Chapter 8Leaving Ralf was the hardest thing Geoffrey had ever done, and it only happened after many kisses and promises made by both of them. Once outside, Geoffrey strode purposefully away, not giving the house a single backward glance, his expression set grimly. To risk being spotted sneaking away was far more dangerous than striding out openly. If Squire Henry does have his spies anywhere nearby, they’ll see only what they expect. I’ll not tip them off to anything else.
Making his way along the road, Geoffrey came across a ragged peddler sitting beside the ditch. At Geoffrey’s approach the man looked up, his large soulful eyes hopeful. With his tattered clothing and matted beard, Geoffrey wondered that the man did any business at all. Only I could find a mumblecrust at a time like this
