He doubted Gellir or anyone else would see things his way.But Hew’s intentions were honorable.Carenza needed to have a father for her bairn, and she deserved to have a husband she genuinely loved.Gellir needed a wife who wouldn’t mar his impeccable character, and he deserved to have a firstborn that actually belonged to him.
As for Hew, he cared little about his reputation.He wasn’t important enough in the Rivenloch clan to worry about a fall from grace.As long as he could live with the woman he loved and be a father to their child, he would stay inconspicuous until the king’s wrath blew over.
Still, when he thought about defying the will of two famously powerful clans—Rivenloch and Dunlop, absconding with the bride of the tournament champion of all Scotland, and disobeying the king’s orders, he wondered if he’d brought enough weapons.
Carenza paid little heed to her traveling companion as they tramped along the rocky southern road.Sister Eve seemed awfully chatty for a nun, especially considering their perilous circumstances.She was going on and on about her sundry adventures, which seemed like more than one could squeeze into a lifetime.
As for Carenza, she was too nervous for conversation.
Sister Eve’s gift of prattle and unruffled demeanor, however, were a blessing a few hours into their trek.A trio of Rivenloch men rode past, asking about a runaway bride.Eve did all the talking, pretending to give their questions long and thoughtful consideration, until they gave up and rode on.
From then on, Carenza had new respect for the woman.She wished she’d listened more closely to the young nun’s colorful stories.
Indeed, she had to admit she was rather surprised when, a few hours before nightfall, they arrived at an actual convent.
“Sister Eve.”The abbess looked weary, as if she’d been worn to a shadow.“What a lovely surprise.”
“I told ye I’d be back.This is my cousin, Sister Agnes,” she said without flinching, indicating Carenza.“She’ll be stayin’ with me for a wee bit.”
The abbess actually looked pleased to see Carenza.“Welcome, Sister.I’m glad to see Sister Eve has kin for company.Someone to keep her on the straight and narrow path.”
Carenza felt sick.She was hardly the one to keep anybody honest.Now she was defying royaltyanddeceiving the church.Nonetheless, she managed a weak smile.
Eve rubbed her hands together.“We’re starvin’.Is Sister Eithne makin’ her famed leek pottage this eve?”
Sister Eithnewasmaking her pottage.Carenza was so hungry, it tasted as good as her favorite roast salmon.Fortunately, her hunger and Eve’s chattiness prevented “Sister Agnes” from having to answer awkward questions.The nuns conversed in hushed tones around her, and soon Carenza grew sleepy.
Her eyes had almost drifted shut when Eve clamped her thigh under the table, bringing her awake again.
“Your pardon, Abbess,” Eve said, “but Sister Agnes and I have had a long journey.We can scarcely stay awake.May we retire?”
The abbess gave her a pointed glare.“Will ye join us for matins?”
“Ne’er fear,” Eve said.“My cousin has insisted upon it.”
The abbess gave Carenza a smug grin.“Good.”
As far as Carenza knew, Eve kept her promise.
Carenza, however, did not.
Well before matins, while it was still dark, Hew arrived at the convent on horseback.
Carenza could scarcely contain her relief and joy.How she’d yearned to fall into his arms.To feel his heart pumping with hers.And how she’d feared this day would never come.They embraced wordlessly, letting their eyes and hands and lips convey their longing.
“Och, ye two,” Sister Eve admonished in a whisper.“Save it for after the weddin’.”
Hew withdrew from their kiss.“How can I thank you enough, Eve?”
“Just give this wee one a proper da.”She ambled close enough to place a tender palm atop Carenza’s belly.
“I will,” he promised.
Eve gave him a scrap of parchment.Then she handed Carenza’s wedding dress, neatly folded, to her.
Hew read the parchment.“This is the place?In Mauchline?”
“Aye.I’ve told the father to expect ye in the morn.”She winked at Carenza.“He’ll marry ye then.”
