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

for a place to sit. He looked like he had been training with his men for the morning workouts. Sweat beaded across his brow and his arms glistened with perspiration. His enormous size stood out among the other warriors.

“You are finally awake and grace us with your presence.” He teased her with a look of amusement in his eyes.

“I needed my rest. Have you eaten, Sir Ian?”

“Aye, several hours ago, but I will sit with you.”

Katherine sat at a table with him by her side. He bent close and asked, “Did you think about my proposal? Have you spoken to your sister?”

“They gave her a different chamber last night. When I came into our room, she was not there, and I was not able to find her or Claudia this morning,”

He looked around the hall. “I saw Dorian this morning. We are meeting in a few minutes with his council. I will find you afterward and hopefully by then you have spoken to your sister and we can discuss our plans further.” He kissed her hand then walked away.

Katherine accepted some fruit from a kitchen servant who smiled and cleaned up around her—such a contrast to the treatment they received from their grandmother’s clan.

After finishing her fruit, she noticed Deanna speaking and laughing with a small group of women. Katherine enjoyed seeing her sister happy and watched her from afar. Deanna followed the women to the side of the hall and disappeared. Katherine finished her glass of mead and decided to take a walk around the bailey. She would speak to Deanna later when she wasn’t occupied with the other women in the keep.

The chill in the air stung more than she thought. The shining sun was a bit deceiving as the chilly air was frigid. “Mistress?”

Katherine turned to see Claudia running up the hill a bit disheveled. Katherine narrowed her eyes, placing her hands on her hips in annoyance. “Where have you been?”

Claudia didn’t respond and grabbed her hair trying to put it back up in the pins.

“Indeed, Claudia. You must have some decorum about your activities.”

Claudia opened her mouth wide at her accusation. “It’s not what you think., Jacob, one of the groomsmen, told me he needed help with a horse that was going to foal. I was there all night trying to comfort the horse.”

Katherine laughed. “A likely story. Perhaps this Jacob man is the one who needed comforting.”

Claudia said no more on the subject and asked. “Do you need any assistance? Perhaps you would like me to prepare a bath or some food?”

“No, I already ate. I am just taking a walk if you would like to join me?”

Claudia obliged and walked beside her. “How was your walk last night with the Cold-Hearted one?”

Katherine drew her eyebrow down in discomfort. “I wish people would not call him that. I honestly don’t understand why people can’t see how wonderful he is. Not only is he kind and gentle, but he is smart and makes me feel special.”

Claudia scowled. “The man barely speaks and when he does it sounds so deep and dark. He scares me. Jacob told me that his sister married a servant from your admirer’s clan. Apparently, rumors are that even his own clan is on edge when he is home including his brothers.”

Katherine stopped walking and looked at Claudia. “Those are only rumors. They are probably jealous of his warrior skills.” She entwined her elbow with hers. “I have a secret, but you mustn’t tell anyone. Not even Deanna until I can speak with her first.”

Claudia nodded in agreement.

“We spoke of our affection last night and I want to marry him.”

Claudia’s eyes widened in shock as she covered her opened mouth. “You can’t be serious, Mistress. Your father would never allow it. Not to mention your sister.”

Katherine shrugged her indifference. “I will be seventeen soon. I am of age in Scotland. I don’t need his permission or blessing to marry.”

“Miss Katherine, please. You don’t know this man. Sure, he is a bit gritty and manly. Many women probably throw themselves at him due to his accomplishments in battle. But marriage? I tremble at the thought. You were brought up to be a wife of a rich baron or an earl. You’re so pretty and educated. I hardly see what the attraction would be to a man like that.”

“He is a great prospect! How can my father complain?” She protested defensively. “He owns land and a few castles given to him for his triumphs in wars and battles. If that were all I knew, it would be an advantageous match. I am but a daughter of a knight. I hold no titles and my dowry is a pittance.”

“You know you hold a lot more than that. Think about the matches you would exclude yourself from if the two of you were to marry.”

“I care nothing for titles or lands. I think I love him.” She said it out loud for the first time realizing her feelings were deeper than she wanted to admit. She would tell him tonight when they spoke about their plans.

“If that is the case, I would give your sister some time. She will not succumb to this news with a good spirit. Let her see how you feel about him and get to know him herself. At least a few days.”

Katherine smiled at the idea. “Very well. We will keep this our secret.”

Dorian asked Deanna to take a walk. He had just finished his meeting with Ian and a few of his men, and Deanna was anxious to hear the news.

“My family likes you.” He smiled as he kissed her hand, keeping her hand in his as they walked up the hill toward some wooded parts of the estate.

“I like them as well. They have made me feel most welcomed. I met with the seamstress today and she offered to make me a few dresses. Their kindness is touching.”

Dorian slowed his pace and asked her to take a