A bit of hope flickered in his filmy eyes. “My lord said—”

“Sir Marcus required your escort on the road for our safety. I doubt he expects you to follow us around here in the town. What could possibly happen to us now? Besides, I will confess that this is much less enjoyable when there is a restless man pacing around.”

He debated it. “How many more shops do you think to visit?”

“No more than three or four.”

She might better have said he was due for a flogging. “I suppose that I could wait in the tavern.…”

“We will be sure to meet you there when we are finished.” She moved a little closer and smiled at him until he blushed. “I would consider this a great favor, and so would Marcus if he knew. I intend to speak with Genith about her future duties as a wife while we dally over these wares, but with you attending us …” She gave him a look that made clear just what duties she referred to.

He flushed deeper, and without another word aimed his steps toward the sanctuary of the tavern.

They visited the grocer, but did not stay long. Taking Genith’s arm, Nesta strolled along the town’s main road until they were out of sight of the tavern. Ever so calmly, they turned between two buildings. Much less calmly, they quickly walked back along the alley until they reached their horses.

Nesta slipped a coin to the boy who held the horses, and he asked no questions. He helped them both to mount, and then they were trotting through lanes, aiming for the open fields. Once there they rode as if the devil followed.

Nesta did not catch her breath until they pulled up at the designated crossroads. With that deep inhale came the full realization that there was no turning back now.

Iolo and his wagon waited for them. Another man stood beside the big burly farmer. Dylan had shed the veil and cloak, and paced expectantly.

His expression of worry cleared as soon as they approached. He reached in the wagon for the two sacks Winnifred and he had hung on their bodies under the cloak, and tied them to the saddles.

Nesta caught Dylan’s arm. “You can still change your mind. The danger here is greatest for you. If you are caught this time, there will be no reprieve, because we steal horses now and the blame for it will fall on you.”

“My lady, Carwyn Hir needs the horses more than Marcus of Anglesmore.” He swung up on a mule that Nesta had bought from Iolo. “If I could have found a way to steal ten, I would have done it.”

Put that way, she didn’t feel so much a criminal. With thanks to the good Iolo, they headed northwest across the countryside, toward higher land.