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

Looking down at his chest, she refused to make eye contact. She was unfamiliar with this dance, and only had practiced it a few times with her brothers. Following the lead of the other couples, the moves became easier. Carefully avoiding his stare, she searched the room and saw Ian looking at her as he spoke to his brother. She watched him taking a drink of ale and wiping his mouth before turning to his brother and walking away.

“Are you enjoying the dance?” The earl’s deep voice broke her from her stupor. She looked at him as he stepped around her to the other side of the line.

Holding up her hand to meet his, she whispered, “I am my lord. But I must confess that I am not a very good dancer.”

He cracked a smile. “Nonsense.”

She brought her hand down and moved past the man on her right in the spirit of the dance, the other couples held up their hands as the couples switched again, leaving her back in front of the earl.

“You are being too kind. I was not allowed to dance at my father’s house. He always said I was too young. I only danced with my brothers for their practice.”

He smiled. “You’re doing great, lass.”

She smiled back and finished the dance. He escorted her back to where Ian was, but he had disappeared. They searched around and did not see him. Katherine tugged her hand away from his arm and curtsied. “I am fine, my lord. You don’t have to wait.”

“I enjoy your company, Miss Tolland. I am sure your betrothed will be back momentarily.”

A maid came by and the earl took two glasses of wine and handed one to Katherine. “You look thirsty.”

“Thank you.” She took a drink and listened to another song playing as she tapped her foot to the music. Smiling demurely, she put the cup down on the table. “I wish I would have learned to play an instrument when I was younger.”

“You are not that old, my dear. You can still learn. In my home, there are many instruments. I like music as well.”

She smiled. “Perhaps, I will ask Ian if I can learn. I shall like to play every day.”

He took another drink studying Katherine as she watched the couples dance. This was a circle dance, one she had not seen before. She felt arms go around her waist and she jerked slightly around seeing Ian. He kissed her on the cheek. “You looked fetching out there.”

She laughed. “Liar. You know I missed many steps. I had a wonderful time though.”

The earl interrupted their conversation. “Thank you for the dance, Miss Tolland.” He turned to Ian saying, “Have a good evening, Sir Ian.”

Ian looked at him and nodded then turned back to Katherine. He whispered in her ear as they chuckled. She leaned against him and kissed his neck, catching the earl watching their exchange before walking away.

Chapter 17

A few of earl’s officers were waiting for the him by the table that was assigned to their group. The rest of the army danced outside under the tents. Other clans had also come and there were many women available for dancing.

His Master of Arms was a great friend and laughed as he sat down. “Of all the willing lassies in here, you choose to dance with the betrothed. Are you not going to dance with anyone else?”

He cracked a smile. “I will. I just wanted a moment to know what it would be like to touch someone so lovely. Can you imagine the luck that man has?”

His Master of Arms shrugged. “I know. We have been trying to figure it out. Ian Travis is known as a savage, even by Scot standards. His massive size is probably enough to deter any decent woman. Yet, she seems to favor him.” Taking a drink, he let out a loud belch, some of his men groaning at his manners.

One of the commanders leaned over and said, “Rumors fly around about her fiancé in England. Apparently, the Earl of Delbert is one of the most sought-after bachelors in the English court and she gave him up with all his money and status to be a wife of a mercenary. It just doesn’t make any sense.”

“Women? Who knows what goes through their minds.” The earl took a drink and joined his men laughing and joking.

Ian escorted Katherine to her maid. He made a show of kissing her on the cheek and bidding her a good night. He had a guard walk behind them on the pretense that she was retiring for the night. He stayed and drank with a few of his men for another thirty minutes and then made excuses to leave. He walked to his tower, sneaking out the back door and making his way back to the castle unseen. Walking up the back stairs, he knocked on the door to Katherine’s chamber. She was waiting for him as they came together again as husband and wife. It was exciting to be discreet about their lovemaking, but she longed to wake up in his arms. She couldn’t wait to be married.

A few days later, Ian walked into the weaving room looking for Katherine. “I received a missive from Dorian. They will be here on Saturday for the wedding. He said your sister is afraid you are upset with her because of your brother’s taking you. She hopes you can forgive her.”

“I was so hurt by her not fighting harder for me. She has never agreed to this union between you and me. I am not sure why she wants to come to our wedding.”

“Katherine, your sister is not my favorite person either. It’s obvious she does not want you to marry me. But you have left all you know back in England. A family member would be nice to have at your wedding. I will support your decision.”

“You know, for someone with a supposed black heart,