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

possible. I was hoping for a rich baron or a lower earl. But the Earl of Delbert? Not in my dreams did I think such a match would be possible.”

He let go of her chin and walked to the door.

Darin looked down at his sister asking, “Do you remember him?”

“I do not.”

Her father huffed. “No matter. He remembers you and that is enough.” He looked at Drake and pointed at his daughter. “Take her back to her chamber and put a guard on the door.”

Katherine followed Drake in silence. When they were younger, Drake treated her better than Darin or Donald. Donald was the second oldest and already married. He lived far away and was fostered the furthest while she was growing up. She barely saw him. Darin was the heir and fostered close by so her father could keep an eye on him. Drake was the youngest boy and only fostered for a few years, then took care of the keep. Reaching her room, she turned to her brother hoping for some sort of kinship. After all, she was most familiar with him and had a few memories of them chasing chickens together or playing in the gardens.

“May I ask you a question?” Katherine stepped inside, and Drake followed.

“What is it?”

“Have you met the earl?” She watched his face hoping for a clue as to his true feelings about the man.

“On a few occasions. He is a rich nobleman and hardly gave me any attention. I have never conversed with him.”

Katherine sat on her bed and looked up at her brother. “I want you to know that I am sorry if I caused trouble for any of you when I left. It was not all Deanna’s fault. My truest intention was to say goodbye to our grandmother. I had planned to return. Were you not fond of her as well?”

He looked away and dropped his arms to his side. “She was your grandmother. Not mine. I know you cared for her, but honestly, her request was a selfish one. It put you in danger and could have cost us our future. I know that Father is harsh with you. But he does have your best interest in mind. We had to risk our lives to rescue you.”

“I am sorry Drake. I hope you don’t hate me.”

“Katherine, I am angry with you. But I don’t hate you. I hope you will do your duty to this family and marry the Earl of Delbert and become an obedient wife. If you can do that, then I will forgive you.”

Her throat tightened. “I know you think I am young and naïve in this world. But I have grown up. I will be seventeen tomorrow. This is not easy for me because I love another man. Please don’t ask me to do this. Please help me get back to him.”

“You’re too young to understand what you felt for this man. I doubt it was love. Besides, marriage is not about love, Katherine. You have known your entire life that Father would pick a match for you and Deanna. The Earl of Delbert is a fine match. I have heard no rumors of any abuse. You must take these silly girl fantasies out of your head. Many women would love to be in your place.”

A knock on the door quieted their conversation. Drake walked to the doorway and opened it for a maid. “My sister needs to be ready for the banquet tonight. Please attend to her.” He looked back and said nothing but closed the door as he left.

Katherine readied herself pushing the feeling of nausea aside. She felt physical pain in her chest at the thought of marrying a man who she did not know. Thoughts of Ian consumed her, and she knew in her heart, her life would never be the same. Finally dressing, she was able to get the necklace hooked together without assistance. She had insisted on brushing her own hair asking the maid to leave her alone.

Opening the door to her room, she spied a guard. “I am ready.”

The guard nodded and whispered to another guard. “We will let your brother know. He will escort you.”

Katherine nodded and closed the door waiting for her brother. Drake appeared a few minutes later in dinner attire and offered his elbow. Katherine hesitantly took it as he leaned down. “Father will be pleased that you took care with your appearance.”

She stayed quiet as they walked through the castle to the great hall. She took note of many people she did not recognize. They were dressed in colors that were not her fathers, and she could only imagine they belonged to the earl. The room fell silent as Katherine made her way up to the dais to join her father and a group of his knights. A few other men sat on the other side of him. She tried not to stare but couldn’t help to wonder which one was her betrothed. She concentrated on not looking their way until approaching them. The men stood, and her father gave a smile.

“Ah. My daughter has graced us with her presence. May I introduce you, my lord?”

The man beside him stood. His size was large, and he appeared a bit younger than Katherine imagined. She took note of his dark auburn hair and light brown eyes. He was clean-shaven and smelled of strong cologne. Not quite the brute of her imaginations, and some may consider him handsome. He took her hand and brushed a kiss over it. “You are stunning, my dear. So nice to formally meet you.”

Katherine curtsied. “Thank you, my lord.”

The earl pulled out the chair next to him and Katherine sat between him and her father.

Platters of food came out and the earl assisted Katherine with each course. He kept the conversations light and they spoke of the room, weather, and other mundane subjects. Her father seemingly kept his thoughts to himself allowing the couple to converse freely. After dessert trays