Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (reading women .txt) 📗

“What do we have here?” Katherine jumped at the deep voice and quickly turned around to see a few men coming toward her. She grabbed the reins as the horse protested and she tried to gain control. Claudia let out a scream and the men tried to soothe the horse.

Deanna came through the trees. “Katherine, pull back!” She pulled back as one of the men grabbed her reins from her, trying to subdue the animal. Smacking the man, she tried to regain the reins as she heard Deanna yelling at her, “Stop! He is trying to help you.”

Katherine pulled her hands back and looked at her sister for help. The man petted the horse trying to calm it down. He then gave the reins back to Katherine.

A man riding a huge black stallion came up behind Deanna, and she looked at Katherine and said, “Katherine, this is Sir Dorian from Clan Moore.”

Katherine was unable to decipher if he was friend or foe and nodded her head in greeting.

The man was of medium build and had dark red hair. Probably in his mid-thirties, his warriors mounted their horses and moved behind him.

“Sir Dorian, this is my sister Miss Tolland and our maid Claudia.”

He grinned looking at them. “It’s a bit dangerous out here for three lassies. Are you alone?”

His tone was friendly, but Katherine couldn’t help but be leery. She pulled her cloak tightly over her head as she peeked at Deanna who raised her brow at the man. “We have reinforcements close by.”

The man stared at Deanna losing his grin. “Lassie, I am no fool.” He said with authority. The women looked between themselves shifting in their saddles. The man made eye contact and smirked. “You need not worry. My clan is not into ravishing helpless women, but three lost English lassies all alone in the middle of Scotland, must be quite a story.”

Deanna rubbed her lips together seemingly contemplating her next words. “Trusting men is not my strongest trait, but we find ourselves in a desperate quandary. If you would assist us, we would see that our father would reward you handsomely.”

The man studied Deanna for a moment as he looked back at his men. “What kind of trouble are you in, lass?”

“Our grandmother is Scottish and sent for me and my sister. She died when we arrived. The laird was ruthless and tried to sell us instead of returning us to our father in England. We would be indebted if you would escort us or at least point us the right direction.”

Katherine looked down trying not to make eye contact with any of the warriors. Claudia buried her face against Katherine trying not to cry. Deanna watched the leader’s expression as he turned to his warriors and spoke in Gaelic.

He turned back to the women and asked, “Which clan?”

Deanna looked back at Katherine before answering, “Clan McEntee.”

The warriors looked at each other, and the man smiled. “They will not come this far away. They have no allies here. But you are still not safe. Other clans will treat you the same way when they find out you are traveling alone and are English. My men and I have a few more miles to cover. But you are welcome to join us tonight and you can decide your course tomorrow. I can offer you shelter and safe passage through my land until a message can be sent to your kin in England. We will require repayment when your kin arrive. Or you can stay here and wait for the wolves to eat you.”

Katherine’s eyes widened, and she looked at Deanna. Deanna looked back at the man and said, “We accept your hospitality and thank you, Sir.”

He winked at her. “Very well, please keep up and stay in the middle. We must be on constant guard as this land is not friendly. We will travel until we can get to our allies’ land a few more miles away. We will camp there for the night. After that, we will have another few days before we reach our keep.”

The constant riding was taking a toll on Katherine. But at least some of the anxiety had left her and she stopped constantly looking over her shoulders. Putting their fate in these strangers could be a dangerous consequence, but they had no choice.

Katherine noticed Deanna’s eyes fill with awe as she gazed upon the leader of the group. She knew that look—it was the same one she gave Lord Robertson who rejected her suit before her forced marriage. Katherine pulled the cloak tighter over her head, hoping to disappear from her circumstances. Could this be worse than an arranged marriage by her father?

After more riding, she was relieved when the leader spoke to them. “We are now on friendlier land. We can speak if you wish. There is a loch and a few caves a few miles from here. We can take shelter there out of the wind.”

“We are in your debt,” Deanna said thankfully.

The leader lifted the corner of his mouth in a smile. “It will be nice to be around females for a change. Having so many men as companions can sour anyone’s mood.”

Deanna laughed flirtatiously. “I am sure your wife at home gives you plenty of companionship.”

Katherine rolled her eyes at her sister’s blatant attempt to find out if the man was married.

The leader let out an exaggerated sigh. “If only that was true. It seems I have not found one yet that meets my fancy. My uncle is the laird and married for alliances. I am free to choose.” He winked at her lightheartedly.

Katherine looked away from their playful banter. This could end badly if her sister continued this liaison with the leader. It’s true she was no longer a maiden but was far from a whore. What kind of payment would they expect if her father would not pay? How angry could he be? Known as a harsh man and