Still no smile. “I wish to know my sister somewhat.”
Katherine was uneasy. She recalled Liam’s warning not to trust anyone at court. “You have a sudden fondness for long-lost sisters?” she said, striving for a light tone.
They began to stroll down the length of the gallery behind another couple. He still held her arm. “I think that I do.”
Katherine met his dark gaze. She finally freed herself from his grasp. He wanted something from her, but she could not sense what.
“Are you happy, Katherine? To be honored with the queen’s appointment as one of her ladies?”
“Yes, I am.” Katherine smiled. “I am very honored, in truth. Although…”
“Although what?”
“Although I still pray that she will eventually heed my plea.”
“Your plea?”
She met his regard. “My plea to marry.”
“Ahh. So you do not pine for Hugh Barry.”
Katherine tensed. “My lord, Hugh was my betrothed for many years, and I was happy. When I thought he died at Affane, I was aggrieved—and ’twas my grief, in part, that caused me to be sent to the sisters in France. Returning to Southwark, I was overjoyed to learn that Hugh lived.” She paused, coming to a standstill in front of a portrait of King Henry VII.
“But?” Ormond stood slightly behind her.
Katherine glanced back at him. “I was also aggrieved to learn the brehern had judged our betrothal invalid. But I saw a side of Hugh I had not suspected to exist before.” Her jaw firmed. “Let me just say that I am glad we are not to be wed after all.”
“What did he do?” Ormond asked.
To her dismay, tears filled her eyes as she recalled his violent attempt to rape her. She shook her head.
Ormond stared. “What did he do, Katherine?”
She met her half brother’s shadowy gaze. “He was…he was not a gentleman, but then, I am no gentlewoman anymore.”
Ormond’s stare was unwavering. “I am sorry,” he finally said. “It cannot be easy, I suppose, to lose all that one once had.”
She turned to face him, unsure of whether he commiserated with her plight or not. “If you are sorry, my lord, then perhaps you will be moved to help me somewhat.”
A muscle ticked in his jaw. He did not respond.
Katherine grew wary. This man was an enigma. “Am I asking too much? From my own half brother?”
“I sense you have hardly begun to make your request,” Ormond declared.
“I am sorry to have even mentioned it. I beg your pardon.” Katherine started to turn away. “I do not need your help after all, it seems.” She knew now that he did not care for her at all.
But his hand restrained her. He turned her to face him again. “You are very much like our mother,” he said softly.
Katherine started.
“And I am not remarking the physical resemblance,which is great.” He was grim. “Joan knew not when to hold her tongue. She was always forthright. Forthright, determined, and intelligent.”
“Is this praise?”
“Perhaps. If you aspire to being the woman she was.” His tone was suddenly bitter.
“Of course I wish to be like her,” Katherine could not help but cry.
