before; realizing she had eaten very little on their trip to Prudhoe, it was good to see her appetite return. Thoughts of the roasted horse aside, thankgoodness, she seemed quite content licking the grease off her fingers and sucking the custard out of the cake.
But there was a negative side to all of the unrestrained eating. She was mid-way through her fifth custard cake when she suddenly stopped chewing, burped most unladylike, and set the cake aside. Creed noticed that she looked a little pale.
“What is wrong?” he cocked his head. “Do not tell me that you have finally eaten your fill?”
He was teasing her gently but she was in no mood for it. She burped again, covering her mouth and looking at him apologetically.
“I dunna feel very well,” she said, embarrassed.
He fought off a grin. “I am not surprised with the amount of food you put away.”
“But I was hungry,” she looked at the cake as if she wished she could finish it. “I have never had treats such as this. They were delicious.”
“There will be ample opportunity to have more.”
She burped again, only this time she covered her mouth discreetly. Creed grinned at her.
“So,” his gaze moved out over the avenue. “Where would you like to go now, my lady? Shall we find an apothecary and purchase something to soothe your over-taxed stomach?”
She scowled at him although it was without force. “Ye’re not funny in the least, Creed de Reyne.”
“Aye, I am. And there is a name for people like you.”
Her scowl grew more forceful. “And what is that?”
“I believe they are called gluttons.”
This time, she shook a fist at him. “When I am feeling better, ye’re going to regret yer words.”
“I apologize, then. I take it all back.”
“’Tis too late; ye’re a marked man.”
He laughed then. “God help me,” he sobered, his dusky blue eyes glimmering at her. “I will make it up to you. Shall we proceed to the shop I told you of earlier?”
“Not now,” she shook her head, putting her hand on her belly. “I would like to sit down if ye dunna mind.”
With a snort, he took her hand and led her back to the carriage. He put his hands on her slender waist to lift her up, but she groaned and batted at his hands. He stood back, smirking, as she climbed in slowly by herself and sat down with a heavy sigh.
“I do hope you feel better,” he said quietly.
She rubbed her belly. “Can we bring some of those custard cakes back with us?”
His eyebrows lifted. “Are you serious? You are about to explode as it is.”
“But I will be fine by the evening meal. Please?”
He gazed at her a moment before nodding his head in resignation. “As you wish.”
“Thanks to ye.”
With a wink, he headed back in the direction of the food vendor. Burle and Stanton were still there, shoving down the last of their custard cakes. Creed ordered the cakes from the vendor, adding a measure of pork for himself. All of the eating around him had succeeding in making him hungry. By the time the vendor brought his food, Burle and Stanton had finished and the three of them stood around talking quietly while Creed devoured a massive portion of pork. Just as he neared the end of his meal, Stanton’s pale gaze suddenly fixated on something behind Creed and he saw the knight move for his broadsword.
It was an instinctive reaction that they all go for their weapons. Creed had his broadsword unsheathed before he turned around, preparing to defend himself. His gaze fell upon several knights about a dozen yards away. They were mingling with the crowd of shoppers, men dressed in armor and weaponsand looking out of place. After a split second of uncertainty, Creed sheathed his sword and turned back to his food.
