Page 88 of Once Upon a Reckless Rogue

“This is the first shop Tony ever took me to. His mother and sister were with us, of course, but I was so overwhelmed by the choice I did not even know where to look. I will not let that to happen to you, so we are going straight to the counter where they give out the samples.”

“Everything is so…colorful.” Elena’s eyes darted from this part to that part of the shop.

“And delicious. Here, try one of these.”

The man at the counter deposited a small roundish ball into Elena’s hand.

“Now all you have to do is put it in your mouth and suck it,” Lucinda instructed.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course.”

She put it in her mouth, and instantly her tastebuds were alive with the taste of raspberries. She looked at Lucinda, her eyes wide.

“I know. It’s amazing, but this is just the start. We have lemon drops, candied pineapple, and Pontefract cakes.”

“Candied ginger?” Elena asked the man behind the counter. He seemed puzzled for a moment until Lucinda asked again in English. Then he nodded and returned with a glass cylinder filled with them. He took one out and placed it on a plate in front of her. She took it and placed it in her mouth. The spicy heat seemed to warm her from the inside out. This was what she remembered from Cadiz. She then wandered around the shop while Lucinda bought some items for them to take back with them.

Next, they went to the haberdashery and got some ribbons and hairpins. Elena had never seen so much fabric in one place.

“I declare I need a drink—let us go and get tea and a piece of cake.”

Elena followed but was aware of the two men behind her. For safety, Lucinda had assured her. People filled the teahouse, sitting at small round tables. They managed to get a seat towards the back of the shop, and although she didn’t normally drink English tea, she participated in the ritual so as not to offend Lucinda and found that if not left to steep too long, she liked it better. The cake, however, was divine. A light sponge they called a savoy cake.

While they enjoyed their savoy cake, Lucinda told her all about how she was left at a finishing school for years beyond the time she should have been there, and how, when the captain was presumed dead, Tony became her guardian. It was quite a story.

Elena then explained how she had come to meet Tomas in the old fort and how they had escaped and traveled together to Cadiz, falling in love on the way. She left most of the details out so as not to shock her hostess.

When they returned home, their husbands still had not returned, so they went to their rooms to rest. It had been a very entertaining day, and she had enjoyed her time with Lucinda. To think Lucinda was one of the reasons Tomas was so desperate to come home, only to find the situation already figured out by the time they had arrived.

When she went down to meet Lucinda in the parlor for dinner, a message was delivered on a silver tray. Tony and Tomas were going to work through the night and for the ladies to eat without them.

“We shall be a merry party of two,” Lucinda announced.

“Or is that three?” Elena asked.

Lucinda laughed. “How did you know?”

“I have been debating about it all day. The fashion of today can hide a pregnancy quite well in the early months. How far along are you?”

“About five months. I am really only just starting to show anything, but my back hurts terribly, especially at night when I want to sleep.”

“Are you craving salty foods? I noticed you did not indulge in the sweets, except for the cake, and even that you did not finish.”

“Again, how did you know? Oh, of course, doctor. How silly of me to forget.”

“Please, I’m not a doctor, just someone who knows a bit about medical things. I will tell you though that you may be carrying a boy. It is an old wife’s tale and has not at all been proven, but when one is carrying low like you are and craving more savory than sweet it has been known to mean an heir is on the way.”

“Well, if I do have a boy then you will have your proof, at least for this one time.”

“I hope I am correct. I too am expecting but it is early, and I haven’t told Tomas yet. I did not want to say too soon, and it not come to pass. I will seek a doctor on our return and have it confirmed.”

“Oh, congratulations. I am sure Thomas will be thrilled. He will make a good father I think.”

“I agree.”

“Should I be wary of traveling? We are not leaving the country and only for a few weeks, but I would like your opinion.”