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

and breaking the contract. Your father lost his castle and holdings. He is now living with some cousin near London.”

“My father lost our home?!”

“That is what I was told. When I finally agreed to see your brother, he was quite adamant that I owed your family a debt. He is daft if he thinks his threats will persuade me to help them since I am already married to you.” He stretched out his arms over his head groaning as his muscles pulled. “Perhaps, I would have helped him if he came to me with more respect, but his attitude was one of entitlement, so I sent him away with nothing. I didn’t become rich by giving my money away.”

She couldn’t imagine how enraged they must be with her. The thought of them losing their lands and castle never entered her mind when she left with Ian. Burning questions lingered inside her, but she did not want to overstep her bounds when her husband seemed so agreeable.

Katherine sat up and smoothed her long hair. “I need to feed Daniel.”

The earl turned to her. “Hurry, my dear. I still have need of you.” He laid a wet kiss on her mouth. “It’s been too long, and my body craves you.”

Katherine tried to keep her apprehension at bay. The last thing she wanted to do was spend more time with him. With any luck, he would take another trip soon. Resigning herself to her duty, she nodded and slipped out of bed.

Alexander stayed with Katherine the next few months training with his men. The king sent word that he needed him to pledge more men to the border cause, taking men away from the rebels. Alexander announced that he would need to move the household to Edinburgh sooner than he thought. Katherine was afraid that Daniel was too small to travel at only four months but pushed her feelings aside. The men thought he was only two months old and she would have to keep him hidden as much as possible.

The travel was more comfortable in the carriage than straddled to a horse. The roads were bumpy, but with enough cushions and blankets, she was able to rest. Daniel spent most of his time sleeping and eating. He seemed to enjoy the rocking of the carriage and had started blowing bubbles with his mouth. Katherine laughed each time he would coo and slobber. She could not help but notice his eyes darkening and his appetite increasing as he started to grow rapidly. He was becoming more like his real father.

She looked out the window and caught a glimpse of Alexander on his stallion. The last two months had been a challenge with her marriage and understanding her husband. Alexander was powerful, and his word was never to be questioned. He expected complete obedience from his wife and would discipline if he needed to. In his mind, that was a husband’s responsibility. Not only as a provider but a master of his household. He was not cruel by most standards but felt justified in his decisions and actions. Many thought she was lucky to have such a match. Alexander could be kind and loving at times—often showering her with small gifts and signs of affections. Katherine tried hard to appease his moods and agree with whatever he told her. She learned to not question him and allow him to touch her whenever he pleased. This prevented his harsh discipline and seemed to gratify him. But at times, he mistook her obedience for love or admiration. This was something she would never give him.

She closed the curtain and shifted her attention back to Daniel. He was putting a cloth in his mouth and chewing on it. How much she enjoyed just watching him every day. Soon he would be crawling everywhere. She couldn’t understand how people sent their children to other households to foster. Even though that was popular with many noble households, she was hoping to keep him close to home.

Chapter 26

The estate was like nothing she had ever seen. The castle wasn’t in Edinburgh, but a few miles away. Close enough to visit, but far enough away to enjoy a private oasis full of gardens, lochs, and stables. They were greeted by many servants standing outside ready to welcome them home. Katherine held Daniel close to her and nodded as each servant curtsied. It was obvious they expected her and were eager to please their new countess. The blankets hid the baby enabling her to keep him away from prying eyes.

Katherine was escorted to her apartments by Alexander. His chest filled with pride as he showed her the rooms. She had a dressing room, parlor, two bedrooms, and even a garderobe—a luxury she could not imagine. She spun around smiling at her surroundings.

“Are you happy, love?” Alexander wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed Daniel’s head and Katherine’s cheek.

“Yes, Alexander. It’s so beautiful. There is an extra bedroom I can make into a nursery until Daniel is older.”

“As you wish, love.” He let go of her waist and approached the door through the parlor. He opened it showing her a sitting area on the other side. “This door connects our apartments.” He lifted his hand motioning toward her side of the door. “This is your apartment and you may decorate and utilize it as you wish. The rules are simple. This door must always remain unlocked as I will not be denied access to you. But you will not use this door to enter my chambers unless I give you permission. Sometimes I may hold important conversations with strategic alliances and must not be disturbed. Is that understood?”

Katherine bit her tongue holding back a retort at his rules. She had remembered his consequences if she did not obey. “Yes, of course, Alexander.”

He smiled at her compliance and walked to the other side of the room. “I will leave you be and see you at dinner. There are