Page 14 of May Queen: May Day

“That would be me.”

“I prove my point.”

Nash’s smile quickly disappeared. “So . . . you feel like you’re better and don’t need anyone here with you tonight?” he asked. She could almost read his thoughts. He didn’t want to miss out on his night in the tavern.

“I’m fine,” she said, making a big show of smiling and picking up a piece of bread. “I’m going to eat my meal and drink my wine and go right to sleep. So, you see, it won’t matter if anyone is here with me or not.”

“Well, mayhap you’re right,” he said, still seeming a little skeptical.

“Besides, Rosemunda will probably be feeling better in an hour or two and return.”

“Do you really think so?”

“Did she look sick to you?”

The squire’s eyes darted to the door and then back at Flora. “Not really. But I wasn’t really looking at her. I was focusing on the tray so I wouldn’t drop it.”

“I assure you, she really wasn’t that ill at all. As a matter of fact, I’ll bet by the time she returns home there’ll be nothing wrong with her at all.”

“Aye, I’m sure you’re right.”

“You might as well go to the tavern.” She poured herself a glass of wine. “I wouldn’t even mention any of this to Lord Ricard, since he seems to worry about the smallest things.”

“He does tend to overreact about trifle matters at times,” agreed the squire.

Flora kicked off her shoes and reclined on the bed and faked a yawn. “I’m so tired that I might fall asleep before I’m finished eating. Do be sure to close the door when you leave.”

“Oh, of course, my lady. Have a good rest.” He smiled and left, whistling.

Flora waited until she heard his footsteps go down the corridor before she put down the goblet and bread and slipped her shoes back on her feet. If she hurried, she could be back before Ricard came looking for her in the morning.