Hiding Katherine by GG Shalton (most difficult books to read txt) 📕

Katherine drew her brows together confused. “What do you mean? Who should I marry?”

“I would marry you to protect you. I think it is something Ian would have wanted.”

“But you can’t—you are the heir.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “I have other brothers who can marry for alliances. I want to honor Ian and protect the woman he loved. Perhaps eventually, you would grow fond of me as well. We could remember Ian together.”

Katherine stood up brusquely. “I can’t answer you right now. I need a moment. Please excuse me.”

Jakub stood up. “I know this is a lot to take in, but I am only thinking of your best interest and how to protect you. I will escort you to the castle.”

Katherine practically ran to her chamber after Jakub took her to the great hall.

Chapter 19

“Look who I found!” Deanna chuckled when Katherine entered her room.

Claudia hugged Katherine. “I was banned from the room until you felt better. They didn’t want you to have too many visitors.”

She had a bottle of wine in her hand. Katherine was relieved to see her old maid and confidante. “I never thought I would miss you so much. As much as you drive me mad.”

Claudia took out some glasses from the table and poured the wine. She handed it to each sister. “How are you today?”

She took a deep breath. “I went to Ian’s tower. While I was there, his brother showed up with the oddest request.”

Deanna laughed. “Which one?”

“The laird. He told me he wanted to honor Ian’s memory by protecting me from Father.” Katherine sniffed.

Claudia handed Katherine a cloth. “How is he going to do that? You are coming with us in couple of days.”

Katherine wiped her nose. “He said he wishes to marry me for Ian.”

Deanna spit out her wine. “What?” She looked at Claudia. “Did you just hear what she said? He wants to marry her after losing her fiancé just a few days ago.”

Katherine took a drink of wine. “He says the sooner the better, so he can offer me his protection in case Father finds out that Ian is dead.”

“Please… that is not his motivation. He is a powerful laird and wants a beautiful innocent girl in his bed.”

Katherine’s insides twisted. No one knew of her and Ian’s secret wedding. She was no longer innocent and now was with child. Jakub had no idea. She would not allow herself to marry him. With or without protection, she needed to leave as soon as possible. Perhaps Deanna could help her find a suitable husband in Dorian’s clan. Maybe a widower that needed help raising his children. That way he wouldn’t mind if she had a child of her own. She did need to marry soon, but not to Jakub.

“It matters not. I don’t plan to marry him. Perhaps we should leave on the morrow. Could you speak to Dorian?”

Deanna nodded. “I think you are right, Sister. Once you decline his offer, it would be awkward to stay.”

Claudia assisted Katherine with her trunk. She had acquired a few nice dresses since her stay with Ian’s clan. She carefully placed Ian’s comb in a leather pouch that she would keep for their child. Perhaps someday she would visit again when the child was older. But for now, the guilt was unbearable, and she chose to keep the pregnancy a secret in hopes that a nice man may take pity on her. Even a villager or farmer may offer his name or protection. An unmarried mother was scandalous, and she didn’t wish to bring shame to her family.

The next morning, she walked to Marion’s chambers and knocked on the door. Her maid answered and moved to the side allowing Katherine to go in. Marion was lying in a chair looking out the window. She kept her eyes focused on the activity below. “You are leaving early. I can see the men loading the horses.”

“It’s not too early. Only by a day. My melancholy is taking a toll on my sister and she thought it was best to stay with her and Dorian. I wanted you to know that I appreciate everything you did for me, but I am most grateful for your friendship. As you know, my mother died when I was very young, and I would like to think she was like you.”

Marion turned to her with tears in her eyes. “That is so nice for you to say. I will always think of you as my daughter.” She stood up from the chair and went to embrace Katherine. “Please take care of yourself, young lady. You will always have a place in my home.”

Katherine’s chest warmed with gratitude. “Thank you. I will miss you.” The women embraced one more time before Katherine left. After closing the door, she wiped the tears and knew she had to find Jakub.

He was in the solar speaking to a few of his knights. When she entered, all three stood and greeted her. “I didn’t mean to disturb you, my lord.”

“Nonsense. They were just leaving. Please have a seat.” Katherine sat on a chair and waved goodbye to the knights. Jakub walked around his desk and sat in the chair next to her.

Katherine wrung her hands. “My lord, your offer was unexpected and generous. I am not sure how Ian would have felt about it, but I hope he would be happy that his brother wished to protect me. Although I am flattered by your attentions, I am afraid I must decline.”

The smile faded from his face. He studied her eyes, searching for more of an explanation. “I don’t understand. Why would you decline? I know you still love my brother and I am willing to accept that.”

She reached for his hand and held it. “My lord, you are a handsome and powerful lord. You deserve a woman that you love and who will love you back. You don’t want to be chained to a woman who loved your