Page 56 of The Knight’s Reward

If Kathryn smiled that way every time he spoke, Neill would never stop talking.

“Does Lord—”

“Geoffrey,” Sara interrupted.

The two women exchanged a look, and Kathryn nodded and corrected herself. “Does Geoffrey have the right of it, then? Did your brother best you because he took advantage of your overconfidence?”

His brother burst out laughing, and Neill could admit, it was somewhat amusing how keenly Kathryn had assessed Geoffrey’s hidden meaning. Though he was not surprised.

“We shall see tomorrow in the training yard.”

“Aye,” his brother replied. “Aye, we shall.”

He relaxed then, knowing he needn’t fear for Kathryn’s well-being while they waited for word from Brockburg. In the meantime, he would do well to heed Geoffrey’s warning.

As Neill’s gaze strayed to her again, he reminded himself of what was at stake. Once King Alexander renewed his oath of fealty, King Edward would no doubt expect his other condition to be fulfilled. Neill would be required to submit to a formal betrothal. He was all but wed, which meant his delightful and very beautiful companion should be avoided at all costs.

Though he would have thought himself more disciplined, it seemed he had more weaknesses than the one Bryce had exploited. But succumbing to this weakness would be disastrous for his family and the borderlands, and that was if he kept his head for disobeying the king and queen.

And then she looked at him.

Chapter 18

“I must speak to you,” she whispered.

Kathryn had wanted to say as much all evening, but only now, just before the meal ended, did she finally get the words out. She had to make sure Neill knew she had not encouraged Sara’s matchmaking efforts. Because no matter what she’d said to the countess that day, she would not be waylaid. Sara was convinced she and Neill had feelings for one another.

Which was not entirely untrue.

Kathryn and Sara had enjoyed a pleasant afternoon together. So enjoyable, Kathryn could almost forget what was even now unfolding in Scotland. They had goaded the Earl of Bothwell, her father’s potential murderer, and in so doing, they might succeed in uncovering a larger plot.

Of course, Sara thought it wildly romantic. If, she argued, Bothwell was the murderer and had been secretly undermining peace along the borderlands, it was wildly fortuitous for Kathryn to have come across Neill, who had been on his way to the council meeting.

It was, indeed, fated.

Although speaking openly about Lady Sara’s scheme would mortify her, Kathryn knew it had to be done. Lady Sara did not appear to be the kind of woman who would give up easily. Geoffrey would likely soon know of her plan, and the count might well decide to share the news with his brother.

Before that happened, Kathryn had to be sure Neill understood it was not her doing.

Neill watched her so intently, without answering, that Kathryn thought he must not have heard her. She was about to repeat the question when he said, “I’ll find you.”

What did that mean? When would he find her? After the meal?

She had assumed he might simply pull her aside here in the hall. Her chaperone, after all, was no longer watching them. Surely they could speak privately for a moment?

When Geoffrey and Sara stood, they did the same, as was custom.

“I will see you to your chamber,” Sara said, smiling at her husband and taking Kathryn’s hand. The gesture was highly unusual, much like everything about this remarkable family. Though Sara wore a gown now, she certainly acted like no countess Kathryn had ever met. It was to her credit.

With a final glance back at Neill, who stepped off the dais with his brother, Kathryn followed Sara to the same comfortable chamber where she’d been installed earlier in the day. It was in a separate building from the main keep, one obviously reserved for the guests of Kenshire. On their way, Sara stopped a serving maid and whispered something to her, although Kathryn didn’t overhear enough to guess at her latest kindness.

The chamber itself was a kindness. Stone walls encircled the room, a large burgundy tapestry covering one entire wall. A canopied bed sat in the center with a wooden chest on one side of it, a hearth on the other. The maid Sara had whispered to entered the room behind them with a pitcher and two wine goblets. Another maid followed with a bowl of rosewater and a cloth, which she placed on a stone step near the sole window in the room. Although it was currently shuttered, Kathryn knew the view from the small opening was spectacular. They were at the rear of the castle, and when she’d looked out earlier, sand and sea lay beyond.

“I hope you do not mind,” Sara said, “I had the hearth prepared. Even in summer months, it can get quite cool here.”

“Thank you. You are too kind.”

The maids left the room, and Sara poured them each a goblet of wine.