Hearts Across Time (The Knights of Berwyck: A Quest Through Time Novel ~ Books 1 & 2) (42 page)

K
atherine listened
to
the sound of the many parishioners while they uttered a reverent amen at the conclusion of Father Donovan’s evening mass. She lifted her head with a heavy heart and put on a brave face for those who sat closest to her. A hand was held out to assist her from the bench she had been perched on longer than she would have liked. She gratefully took the proffered limb and felt her hand tucked securely into place at the elbow of Sir Fletcher, who gave her a kind smile.

She had been enjoying his company, the handsome devil with his sparkling amber eyes, even though she knew she shouldn’t. Katherine assumed he most likely had women throwing themselves at his feet on a regular basis. She could understand why, for he always comported himself as a gentleman and a most chivalrous knight. What was there not to like about the man? She herself might have fallen under his spell if her heart hadn’t already been stolen by another, who possessed the same unnerving qualities.

Sir Fletcher had been extremely courteous and attentive to her these many months, ensuring her comfort was seen to whenever she was in his sight, and time permitted him to do so. Being captain of the guard was a demanding job, however, and Katherine had come to know that free time was not something given if not earned. Hence, so as to gain that which was most cherished, the guardsman took full advantage of the opportunity, whenever it presented itself, to impress while under Dristan’s watchful gaze.

She placed her hand on the lower portion of her back, hoping for a little relief that some of the pain found there might lessen. The nagging ache persisted, and sitting for two hours hadn’t done it any good. She refused to be cooped up in her chamber until her time came, but maybe sitting on a hard bench for such a long length of time was over doing it a little.

“Are you unwell, Lady Katherine?” Fletcher asked quietly.

“Just stiff from sitting too long,” she replied, stepping aside to allow those able to move faster than she to go ahead of her. The sharpness of the frigid winter wind blew in through the opening and closing of the chapel door, causing Katherine to quickly grab the plaid Amiria had given her and wrap the fabric around her shoulders. Shivering from the cold, she mentally cursed, wondering if she would ever feel the warmth from the sun again.

The church became eerily deserted until only a few people remained. Fletcher came to stand between her and the door to keep the freezing weather from reaching her. Her cloak rested on his arm until, with a flourish, he held it up so he could assist her with donning the garment, as if she were not capable of doing so by herself. She knew better than to argue with him. After all, he was being a gentleman. By now, she should be used to the chivalrous nature of these honorable knights found here in the twelfth century.

Her cape floated behind her until it settled on her shoulders, enveloping her in a cocoon of warmth from the heavy wool. He reached out for the hood, bringing the fabric over her head. It was a thoughtful gesture, yet Katherine wondered if he was thinking more of their association than that of being friends. She had tried to keep her guard up and hoped she hadn’t given him any signs she was interested in him. She would hate to hurt this caring man with a gentle heart. He was pleasant company, but she couldn’t offer him anything more than friendship, and she had thought he understood the boundaries they had previously set in place.

Afraid to find her musings were true, Katherine finally raised her eyes to his, and her worst fears must have shown clearly on her face. His own features fell briskly and confirmed his feelings for her. She watched him take a deep breath of remorse.

“He is a fool,” he whispered, reaching out to tuck a stray lock of hair inside her hood. His hand lingered momentarily next to her cheek before he remembered himself and placed both his hands behind his back. “Any man with common sense would realize what a treasure you are and thank the stars above he had you to love.”

“You are very kind, Sir Fletcher.” She gave him a soft smile, for really what more was there to say. After all these months of waiting for Riorden to come to his senses and return here to Berwyck for her, she had given up any sense of hope. It was only now, sitting here inside this sanctuary with its calm serenity that Katherine had come to a decision.

The baby made its presence known by giving her a swift kick in her side, causing her to gasp aloud. It was almost as if he, or she, protested what direction Katherine’s thoughts were beginning to take her. She gave a little push on her stomach and felt the tiny foot that had been kicking her recede back inside her womb. There wasn’t much room left for the little tyke to grow at this late stage in her pregnancy.

