Rose took a step back. “I assure you, you won’t die.” Her stomach flipped crazily and her heart jumped into her throat, but she attempted to look disdainful. In truth, she feared he would kiss her right there in the town square. His eyes were so bold and full of admiration for her. She already knew how warm and soft his lips felt on her hand. It was easy to imagine…
Alarmed, Rose looked around for Hildy. Don’t panic. I’ll simply stay here in the Marktplatz with all these people around. Even Lord Rupert wouldn’t be indecent enough to kiss her in front of everyone.
“I think I’ll get some water.” She turned and started toward the fountain in front of the Rathous. Lord Rupert was right beside her when she reached it. She got in line, as several others had had the same thought. But when they saw Lord Rupert standing with Rose, the line disintegrated. They all stepped back to allow him to go in front of them.
Lord Rupert bowed to them. “I am most grateful.”
He walked forward, took a dipperful of water, and turned. His face lit with surprise to see her still standing at the back of the line. He motioned for her to come forward.
Rose’s heart filled with dread. She began walking through the crowd. Her skin tingled as with a thousand tiny needle pricks, feeling every person’s eyes on her, watching her make her way to Lord Rupert.
He handed her the dipper of water. She took it and drank a quick gulp, avoiding his gaze, handed it back, and hastened away without waiting for him.
Hildy appeared and Rose’s breath went out of her in grateful relief. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure Lord Rupert wasn’t close behind. “Talk to me, Hildy. I’m so bewildered. Is it too early to go home?”
“Go home? Why would you want to do that? Lord Rupert is looking at you like you’re the Queen of the May, the Goddess of Love, his last chance at happiness.”
“That’s the problem! I don’t know what to do.”
“Don’t you?”
Rose stared at her friend in frustration.
Hildy rolled her eyes. “All you need to do is smile and say a few encouraging words—and keep dancing. How hard is that?”
“But Hildy, everyone is watching, everyone is seeing just what you saw.” Rose’s eyes darted around, making sure no one was listening. She lowered her voice to a whisper. “They’re probably all imagining immoral things about me. It’s embarrassing!”
“Actually, they’re probably all thinking how lucky you are.”
“Lucky? I’m sure they don’t believe he has any intention of marrying me.”
“So?” Hildy shrugged her shoulders. “There’s hardly a maiden over fourteen who wouldn’t want to be in your place right now.”
“You’re not helping.” Rose pressed the backs of her hands against her burning cheeks. Better to change the subject. “How are you and Gunther?”
“He went to buy something to eat. Do you want a chewet?”
A greasy fried pie didn’t sound very good to her. “No, thank you.”
“Well, I don’t have to tell you, Gunther is wonderful.” Hildy sighed dreamily. “But don’t worry, I’m being coy—at least, I’m trying.”
“Here you are.” Gunther stepped up and handed Hildy the meatfilled pastry. “Rose, would you like one?”
“No, I thank you, Gunther. Are you enjoying the music?”
“Yes, I’m enjoying myself more than I ever have before, I do believe.” His eyes caught and held Hildy’s.
Rose looked down at the cobblestones and rubbed her forehead with the heel of her palm, trying to think of a plan of action before Lord Rupert confounded her to the point that she let him do something awful—like kiss her.
“There you are.”
Rose looked up into Lord Rupert’s face. “Oh, yes. Here I am.” She tried to sound cheerful, but her smile wavered. What was it Frau Geruscha told me to do?
To pray and ask God to lead her, to ask God his will. She should have done that. Perhaps if she could slip away and be alone for a few minutes…
“Excuse us.” Rupert turned and bowed to Gunther and Hildy.
“Of course, my lord,” Gunther and Hildy murmured.
He bent his head toward Rose and spoke softly, his voice taking on a meek tone. “The Meistersingers are taking a break now. Will you go with me somewhere so we can talk?”
Rose nodded and he placed his hand lightly on her elbow. She allowed him to lead her toward the Rathous, trying to think of a way to avoid being alone with him. Frau Geruscha had warned her that she could say no to him any time she wanted to.
Just as they came to the door, Rose stopped. “Why don’t we stay outside? There’s no one around. We can talk here, can’t we?”
“There’s a place inside where we can sit.” He tilted his head and gave her an entreating look. “Rose, I promise I’m not trying to get you alone so I can ravish you. Is that what you’re afraid of?”
“No, of course not.” He had such an innocent look on his face, she decided to trust him. She followed him inside.
Their footsteps echoed through the empty building, everyone having gone outside to enjoy the music and sunshine. They sat down on a wooden bench against the wall, and he shifted so that he was facing her.