When Gilda and Philip returned, Philip was carrying the large jug and Gilda was following with an exaggerated limp, no doubt a plan they had devised to explain why Gilda wasn’t carrying the water. In spite of his earlier irritation, Justin had to grin at their ploy.
The lords and ladies were generous in sharing their food supply. They discussed a visit at a nearby manor house, recommending the local wine to Justin and Philip, and took no further notice of Gilda. When she moved out of sight, Justin relaxed. She had no doubt gone to find the caretaker to learn if there had been any sign of Leonardo and Sister Freda.
Justin introduced Philip but neglected to identify him as Count Cedric’s brother in case gossip about the count had reached court. Although Lady Placida smiled encouragingly at the young man, her main interest seemed to be in teasing Justin about the possibility of his reunion with Lady Lilith.
Aware that Philip listened carefully to her gossip, Justin hoped she would tire of the subject. He could see by the speculative look in Philip’s eyes that the young man was used to court gossip and understood what was going on.
Lady Placida’s party was just preparing to leave the shelter when Sister Freda and Leonardo approached. “Here come more travelers in need of respite,” Lady Placida commented. “Is that a nun traveling alone with a man?”
One of the lords in her party was clearly becoming impatient with her chatter. “She’s an old woman, Placida. No source for gossip there. We need to be on our way. Let’s leave the shelter to the new arrivals.”
As they watched the noble party move out of sight, Philip remarked, “That was a close one. I can’t believe they didn’t see through Sister Gilda’s disguise. Discovering her true identity would have made that gossipy woman quiver with excitement.”
Justin knew Philip was right in his assessment of Lady Placida. The arrival of Leonardo and Sister Freda couldn’t have been better timed.
After dismounting, Sister Freda looked around for Gilda, but before she could ask, the younger nun came running from the thatched hut. Barely breaking her forward motion, Gilda embraced Freda and almost knocked them both over.
Surprised, Freda laughed, held on for a minute to get her balance, and then pushed Gilda away so that she could look at her. “You make a convincing lad. Not only do you look like one, you move like one. You almost knocked me over.”
“I want to change into my habit,” Gilda answered, heading for the bundle on her horse.
Justin frowned at the two women. “We should get moving. The weather is good, and we can cross the mountains if we get there in time. It’s important that we put as much distance as possible between us and Mainz.”
Gilda knew he was worried about Cedric sending someone after Philip. It was only a matter of time before the count discovered Philip had been with Lady Emma. But Gilda was determined to change.
“I only need a minute,” she said, pulling her habit from the saddle pack.
“Can’t you do that tonight?” Justin asked, displaying more impatience than he meant to do.
“No, I want to do it now. Freda and Leonardo need refreshment, then we will be off.”
Gilda disappeared, and the others became busy. Leonardo and Freda took the food that Philip offered, in spite of the fact that they had some of their own. Aware of his bad mood, no one looked at Justin.
Gilda was true to her promise and returned in a few minutes. The monk, who had joined them, watched her return dressed as a nun with a puzzled look on his weathered face, and Justin glared at her disapprovingly. Without a word, she mounted her horse and the party quickly took their leave of the shrine.
They reached the mountains with about two hours of daylight left. Because the weather was dry and mild, they made the decision to cross. The day they had struggled along the pass in fog and heavy rain was vivid in everyone’s mind. But this time they made good progress. By the time they were descending the other side, the sun was gone, and it was dark as they set up camp.
Justin knew everyone was aware of the tension between him and Gilda. It was affecting the whole party. Fearing Gilda might be determined to give up her assignment and remain at the convent, he wanted to persuade her otherwise. As he was debating what to say to convince her to marry him, she went off with Freda.
Although Gilda was aware of Justin’s eyes following her, she needed to put some space between them. Sister Freda knew something was wrong, but she waited for Gilda to speak.
“I’m in deep trouble,” Gilda finally blurted out at the same time she stumbled over a tree root. Her foot had caught in her habit, and she shook her leg until it was free.
Freda grabbed her arm and led her to some boulders where they could sit.
“Dressing as a lad did make it easier to move. I fear I have gotten used to the freedom,” Gilda said to explain her clumsiness.
“It’s too dark to walk about,” Freda said. Once they were settled, they both stared up at the stars. Freda waited a minute for Gilda to confide in her. When Gilda remained silent, Freda expressed her impatience. “Out with it, Gilda. We both need our rest.”
“I have grown to care deeply for Lord Justin,” Gilda admitted. “He’s wise, and wonderful at understanding people and how they think. In addition to admiring his abilities with people, I long for his touch, and even a glance will make me go soft inside.”
“Yes, I suspected you felt that way, Gilda. Does he feel the same way about
