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

at the earl would intimidate any man. He waited a few seconds and then switched his gaze to Katherine. “Do you wish to speak to me alone?”

The room fell silent, and she searched the faces of their guests watching as they waited with bated breath for her reply. She could feel her composure falling. Never could she resist a moment with him. Closing her eyes, she wanted to remember the sound of his voice. But opening them back up again, she glanced at the earl, his face twitching as he tried to keep his anger controlled. She noticed his grip on the chair and his knuckles turning white. Not wanting to upset him, she turned to Ian. Her voice was strained and shaky, “Sir Ian, I am so thankful that my prayers were answered, and you are well. It brings my heart immense joy that you have returned to your family. I know how much your mother suffered.” She couldn’t answer his question truthfully in front of the others. The truth was that she wanted to be alone with him more than anything in the world. But no, she would decline her wants and protect those she loved.

Ian stared at her after her reply. His eyes locking with hers for the briefest of moments before Katherine looked away. Ian turned to the earl narrowing his eyes as he heard a slight cough come from his brother. He turned his attention to Jakub who shot him a warning look as to not anger the earl. Ian ignored his silent warning. “Lady Katherine, do you remember our words in the woods? It’s all I thought about while I was imprisoned.”

Alexander’s face turned a shade of red. “Do not speak in such ways to another man’s wife. This reunion is over, and I will escort Katherine to her quarters.” Alexander stood up grabbing Katherine by the arm pulling her abruptly to her feet.

Ian stood up to his full height taking a step toward Katherine. Jakub stood up reaching for his brother. Alexander stood between them as both sides of the room stared at the exchange.

Ian leaned around Alexander. “Katherine, do you wish for me to leave? Say the word and I will take you away from here.”

Alexander opened his mouth in surprise. “How dare you!”

Katherine saw the anger flying between the men and she yelled, “Stop! I don’t wish for any blood to spill on my account.” She looked at Ian as tears fell from her eyes. “Ian, it warms my heart that you are alive. But I can’t speak about the woods with you. Not anymore. My life has changed, and I am married to Alexander and have three children with one on the way. Please think about that.”

His face lost its scowl for a moment as a look of agony replaced it. He took a hard swallow and met her eyes once more. “Say the word and I will leave you be. Tell me that I am too late, and I will never bother you again.”

She took a deep breath trying not to cry. “I wish you well, Sir Ian. May God bless you. I hope you find peace one day. But I must take my leave and check on my children.”

He looked at her for a long moment and then turned to walk out of the great hall. His men followed him with Jakub.

She watched him walk out of the hall as Alexander pulled her to her chamber. Once inside, her legs buckled, and she collapsed on the bed. She cried for hours unable to rest her mind. She hadn’t felt that way since the day she found out that Ian had died.

Chapter 30

Seven years later

Katherine laughed as her youngest daughter came into her room smelling like she was drenched in perfume. “Mary, did you use mama’s perfume?”

The little girl shook her head back and forth. “No, Mama.”

Katherine put her index finger on her chin. “Hmm. That is strange. Perhaps some monster drenched you in my perfume without you knowing?”

The little girl nodded. “I think Joslyn may have while I was napping.”

“Well, I guess I will have to punish Joslyn. We should get you into the bathtub.”

The little girl smiled as Katherine asked the servant to prepare a bath in Mary’s chambers. After her bath, Katherine took her to Joslyn’s chamber. Joslyn too smelled like Katherine’s perfume and it became abundantly clear that this was a conspiracy by both her youngest daughters. She made Joslyn take a bath next and tried to scold them for taking perfume without asking. It was hard for her to punish her children. They were her greatest joy.

She had allowed her oldest daughter Sara to use perfume and the two younger ones were jealous. She must try to find some sweet smells for them to play with that were not so strong.

“Katherine?” she heard Alexander’s deep voice carry throughout the corridor. She hurried to her chamber and saw him waiting for her.

“I was giving the girls a bath.” She smoothed her hair and took a seat in the chair by the fireplace to dry off. Wet spots were on her gown from the splashing in the tub.

He ran his fingers over his tunic. “I received a missive from Lord Dunbar, and he has agreed to foster Daniel. His estate is not too far from here and he owns some of the best horse stock in the country.”

Katherine smiled and clasped her hands together. “Oh! That is wonderful news. He can come home to visit often.”

Alexander smiled. “I have given you a gift, my dear. Don’t get in the way of his training too much and I will allow him to stay close to home.”

Katherine stood up and gave her husband a kiss on the cheek. “You have made me very happy.”

“You can show me later.”

She winked and walked away to sit by the fire again.

“I must leave tomorrow to visit with the king for a few days. The rebels are