Ranulf had not forgiven her for it, and he’d thrown her dagger into the fire, forbidding her to ever touch a weapon again. He’d ordered his men to hold her down and beat her for disobedience.
And later, when she’d lain upon their bed, bruised and bleeding, he’d taken her innocence. Honora had wept, wishing to God she were dead. But he’d enjoyed humiliating her.
“I don’t know what to say.” Honora stared down at the floor. Never could she admit the truth to her sister. “I can only hope that your marriage is better than mine was.”
Katherine’s smile vanished. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up.”
A sour knot formed in her stomach. “Perhaps things will be different for you. I hope so.” She helped Katherine adjust her veil, then stepped back to look at her. Her sister wore a deep violet bliaud made of wool and embroidered with silver thread. The gown was close-fitting, and the horizontal tucks emphasized her small waist and slender arms. Her sleeves draped down to the floor while a corded girdle hung at the top of her hips.
Honora rubbed her own arms, the tight muscles not at all delicate and soft like her sister’s.
“I’ll be back by sundown,” Katherine promised. “If Father asks—“
“I’ll say you’re not feeling well, and you’re keeping to your chamber.” Honora reached out to her sister. “I’ll ask the servants to prepare a basket of food, for Ewan likes to eat. And do not be late, or I will come after you.”
Katherine’s smile returned. “Thank you, Honora.” She hugged her and fairly flew from the room.
Honora stared at the wooden door for so long, her eyesight blurred. Her sister was going to be alone with Ewan MacEgan. He was going to court her, using every tactic he had to win her heart. He needed Katherine’s land, the dowry that would help him establish a foothold. Like any strategist, he would use his strengths to his advantage.
Damn, damn, damn. Worry needled her protective nature, eating away at her stomach. It wasn’t jealousy. No, that had nothing to do with it.
Should she follow them and remain in hiding, in case Katherine needed her? Neither of them needed to know she was there.
Her conscience told her that this was not at all a good idea. Katherine deserved privacy, not her older sister spying on her as though she were a child.
But therein lay the truth. They were sisters. And Honora would allow no one to hurt Katherine. Not even a man she trusted.
She changed her gown into a brown woolen bliaud that would help her blend into the trees near the abbey ruins. In order to arrive before them, she would have to leave immediately.
Honora hid her hair with a veil, but she planned to remove it as soon as she arrived. The scrap of white fabric would easily give her position away. At her waist, she felt for the dagger, ensuring that it was still there.
Finally, she left the chamber. Within a quarter of an hour, she was on her way to the ruined abbey.
EwanhelpedKatherinedismount,tethering her mare to a nearby tree. She looked as lovely as a rose, her pale skin contrasting against the rich purple of her gown. He let his hands linger upon her waist, waiting to feel the same rush of need he’d felt with Honora.
But there was nothing.
He pushed aside the sense of restlessness. It would take time to know Katherine, and he was certain he would feel something toward her, eventually.
“I am glad you asked me to ride with you today,” Katherine said, smiling. Her cheeks had a light flush to them, as though she were nervous about being near him.
“We’ve never spent time alone together, have we?” Ewan took her hand and led her toward the ruined abbey. As a sixteen-year-old lad, he’d sometimes visited this spot, so near to the Earl of Longford’s lands. He’d practiced his fighting skills here, imagining that the abbey was his own castle.
Honora had been his opponent more often than not. They had spent hours together, battling with swords. And though she’d driven him half-mad, following him everywhere, she’d also provoked him into becoming a better fighter, a better man. Because of her taunts, he’d spent weeks lifting heavy stones, building up his strength until he could best any man at wrestling or hand-to-hand fighting.
Why was he thinking of her so often? It made little sense, for they were barely friends. And yet, never had he felt such mind-stealing lust, the need to be with a woman. Kissing Honora had been a mistake, one he wouldn’t repeat.
Katherine sat down upon the grass, spreading her skirts out. It was an invitation to sit beside her, and yet, he felt uneasy about it. Like a predator invited to dine upon succulent lamb.
“It’s a nice day,” she offered.
“It is, yes.”
Damn it all, was he still sixteen? He’d never had this much difficulty talking to women before. Quite the opposite.
“Would you like some food?” Katherine suggested. “Honora reminded me to pack some provisions.”
She was about to stand, but Ewan took her hand. “No. Not yet.”
