“If you are offering to feed me, dear lady,” Robin smiled with genuine warmth, “I will carry you around the market place.”
Even as he spoke, he reached forward. However, it was only to relieve her of several of her burdens, rather than to pick her up. That would be more than a little forward, even if they were well acquainted. Not to mention that it would certainly draw more attention than he really wished to receive today.
Though he had to admit, there was more to his gestures than simply the kindness originally offered. There was now a bit of protectiveness as well. It was obvious that she was popular and well loved in this town, judging by the number of nods and greetings sent her way just in the short time they’d been speaking. However, she was a widow, and that was always a tenuous position in society.
One misstep was sometimes all it took for a woman to lose her reputation and position, and those without protection or support could find themselves in very dire straights through no fault of their own far too easily. Robin always hated seeing that happen, just as much as he loathed when he saw children suffering for food and necessities. Those who were powerless should be helped by those who had the ability. That was another thing the Incident had reinforced.
So he was very pleased that he could offer some sort of assistance. Plus there was the promise of pie, and he was not going to deny that was a motivator. “Where to first?”