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

“Oh please, you’re the one that looks beautiful. I like that color on you.” The older woman blushed at the compliment.

They walked together to the great hall. Katherine’s eyes searched for Ian, finally spotting him speaking to some men. Admiring him from afar, she took in his appearance. He was clean-shaven, and his hair was tied back in a band. The few scars on his face were more visible but could not take away from his square jawline and strong cheekbones. He wore a white shirt and black breeches that clung on his muscular shape. She was pleased with what she saw.

He walked to her and put her hand in the crook of his arm. They climbed the dais and he pulled out the chair for her. She only had eyes for him and barely noticed the earl a few seats down. Platters of food started in procession and the jugglers and acrobats entertained them as they ate. Katherine enjoyed the food and the show. She was barely allowed to attend any dining experiences at her father’s house. She couldn’t help but laugh at the entertainment and quickly covered her mouth to act more ladylike.

Ian looked admiringly at her and leaned down to whisper, “Do not cover your beautiful smile.”

She reached up and softly pecked him on the cheek as her eyes caught the earl staring at her. Quickly turning her head, her face burned with embarrassment. Not used to showing her affections, she didn’t want to come off as untoward, but Ian was her fiancé and a certain amount of liberty should be expected.

Ignoring the earl’s hard stare, she turned her attention back on the jugglers. Not able to resist, she giggled with enthusiasm, as he added more objects to his hands. He was incredible, and she clapped the loudest. After dinner, Ian’s brother made the engagement announcement. Most knew already, but the hall roared with enthusiasm. The servants moved more tables outdoors under tents to accommodate more villagers and the earl’s army. Katherine had never seen so many people in one gathering. Ian gave her a warning not to walk off alone. Although they were in friendly territory in his own home, he didn’t trust everyone and wanted to make sure that no one would hurt her.

Katherine enjoyed the music. She danced several dances with Ian, and he was quite the gentleman when he wanted to be. She laughed so hard with him and ended up sitting on his lap during most of the celebration. At one point her hair had come loose, and he plaited it for her. She could see the surprise on his family’s face as they watched Ian fix her hair. When he banded the end of it, he kissed her neck as they laughed together.

A few moments later, Jakub came over to join a few of his siblings drinking ale. Martin, the youngest brother, laughed. “Did you see Ian braid the lass’s hair? He is becoming a woman.”

Jakub smiled. “I saw it. A skill I am sure he learned in battle.” They both started laughing together.

Their mother walked up overhearing her children. “Leave him alone, he is in love. I like this side of him.”

The family stopped laughing as the earl approached. He was dressed in a very fashionable suit. “Good evening.”

They answered in unison, “Good evening, my lord.”

“My men are enjoying themselves. I must thank you again for including us in your celebrations. The music is wonderful.”

Jakub nodded. “You are most welcome. The musicians are local to our clan. Have you danced?”

He wiped some sweat from his brow. “Not yet. I was hoping to ask Miss Tolland. Do you think your brother would mind?”

A look of concern came across his face. “You may ask, my lord. But you know how young couples are. Hardly wishing to part.”

“It’s just a dance.” The earl’s tone was a bit short causing an awkwardness in the air.

Jakub loosened his collar. “As you wish, my lord.” Thinking and hoping Ian would not start a brawl.

The earl walked away with a few guards close behind. He approached the laughing couple as Ian was whispering jests in her ears.

“Sir Ian how are you this fine evening?”

Ian looked up at him as Katherine stayed on his lap. He gently moved Katherine to the side and stood. Showing his full height to intimidate the earl, he stepped closer. “Enjoying my fiancée.”

The earl was a big man himself and did not cower. “I just commented to your brother on how enjoyable the music sounded. He said the musicians were from your village. It’s nice to have such talent for clan celebrations. I must invite them to play at my castle in the future.”

Ian didn’t offer any polite talk back and simply nodded.

“Your brother suggested that I dance, and I was hoping to find a partner to enjoy the music. May I ask your permission to dance with Miss Tolland?”

Ian sized up the earl before answering—a move that normally intimidated most men. Although the manners of the earl were impeccable, and he showed no visible sign of being uncomfortable, Ian obviously didn’t trust him. The men waited a few seconds for Ian to answer.

“As you wish,” he answered in a shocking display of diplomacy. “If she is agreeable.”

Katherine glanced at him with apprehension. He touched her shoulders to calm her and smiled.

The earl cleared his throat and turned to Katherine, holding out his hand. “Would you do me the honor of a dance?”

She looked back at Ian for assistance. He winked at her. “One dance, my love for our honored guest. If you feel up to it.”

Not wanting to be rude, she stood up and curtsied. “Very well, my lord.”

The earl placed her hand on his arm and escorted her to the dance floor. They lined up across from each other and waited for the music to start. The earl’s gaze was a bit conspicuous and made her feel uncomfortable.