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

about to arrive that gave no prior announcements. I have the staff running in circles. Apparently, he is an earl and cousin of the king. He will be here within the hour.”

Katherine narrowed her eyes at her sister in concern. “The Earl of Barragan?”

Deanna sat on her bed and stretched out. “Yes, that is his name. Dorian said he has no idea why he would come here. Apparently, he is one of the richest men in Scotland and commands the biggest army. He has asked for a private audience when he arrives with Dorian. What do you think it could be about?”

Katherine shrugged. “I met him once. He was the one that told me about Father. He did not send me back to England and allowed me to stay with Ian. I danced with him.”

Deanna sat up and looked at Katherine. “You danced with him? Hopefully, his news is good for Dorian, if not—perhaps you can persuade his favor.” Deanna kissed her little sister on the cheek and left the room.

Katherine changed her dress to a more appropriate one for company. She took extra care with her appearance and met the others downstairs to welcome the earl.

The gates were opened, and the men filled the bailey. The earl swung his leg over his horse and approached the laird, Dorian’s uncle. The laird bowed. “My lord, welcome to Castle Moore. We have planned a feast for you and your men and will provide accommodations.”

He smiled. “Thank you. I am happy you can accommodate my men and me. Forgive me for my surprise visit today. I have requested a meeting with one of your knights, Sir Dorian.”

Dorian stepped up beside the two men. The laird smiled proudly at Dorian. “Sir Dorian is my nephew and one of my best warriors.”

Dorian bowed. “It’s an honor to be of service to you, my lord.”

The earl straightened his jacket. “Thank you all for the warm welcome.” He walked past the men spying Katherine standing beside her sister and the lairds wife. He ignored the inquisitive stare and took Katherine’s hand. “Miss Tolland. We meet again. May I say how lovely you look this day.” He pressed a warm kiss on the back of her hand.

Katherine blushed as the group turned to watch the exchange. “My lord, it’s nice to see you again.”

He took his fingers and smoothed his beard. “My deepest condolences regarding your fiancé. He was a fine man and will be deeply missed.”

Her throat tightened as she tried not to cry. “Thank you, my lord.”

He turned around to the laird. “Is there a place I could wash up? I would like to change and then meet Sir Dorian for our meeting.”

The laird waved his hands to the servants. “Of course, my lord. Please follow me for a drink while the servants prepare your chamber.”

Dorian paced the solar nervously waiting for the earl. He looked at his uncle. “I am at a loss as to why he would want to speak to me?”

The laird patted Dorian’s arm. “It must be good news. Why else would he personally come all this way? I have never met the man but have seen him from a distance when I was at the king’s court once. A powerful man indeed.”

A knock on the door interrupted their talk. The laird patted his nephew one more time on the shoulder and opened the door. “My lord. Nice to see you. I was just leaving. Please let us know if you need anything. I will see you both at dinner.”

The earl came in and motioned for Dorian to sit down. He sat across him and leaned back in the chair. His broad frame dwarfed the size of the chair. “Sir Dorian, I appreciate your hospitality to me and my men. My request today is of a personal nature.”

Dorian raised his brow inquisitively. “I hope I may help, my lord.”

“So do I. It is my understanding that your wife’s sister is under your protection.”

Recognition swept across Dorian’s face. “Yes, my lord. I have agreed to help her until she is married. She doesn’t wish to go back to her father. According to Deanna, he is an abusive man.”

“I have heard the same, unfortunately. It’s a pity.” The earl wiped his hands on his pants as he sized up the knight. “Sir Dorian, I will get to the point of my visit. I wish to offer for Miss Tolland’s hand in marriage. I know her mourning period has not been long, but I believe that I can offer her protection and a good life. I would require no dowry and would be happy to reimburse you for any expenses she has acquired since her stay here at Castle Moore.”

“No need, my lord. She has been a breath of fresh air and my wife’s been so happy since she came. I give you my permission to ask her.”

“Thank you. Do you have any advice for me? Any help in knowing how to win her affections?”

Dorian laughed. “Many men have tried, only Ian Travis succeeded. We have no idea why she fell for him. My only thought is that she looks at a man’s heart first before anything else.”

The earl stood. “Good to know. I will speak to her tonight after dinner.”

From the corner of Katherine’s eye, she could see the earl being sat next to the laird at dinner. She kept sneaking a few looks at him as he visibly tried to meet her eyes with a warm smile. Quickly turning away from him to not appear curious, she tried to become oblivious to his presence.

Katherine was listening to the women when she felt a presence behind her. Looking around, she noticed the earl leaning down near her ear. His warm breath tickled her cheek. “Miss Tolland. May I interest you in a walk this evening?”

She felt a chill at his closeness. “My lord, thank you. I would enjoy a walk.” She stood and took his arm bidding