Her gesture that she was uncomfortable wasn’t lost on Fletcher, and he offered her his arm, again. She took it, although they moved no closer to the door. She could see his hesitation before he at last spoke, although his gaze didn’t focus on her, as if he was afraid to physically watch what her answer would be.

“I would ask for you, if we could obtain your freedom with the king’s leave, but I fear you would only decline such an offering, no matter that it had been sincerely given,” he suggested.

“I’m so sorry, Fletcher.” Considering their conversation, she felt it only right to use his given name. He looked pleased that she did so, regardless of her answer.

“As am I, Katherine, yet I had to try.”

“I can’t help it if I still love him with all my heart. I always have, for as long as I can remember, and until I take my last dying breath, I always will.”

“Such loyalty is rare and is to be commended,” he murmured until he gave her a devil-may-care look. “Riorden is lucky to have such a devoted wife in spite of all that has torn you apart.”

He gave her no further time to reply, and they at last made their way out of the church. The weather had worsened since they had entered the chapel, and she watched the snow swirling all around them. She took a hesitant step, but, despite her care, she suddenly slipped across a patch of ice. Her equilibrium off balance due to the size of the baby, she lost her footing and cried out as she felt herself begin to fall. Without any hesitation on his part, she was scooped up in the strong arms of her ever present protector. Fletcher held her close, as if she was the most precious treasure he had ever carried. She indulged herself for the briefest instant, relishing the security he offered. She didn’t realize how much she had been craving the feeling of being taken care of until that very moment. She hadn’t felt this safe since before she left Warkworth.

“Thank you,” Katherine whispered, almost shyly as he brought her closer into his warmth.

“’Tis my pleasure, my lady,” Fletcher replied with twinkling eyes.

She gave a laugh, watching his carefree expression, for it was obvious he was happy her steps had faltered. The baby kicked again, and his eyes widened in surprise when he felt it, too. His eyes lowered to hers, and for one stolen moment, she wished she could feel differently where Fletcher was concerned. He would be so easy to love.

Fletcher carried her with a confident stride across the icy patches of ground until they entered the warmth of the keep. As the door closed behind them, he slowly set her down upon her feet. He lingered close to her in spite of the fact her stomach held them at a distance. She felt that some sort of dialog was necessary between them, for this may be the last time they spoke. She placed her hand softly on his cheek, and he covered it with his own.

“You’re a good man, Fletcher. If things were different, I may have taken you up on your most gracious offer.”

He gave her a small bow. “And you are a good woman, Katherine. I pray for your sake that Riorden returns for you and your child.”

“You’ll make a good husband to your own fair lady, someday,” she whispered. Taking her cloak off, she handed the garment to a servant who came to retrieve it. “Where are Lord Dristan and his lady?” she asked before the serf could disappear.

“They went up to ’is solar, milady.”

“Thank you,” Katherine said and watched the maid bob a curtsey. “If you would excuse me, Fletcher, I’d like to have a word with Dristan and Amiria.”

“But, of course.” He gave her a nod, even as his name was called from the guardsmen who had gathered near the hearth with a tankard of ale. “Do you need assistance with the stairs?”

She watched his eyes narrow when he heard the heckling of his comrades-in-arms, and a small laugh escaped her lips. His attention instantly returned to her, and she had the distinct feeling those men would pay for their comments the next time they stood across from Fletcher in the lists.

“I’ll be fine, Fletcher,” she said with a knowing smirk. “You best go put those men in their place.”

“Rightly so.”

Katherine watched him take his leave of her, and she crossed the floor of the Great Hall. She stared approvingly at the MacLaren tapestries that hung on the walls. Dristan’s crest of a fire breathing dragon had also been portrayed in a place of honor, and she had the feeling Lynet’s skill had something to do with that.

She slowly made her way up the stairs, resting when she came to the second floor that housed her chambers. The steep steps became harder and harder for her to climb and, at times, became too much for her, carrying this extra weight in front of her. She gazed upward in fascination as she saw the circular turret going forever upward.
One more floor to go
, she thought and began her progress again.

