The Recruit (Highland Guard #6)(104)

He had to tear his mouth away. “A couple of days. You won’t even have time to notice I’m gone.” He smiled, unable to resist teasing her. She’d been moving furiously around here the past few days since they’d arrived at Huntlywood Castle, like a bird building a nest. “Though perhaps you will have crenelated the tower house by then, and I won’t recognize the place.”

“Wretch.” She tossed a pillow at him. “Sir Adam said I was free to make the place as comfortable as I like for my stay here. It’s been some time since anyone has stayed in these upper chambers.”

“And you’ve taken to the task with enthusiasm.”

“Since it seems I will have much time on my own, what else is there for me to do?”

He felt a stab of guilt and instantly sobered. “I’ll come as often as I can. I know it’s not the same as being at the castle, but it won’t be for long.”

If she only knew just how short her stay would be. He hoped that in a matter of days—a week, no longer—he would have her safely ensconced in Scotland. Mary could stay with Helen and Campbell’s wife at Dunstaffnage. Close enough for him to reach her when the babe came. Later, he would send her north to Skelbo, the castle he kept for his brother.

She sat up, dragging the sheet along with her. Untangling a few strands of golden-blond hair from her lashes, she tucked it behind her ear. “I shouldn’t complain. I know it could be far worse. I’m fortunate to be this close to the castle. At Ponteland I would see you far less.”

“Sir Adam will be here to keep you company for a few more days.” He knew the answer, but he thought he’d try anyway. “Are you sure you don’t wish to reconsider? France …” He paused. “It might be a good idea. It will be safer for you there.”

Her expression fell, her eyes instantly growing large and round. “I don’t want to go to France, I want to stay here with you and Davey. I thought you wanted that, too.”

“I do,” he assured her. “It’s just that I worry about your safety while I am away. When war breaks out—”

“We have plenty of time for that. The king hasn’t even arrived yet. When you leave for Scotland, I will go farther south. To my dower estate in Kent if need be. But don’t send me away now—it’s too soon.”

He understood only too well what she meant. It was too soon. Their love was too new, too fragile. It needed time to strengthen before it was tested by distance—or deception, damn it. But it was time he didn’t have.

He leaned over and gave her a light peck on the cheek so he wouldn’t be tempted to linger. But the soft, velvety skin and faint floral scent worked its own magic. He wanted to sink into her. To inhale her sweet femininity.

He had to drag himself away. “Very well. You win. But only because I’m selfish and want you near me for as long as possible.”

A wide smile spread over her face, causing his chest to expand. “Are you sure you must go? Is there no one else who can take a missive to Edinburgh?”

“Aye, I’m sure.” The rare opportunity to read Percy’s correspondence couldn’t be missed. Moreover, he’d had a message from his contact in the village that his friends were anxious to see him. This was the first chance he’d had to arrange a meeting with the Highland Guard at a safe distance from the castle—and Felton.

As he’d anticipated, Felton was watching him closer than before. Kenneth had half expected him to insist on joining him on the journey to Edinburgh. That he hadn’t asked bothered him.

He didn’t realize he was frowning until she said, “Is there something wrong? You’ve seemed distracted the past few days.”

His wife had learned to read his moods too well. “You mean other than that I will be spending the night in the cold rain with a half-dozen men rather than in bed with my wife?”

But she would not be so easily placated. She eyed him intently. “I know something is wrong.” She bit her lips, her eyes looming large in her face. “Does it have something to do with my sister? Have you had news?”

His chest squeezed, wishing there were some way to ease her sadness. He’d hoped to soften the sting of his betrayal with news of her sister, but so far he’d run headlong into a stone wall. His inquiries to Lamberton had been met with sharp resistance. Lamberton had instructed him in no uncertain terms to not disturb ghosts that had been laid to rest. Whether that was meant as a warning or a confirmation of her death, he didn’t know.

“I’m afraid not,” he said. “I’ve learned nothing more than you already know. The abbess insists no such nun has ever been there, and Brother Thomas has yet to return.”

“When he does—”

“When he does, I will talk to him.”

She relaxed back against the wooden headboard with a sigh. “Thank you.”

“I will return as soon as I am able.”

She nodded, and he turned to leave.

“Kenneth.”

He looked back at her.

“I love you.”

She seemed to be trying to tell him something. Almost as if she were trying to ease the turmoil she sensed wrestling inside him.

He smiled. “I know.”

He only prayed that when this was all over, she felt the same way.

They were pulling him out. Damn it, it was too soon. “I’m not ready,” Kenneth said. “I need more time.”