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

a poor English landowner who used to be a lowly knight. It doesn’t make sense.”

Katherine stood up from the bed and walked to the table to pour herself some watered wine. “I did not misunderstand him. I assume he has permission from the king. I don’t know why he offered, he only said that he couldn’t stop thinking of me. That is enough for me.”

Deanna crossed her arms. “I don’t like it. Something seems amiss.”

Katherine took a sip of wine and finished the glass. “All I know is that he wants to marry me tonight and leave afterwards.”

“Tonight? Are you jesting?”

“He doesn’t want to wait. The earl is asking Dorian and the laird for their permission to use the chapel.”

Claudia interrupted their conversation, walking over to loop her arm with Katherine’s trying to appease the mood and separate the sisters. Deanna’s face was turning red and she was unable to control her temper. Claudia looked to Katherine and said, “Tonight? We haven’t much time. Let’s go find you a gown to wear.” And they left the room.

Deanna entered Katherine’s chamber a few minutes before the ceremony. She walked to her and helped straighten some curls coming down from her barrette.

“You look beautiful,” Deanna said with tears in her eyes.

“Thank you. The gown is old, but it was the best one I had.”

“Trust me, your earl will not be looking at the gown.”

Katherine put her hand on her stomach, trying to calm her nerves. “I feel a little nauseous, I need to sit down.” She walked to a chair near the window. “I think they will come soon.”

Deanna sat on the bed and spoke to Katherine, “I apologize for my behavior earlier. You just surprised me that is all.”

“No matter, I would have thought it was odd if you didn’t question my decision.”

“There is something else I wanted to talk to you about. I know it’s embarrassing, but since we have no mother, I feel it’s my duty.”

“It’s not necessary, Deanna.” Katherine looked away unable to meet her eyes.

“Trust me, you will be glad you listened to me. Your wedding night may frighten you, but you are very fortunate that the earl is not an old decrepit man. You should be able to enjoy his touch. But the first time can be painful and confusing. If you would like to speak about it, then let me know.”

Katherine felt her face grow warm at such an intimate discussion. She knew her sister had no idea that she and Ian had been married and had already enjoyed marital relations. Not wanting to have this conversation, she shook her head and said, “Sister, I appreciate your willingness to enlighten me on the duties of being a wife. But I prefer not to discuss them.”

Deanna straightened her shoulders looking a little disappointed. “Very well. I will see you in the chapel. Dorian will come in a few minutes to escort you.”

Katherine watched her leave the room and closed the door. Unable to handle any more feelings for the day, she started to giggle at the irony of the situation. Those giggles turned into laughter and she had to cover her mouth breathing deeply to stop.

A knock on the door came a few moments later—it was Dorian ready to take her to the chapel.

Katherine entered the chapel with Dorian by her side. The earl had a few of his men beside him and she could see from the corner of her eye both Deanna and Claudia standing in the front. The laird and his wife along with a few other warriors from the clan sat in the back.

The earl held out his hand to her as she approached him. He looked very handsome in his white tunic and black trousers accompanied by a wide black leather belt. Around his shoulders laid a rabbit furred cloak that fell down his back.

Katherine accepted his hand watching Dorian stand by Deanna. The priest began the wedding mass and she tried to focus on her groom. Thoughts of Ian played in her mind as she tried to accept his death in her heart. She did not love the earl, but he made a generous offer, and for that, she would be forever grateful. One day she would tell her child the truth about their real father. An honor she would bestow to the man she once loved, his child would know he existed. Not to betray the man that will raise him, she would keep the secret guarded in her heart until the time was right.

The priest announced they would take their vows. Katherine felt she was outside of her body, unable to participate in what was taking place in front of her. She forced herself through the motions blocking out any dreadful thoughts of her future. Before she could focus her mind on the present, she faintly heard the priest announce them husband and wife. A tug on her arm broke her out of her stupor, and she looked up into the brown eyes of her new husband. He smiled down at her and rubbed her arm reassuringly with his hand. She met his eyes as he leaned down and kissed her quickly to seal their vows. Katherine found her feet and walked with the earl outside of the chapel back to the castle. Many servants wished them well as they strode up to the great hall. The earl declined to stay for the feast telling Dorian he had business to attend to up north and must leave immediately. Katherine ‘s trunks were already loaded into a carriage and Deanna stood by her side with tears in her eyes. Claudia hugged her. “If you need a lady’s maid, you know who to send for.”

Katherine sniffed her nose and hugged her back. “Who would that be?”

Claudia narrowed her eyes playfully and laughed. “I wish you well.”

Deanna curtsied and winked. “My lady.” She started laughing and then hugged Katherine. “You better get used to your new title, Sister.”

“I