The Earl's Entanglement (Border Series Book 5)(58)

In the meantime, it was a great day for another ride.





21





Emma was ready to scream.

She couldn’t wait a moment longer. Another week had passed without word from Garrick. In some ways, life felt much the same as it had before her fateful trip to Scotland. The days were monotonous and long, except for her joyful rides with Nella. She’d headed out to the stables with the intention of taking a long ride, but the cold wind had rendered the day so frigid even her fur-lined hood made little difference. Perhaps she should rethink her afternoon, but Hayden was asleep and Geoffrey and Sara were locked in the solar, purportedly to make their way through a scroll of tenant disputes.

She’d planned to speak with her brother but hadn’t the nerve to tell him the truth. Sara had spoken with him about Graeme, but otherwise, they waited for word from Garrick.

When a commotion at the gate caught her attention, Emma abandoned the stables in favor of inspecting what was happening at the gate. When she saw Peter, the steward, emerge from the keep and head in that same direction, Emma knew something was afoot.

She heard the approaching horses before she saw the men on horseback. Though she couldn’t see their faces from this distance, Emma could make out the quality of their mounts. Visitors. Nobles. Her mind raced with possibilities faster than her feet could carry her to the gate. She didn’t see Bayard, but who else would be calling on such a day? They had few visitors this time of year.

The group rode into the inner courtyard just as Peter caught up with her.

“Do you know who it is?” she asked breathlessly.

The steward was barely visible beneath his enormous cloak. “I do, my lady.”

Without elaborating on that most vexing answer, he raised his hand in greeting.

Emma’s heart thudded harder with each passing moment, but as the small riding party came closer—she counted five men—she could still not make out any sign of Garrick. The men were all swathed in heavy cloaks and garments, but surely she would know him even from a distance. She drummed her feet against the ground, looking . . .

Their leader pulled down his hood, and Graeme de Sowlis stared back at her.

What in the devil was he doing here? She had told her brother she was not interested in the man, and besides, Sara had promised to put off a visit. Had Geoffrey gone behind their backs to make the arrangement? Why was he so eager to marry her off to a Scotsman?

“Good day, Lady Emma,” Graeme said, jumping from his horse. “I had not expected such a welcome.” He looked up at the sky. “In the courtyard.”

A maidservant, rushing toward the castle to escape the cold, bumped into her, nearly knocking her down.

“Pardon, my lady,” the girl mumbled. Then she looked up at Graeme—and very nearly walked into Peter because she couldn’t seem to avert her gaze.

Emma didn’t blame the girl. The chief, taller even than her brothers and Garrick, was indeed very handsome. His hair, which he kept shorter than most men, appeared darker today, but normally the dark blond gave him a boyish look that was completely at odds with his demeanor.

Straightforward. That was the best word she could think of to describe him. Well, straightforward and kind. All in all, a worthy catch for someone who didn’t dream of another man.

“A common occurrence?” she asked as he dismounted.

His wink gave her the answer.

Peter ordered their horses stabled and, as was his custom, took charge of the men. Playing the part of the unwitting host, she escorted Sowlis into the great hall of Kenshire Castle.

Her brother appeared almost immediately, and the cad didn’t look the least bit surprised. Of course he wasn’t surprised. No doubt her wretched brother had arranged the whole thing.

“Welcome to Kenshire. You made it here without incident, I trust?”

The men clasped hands, and Faye, Sara’s maidservant—who’d hurried into the hall after Geoffrey—took Graeme’s mantle from behind.

“None at all. Thank you for the invitation,” Graeme said, confirming her suspicions.

I am going to strangle Geoffrey.

Graeme walked further into the room, the hall opening up before him. He looked all around, turning in a circle, and whistled. “I’ve heard rumors of this place, but they do Kenshire no favors. The tapestries are magnificent.”

The sound of rapidly approaching footsteps filled the air, and Sara, who’d just entered the room, said, “Thank you,” a tad breathlessly.

Emma could tell from Sara’s expression—and the fire in her eyes—that she was just as surprised by their visitors. For his part, her brother appeared quite cheery.

“I’ll have Faye show you to your room. Unless you’d like a tour of the castle first. It is quite magnificent.” Geoffrey smiled at Sara, who, to Graeme, must seem the vision of a perfect hostess.

“I would very much enjoy that.” He turned toward Emma. “Perhaps my lady would care to accompany us?”

It was a simple question asked in expectation of a simple, and affirmative, answer. Yes. But if she encouraged him now, it would only be more difficult to deny him later.

“My apologies, I was just on the way to speak with the stable master when you arrived. Do enjoy your tour.”

He did not appear at all displeased. The same could not be said for her brother.