A Perilous Beginning (The Pearl Heirloom Collection Book 4) by Alyssa Dean Copeland

Author:Alyssa Dean Copeland [Copeland, Alyssa Dean]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2019-03-22T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Viola anxiously awaited Frederick and Loys to appear at market. She wondered if the customers hadn’t eaten in weeks by the way they were making their purchase. Viola argued with one woman who touched every single piece of produce, haggled over price, then walked away, buying nothing.

Viola received a dirty look from Sister Dauphine, but there was nothing she could do. If she was not allowed to barter with a stubborn customer, how was she to force the woman to make a purchase?

The hot sun beat down on them. Viola felt beads of sweat trickle down between her breasts and thighs. Her toes hurt, pressing against the buttons hidden in her shoe. There was no sign of Frederick or Loys.

Sister Dauphine placed an empty basket in the wagon. “I feel that we did well today. Mother Superior will be pleased.” She glanced toward the sky. “If we leave now, we might make it back in time for prayer.”

No matter what time they left, they would surely be in time for prayer, Viola thought. “There are no errands today?” Viola sincerely hoped that Dauphine and Horace would leave her to manage the cart for when Loys or the boy would appear.

“Not this day.” Sister Dauphine picked up another basket and placed it in the cart.

Viola glanced around the market one more time with no sign. She sighed. Maybe Loys was not the most honorable mercenary, as he self-proclaimed. She helped Sister Dauphine slide the large board into the wagon and crawled into the back. She had no wish to sit in front with the others. All of her work these past few days was for naught.

Sister Dauphine called out, “Wake up, old man.”

Horace grumbled. He said something to Dauphine, but Viola didn’t care. She was hot, tired, and her body felt drained. It had been a long night in the convent, with the lay servants searching each bed, every corner, for a snake.

“Viola. Viola.” Sister Dauphine shook her leg. “Horace forgot to make a purchase.”

Viola sat up straight. “I will watch the wagon.”

Dauphine nodded and Viola watched them walk away.

“Sister.”

She heard a familiar voice behind her. “Where have you been?”

Loys picked his tooth with a twig. “Watching. Waiting.” He motioned to Dauphine. “I fear your companion disapproves of me. And I do not believe she would approve of your actions either.” He took a step forward. “Do you have what we discussed.”

Viola lifted her skirt to her calves and untied the twine holding the image of James. The parchment was slightly damp.

Loys unfolded it and glanced at the image. “This is good. Very good.”

Frederick appeared and glanced at the image. “Is that the man? I have seen him.”

“You have?”

“Oui. A fortnight ago at the tavern.”

“This may be easier than I first assumed.” Loys glanced at Viola. “Do you have payment?”

She knew he’d ask. She sat back in the wagon and removed her shoe. “I have three pearl buttons set in gold to offer as partial payment.”

Loys took them out of her hand and examined them in the sunlight.

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