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

telling Alexander because she didn’t want him to change his mind. She decided to wait until after his first visit home.

Daniel stood in front of her with his hands on his hips, tapping his foot. “Mama are you listening?”

She shook her head. “Forgive me. My thoughts took me away. What is it?”

“I want to swim. Will you watch me?” He started taking off his shoes as Katherine nodded her head.

“Be careful. It’s chilly today.” She smiled as he took off his shirt showing the indentions in his arms where muscles were forming.

“Have you ever swum, Mama?” He looked at her as he put his toe in the water to check the temperature.

Her smile faded as she thought about his question. The only time she ever swam was with Ian. One of the best days of her life. She couldn’t help but wonder if he still visited his special place and if he thought of their day there. Those thoughts twisted in her stomach even though she knew she had no right to think of him anymore. He deserved to be happy and she would keep her memories to herself.

“I never learned to swim, my love.” It wasn’t a lie. Ian carried her through the water, so she never really swam. She didn’t have the strength to explain to him about Ian. One day she would.

He waded deeper into the water and dunked his head under. Not seeing him for a few seconds always made her slightly panicked. She let out a breath of relief when she saw him pop his head up to take a breath and swim to the middle of the lake. He twisted around laying on his back splashing his legs. She laughed to herself at his carefree youthful fun. After a few moments, he swam back to shore and climbed out of the water using the blanket to dry off.

“Perhaps someday you will come with me and I will teach you to swim.”

Katherine smiled. “Perhaps my son. Now let’s get back home.”

They both heard a sound and looked up the hill to see a horse coming toward them. Katherine used her hand to shield the sun and spotted Alexander mounted.

“Pick up the food and put it in the basket. Your father is coming, and he was not due until tomorrow.”

Daniel ran out to meet him before he approached Katherine. The earl dismounted and patted him on the back. “Father, did you see me swim to the middle of the lake and back?”

“I did my son. Swimming will make you strong.” They walked toward Katherine as they spoke.

When the earl approached, his smile faded. Katherine furrowed her brow in concern. “What is wrong? You are back a day early.”

“I am afraid I have bad news.” The earl took a deep breath.

She looked at Daniel. “Son, please ride back and get changed.”

The earl reached for Daniel’s shoulder. “No, he is old enough to hear this now.”

Katherine reached out and touched Alexander’s arm. “Tell us what is troubling you.”

He patted her on her arm. “We have lost strongholds in the west. The rebel’s new leader is Ian Travis, otherwise known as Cold-Heart.”

Katherine gasped and then covered her mouth with her hand. Alexander’s eyes met hers for a moment.

Daniel took out his sword saying, “I will battle this Ian Travis and show him no one will turn away from our king.”

Katherine shook her head unable to speak.

Alexander cleared his throat. “I need you to train hard, my son. Scotland will need you soon. We are building our armies from the east. I will command the troops. I leave tomorrow.”

Chapter 31

The years blurred one after the other. Daniel thrived at Lord Dunbar’s alongside his cousin. Alexander had wanted to pull him from his care when he found out James was there as well. He complained that Deanna would use it as an excuse to visit. Katherine was thankful that Lord Dunbar convinced Alexander to let Daniel stay with him. But she had to pay for not letting Alexander know sooner. He thought it to be a betrayal and had to teach her a lesson.

Katherine did send letters as much as she could to Daniel. Lord Dunbar’s estate was close by, but Alexander thought Daniel should only visit sparingly. He said it interfered with his training if they allowed him to leave too much. It broke her heart, but she did get to see him a few times a year at home. She also managed to sneak over to Dunbar castle when Alexander was out of town. Her daughters stayed at home as they chose not to send them to foster. Mary was her last child and she did not become pregnant after her. Her daughters looked like her, except Mary had darker hair like her grandmother.

Daniel’s lessons and challenging work paid off. He became quite skillful by sixteen years of age. Lord Dunbar wanted him to stay and serve with him, but Alexander refused. He wanted Daniel to serve with his family. He had spent the last several years building his army and uniting the clans. The constant threat of the rebels was always a sore spot and he felt it divided the country. The rebels did not seem to care about the English and spent all their resources in sieging castles and lands in Scotland. Alexander had to divide his armies at the border and the rebel’s areas, giving him a disadvantage.

“Katherine, make sure the girls wear heavy cloaks. The snow is coming down harder now.”

Katherine pulled her gloves tighter on her hands. “They have blankets as well as their cloaks. Their trunks are packed, and they are snuggled in the carriage. I still don’t see why we have to leave our home.”

“Katherine, please I am exhausted. I don’t want to have to warn you again about questioning my decisions. Ian Travis’s ruthless siege of my properties put you and the girls in danger. He purposely targets my lands and the king’s loyal men. Even