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

brother and you felt an obligation to help due to your affections for your brother. Trust me… you will thank me for declining one day.”

He rubbed the back of her hand. “Katherine, if I am being perfectly honest, it’s not only for Ian that I asked you to marry me.”

She creased her forehead confused by his words.

He brought her hands to his mouth brushing a warm kiss on top of them. “The first time I saw you on that horse next to Ian, my breath caught in my throat. You were the most beautiful girl that I had ever seen. I buried those thoughts not wanting to disrespect my brother. But when you arrived at our castle, I would watch you from afar and marvel at the change in my brother. It was then that I knew your beauty was not just on the outside, but you lit up a room with your laughter. I wondered what it would be like to kiss you and hold you in my arms.”

Katherine drew her hands back. “Please, my lord. Don’t say such things to me. Ian has only been gone a few days. I am not ready to love anyone again. I just need some time alone.”

Jakub considered her eyes. “I am afraid if I let you go, you will never come back.”

Katherine felt a little nervous about his statement. “It’s been decided, my lord. I leave within the hour.” She stood up walked toward the door.

Jakub stood and blocked her path. “Please wait. If you would only give me a chance to show you how great it could be with me.” He reached for her shoulders moving her closer to him.

Katherine shook her head and pushed him away. “Nay! Please let me go.”

He loosened his grip. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean to scare you. Please just say you will consider my offer when you’re at your sister’s. I will visit soon.”

Katherine straightened her dress wanting him to leave her alone. “I won’t change my mind. But if you want to visit, I will accept you as Ian’s brother.” She reached the door and left without looking back.

Katherine’s resilience broke on her way to her chamber and she let out a sob. She didn’t understand men. If Deanna died, she would not go after her husband a few days later. She had to think clearly and not allow herself to be vulnerable. Men were like wolves, and until she could be safely married, she would need to be on guard.

Chapter 20

A few weeks later, Ian’s clan fell into their normal routine. Signs of the past events were fading, and Ian’s tower was locked up and banned from visitors. His mother wanted no one to occupy the space and none of his personal things were removed. His other castle and lands were given to the family to distribute as needed to siblings. He had no children.

A maid interrupted Marion’s morning weaving. “Pardon me, my lady. There is a riding party that says the Earl of Barragan should be here within the hour.” Marion was surprised by the announcement and rushed to the kitchens to prepare for visitors.

A brief time later, she joined her son Jakub for the visit. The earl approached with twenty men. Not as armed as his other visit, but not helpless either. Marion curtsied as he entered the bailey. “Welcome to our home, my lord.”

He took off his hat. “Thank you for receiving me.”

Jakub bowed. “An honor to see you so soon, my lord.”

The earl patted his shoulder. “I wish to offer my condolences to you and your family. I was informed last week of your brother’s unfortunate death battling the rebels. The king has asked me to send his personal regards. Is Mrs. Travis among you?”

Jakub looked down. “Unfortunately, we were called away a few days before the wedding. They remained unwed. Miss Tolland left with her sister.”

Masking his eagerness to know more about her, he inquired, “Back to England?”

Marian shook her head answering for her son. “No, my lord. Miss Tolland went to her sisters at Castle Moore. Her sister recently married one of the knights there and he offered to care for her. We tried to convince her to stay with us, but she wanted to leave. My suspicions are that it brought back too many memories of Ian. They were hopelessly in love.”

He nodded his head in agreement. “That was very kind of you, my lady. Their affections for each other was evident on my last visit. I only hope that her father does not take advantage of this news. It’s only a matter of time before he finds out. I gathered from my conversations with her that he was a harsh man.”

Jakub took a deep breath. “Can we speak privately, my lord?”

Marion looked at the men with him. “Please come to the great hall when you are finished. I will find some refreshments. I will leave you two to talk.”

The earl followed Jakub to the solar and closed the door. He accepted some wine and sat in one of the chairs. Jakub sat down behind the desk. “I had the same reservations that you did. Being that Ian was my brother, I feel it’s my duty to protect her. I suggested a marriage between the two of us, but she refused. It may have been bad timing, but I feared that I would not be able to protect her if she went to Castle Moore.”

The earl shifted in his seat sipping his wine. “That was very chivalrous of you. I can imagine such a marriage would cause some division within the household.”

Jakub shrugged. “I didn’t tell anyone. I have plenty of brothers to make alliances. Katherine is an intriguing young woman. Any man would love the blessing of a wedding with such a creature. I felt the match would please my brother, but I need your help.”

“My help?” He questioned while twisting the wine glass in his