Slightly out of breath with thoughts of how an elevator could be so welcome the next time she had to go up three floors, her feet shuffled slightly as she made her way down the passageway. She tapped her knuckles lightly on the door of Dristan’s solar and heard his call to enter.

She halted in her steps when she swung the door open. It was clear this was a family meeting and perhaps they were discussing something private between themselves, or were saying additional prayers, since a sister of the cloth was present. Or so she thought until she noticed Ella.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt. I can come back later,” Katherine said, embarrassed that she had intruded, and turned to leave.

Amiria came and took her hand then led her to a comfortable chair near the fire. “You are most welcome, Katherine, and are not intruding. This is my sister Sabina, whom you have not as yet met. She came from Haversham Abbey just this eve, although she could have chosen a better day for travel.”

“I felt compelled to come home, and, with Mother Superior’s blessing, I came with all due haste,” Sabina proclaimed. “’Tis a pleasure to meet you, Lady Katherine. I have heard much about you and of your...err...travels.”

“Sister,” Katherine acknowledged the young woman with a raised brow. Though she was surprised that they would divulge her secret.

Sister Sabina reached over to pat her hand. “You have nothing to fear,” Sabina began, as if reading Katherine’s thoughts. “We are all family here. You are safe, for they only thought of you and your troubles when they confided in me.”

“I see.”

Amiria leaned over and took Katherine’s hand. “I pray you are not upset with us?”

Katherine shook her head. “No, but that is just it, and why I am here. I have come to a decision. I’d like to go home.”

Dristan stood and folded his arms across his chest, nodding in approval. “I must say, ’tis about time. A wife should be with her husband, especially when you are about to give...umm...”

“Give birth?” Katherine finished his sentence and noticed his embarrassment to be discussing such a private matter that was generally not talked about with anyone other than one’s spouse.

“Aye, give birth,” Dristan finished, still looking ill at ease. “I will take you there myself, for ’tis more than time you should be at home.”

Katherine held up her hand. “No, you mistake my meaning, my lord. I mean, I want to go...
home
.”

“You mean to Warkworth?” Ella asked.

Katherine only shook her head. “No. I mean my real home.”

Silence descended upon the room, and Katherine’s heart felt heavy, knowing she would never again see these people who had become as dear to her as any family member could be.

“You cannot be serious, Katherine,” Lynet suddenly cried out, clearly distressed. “You were meant to be together. Do not give up on him, as yet.”

“Just wait for him a little longer,” Amiria urged. “You have both been through so much to be brought together. I know he will come for you, Katherine, given enough time.”

“He’s had more than ample time, Amiria. How much more am I supposed to give him?”

“But, what of your dear friend Brianna?” Ella said. “Mayhap, we should send for her afore you act so rashly?”

Katherine only shook her head, again. “Please, don’t. She’s happily married to Gavin now, and I wouldn’t want to spoil what they have together. Besides, it would change nothing. Her place is here now, in the past with her husband. Her path doesn’t lie in the future anymore.”

“Neither does yours, Katherine,” Dristan said gruffly.

“I’m afraid I can’t agree with you, my lord. I just want to go home. I need to go home to my mother,” Katherine reiterated. “Please, will you take me to Bamburgh tomorrow? I just can’t stand being here any longer, knowing he is with her. It continues to break my heart.”

Her resolve to remain strong quickly faded as tears rushed down her face. She felt herself enveloped in Dristan’s arms.

“I shall take you, if that is your wish, Katherine,” he muttered, more or less against his will.

She nodded, wiping her eyes, and made for the door. “Thank you, Dristan, and all of you for your kindness these many months. I’ll cherish this time we have spent getting to know each other all of my days.”

“You know you are always welcome here, Katherine,” Amiria said kindly.

Katherine nodded. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go lie down. I’m a bit tired.”

“Katherine, wait a moment, if you please,” Ella said as she took her arm and pulled her to one of the solar corners for a private word.