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

you. I wish we could spend our wedding night together, but I promise to make it up to you when I return.”

Katherine smiled as she reached for his face. “I love you. Be safe.”

He bent down and gently brushed her lips with his. “Always my love.”

Katherine watched him walk away and met her sister by the hearth to warm herself. “I heard that you are to be married to Dorian. Why did you not tell me?”

Deanna looked startled at her question. “I was going to tell you. There wasn’t time. I didn’t even know you left the hall when I was frantically looking for you during the attack. You should have taken Claudia as a chaperone.”

“Indeed? A chaperone? You were not too worried about a chaperone when I slept in his tent.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Shush! We mustn’t mention that. If you are to be married properly, then we can’t taint your reputation. Your beastly man will be gone soon, and his infatuation with you will cease, allowing other men to offer for your hand.”

“Don’t say that. He is not a beast!”

“They say he is a wanderer. He will be on to the next village soon enough. Terrorizing inhabitants of the lands and making wealth off other clan’s desperate circumstances. Did you know that Dorian had to pay him a fortune including land for his aide?”

“A man has a right to make a living. Some men trade wool or meat for other items. Ian simply uses his warrior skills for trade. It’s how he makes a living.”

Deanna studied her sister’s face. “It’s Ian? Not Sir Ian? How close are you two?”

“I want to marry him.”

“Oh, my dear sister. Men like Ian do not marry. The only way he would marry would be for land or castles arranged by his parents or even the Scottish king.”

Katherine didn’t answer because Dorian interrupted in that moment. “May I steal your sister to say goodbye?” Katherine nodded and walked away hoping to see Ian one more time.

She found him in the doorway to the kitchen. He had accepted a few bags of food from one of the servants and walked to Katherine to say goodbye. “It’s time for us to part.” He placed the bags on the ground and kissed her hands not wanting to show too much affection in front of other people. “I can’t wait to come back to you.”

A tear escaped her eye and he reached out and wiped her face. “Nay. No tears. I will be home soon.”

She nodded and straightened her shoulders. “I wish you safe travels.” Looking away to check their privacy, she turned back around and whispered, “I love you.”

He smiled, winking at her before he walked away. The warriors gathered together, and Katherine watched from a window as they rode away from the keep. The gates were closed securely after them and guards checked the walls to repair the damage.

Katherine stared out the window long after they departed. Not wanting to move, she leaned against the wall for at least an hour. Finally, she felt a tug on her arm and looked over to see her sister. Deanna let out a chuckle. “Oh! Katherine. I never thought this would happen to me. We are going to announce our marriage intentions when he returns.”

“I am happy for you, Sister.” Katherine hesitated to say anything more. She didn’t want to tell her that she was already married to Ian. No sense in upsetting her when she was so happy. She would let her have this moment and keep her secret.

“Come let’s go get some food and spend some time together. You can help me with my sewing.” Katherine obliged and followed Deanna to the sewing room. A nice distraction would be welcomed.

Chapter 11

The next morning Katherine woke later than usual. She stretched and went to look out the window. The bailey was crowded with villagers going about their daily business. She noticed the priest talking with mourners. At least a dozen people were killed in the attacks the night before and burials would have to be planned. Even with their men away at battle, they would need to bury the dead. Katherine saw beyond the castle walls graves being dug. Sadness came over her thinking about the poor families having to bury their loved ones. After a few moments of prayer, she dressed herself without Claudia again, her maid becoming increasingly derelict in her duties.

Not wanting to sit alone, Katherine skipped the great hall to dine and went directly to the kitchen for some freshly baked bread. She ate her fill and went to the sewing room to find her sister. The seamstress was making a new dress for her and Deanna was watching the progress.

“You’re finally awake, Sister.” Deanna was conversing with some of Dorian’s family. They were friendly and offered Katherine a seat.

“Yes, I slept well.” The women went on with their conversation as Katherine looked around the room. She was trying to keep her thoughts off Ian, but the distractions were not enough.

After another hour, a servant came into the room. “Mrs. Williams? There are some Englishmen at the gatehouse. They are asking for you.”

Deanna’s eyes widened, the blood draining from her face. She glanced at Katherine whose confused expression matched her own. Both women walked to the door. Deanna turned to the servant saying, “I will be there momentarily—I must have a word with my sister.”

The servant nodded and walked off toward the gatehouse. Katherine held on to Deanna as they stepped out into the corridor and visibly shaken, she cried, “It… can’t be…”

Swallowing hard, Deanna said firmly, “Listen to me. We must remain strong. You stay here, and I will go first. Hide upstairs and I will fetch you as soon as I know anything.”

Deanna approached the gates with apprehension. After all, she had practically abducted her own sister. Surely, these Englishmen were not her relation and may be here on official business. Of course,