Circle of Honor by Carol Umberger

Author:Carol Umberger
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: ebook, book
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Inc.
Published: 2010-05-20T22:00:00+00:00

THIRTEEN

DISOBEYING ADAM’S REQUEST that she eat in the hall, Gwenyth picked at the hot porridge and bread that had been brought to her just after first light. Yesterday’s encounter with Adam had provided her with a terrible night’s rest. She felt unsettled and more eager than ever to leave. Thoughts of the kiss they’d shared and the promises held within—promises that must not be kept—assailed her. Surely you can’t want this, Father.

Pushing aside the food, she fought the sense of abandonment Daron’s absence fostered. Why was it taking so long to hear from him? She refused to believe he’d left Scotland without her, but surely the messenger had had enough time to ride to Altyre and return.

Tears threatened. He must be dead, as Adam feared. And if so, how would she leave Moy? Could she convince Adam to take her to England? Not likely. After yesterday’s meeting in the cove, it was clear there was an attraction, one she feared was strong enough to make her forget her promise to Edward. But was it strong enough to make her forget that Adam was pledged to the king she hated? Or for him to forgive her deceit?

Seeking a diversion from these thoughts, she left her room with her guard in tow. She made her way to the large bedchamber on the second level of the keep. As she approached Angus’s door, Eva Mackintosh stepped from the room.

The older woman frowned a little at the sight of Gwenyth approaching. Eva was generally kind, but she guarded Angus like a lioness. The older woman held the door open and directed a curt warning to her husband. “Don’t tire yerself.” With a nod to Gwenyth to heed the warning as well, Eva left.

“Ah, I feared ye would choose not to indulge me again.”

His teasing banter warmed Gwenyth’s troubled thoughts. “I didn’t think I had a choice.”

“I don’t suppose ye did. So, which tale will ye tell this morning?”

His insistence on her company puzzled her. “Don’t you have a storyteller to entertain you?”

“We can’t afford both a storyteller and a priest, and Adam insists on keeping Father Jerard. Not that I object, mind you. The good Father is welcome in good times and bad.”

Gwenyth had yet to allow the priest to hear her confession. She would make her peace with God in her own time and in her own way.

Angus settled himself into the pillows. “Why not start with Finn MacCumhail?”

And so the morning passed quickly. To her surprise she found herself warming even more to the gruff old man as she recounted the ancient tale of Finn and his warriors. Though no doubt Angus had heard the story countless times, he listened with rapt attention.

This was the third such morning Gwenyth had spent with Adam’s father, and his company soothed her, perhaps because he was in ill health and posed no threat. Perhaps because she missed her own father and menfolk, men with whom she could feel safe.

“Come, lass. That’s the second time this morning ye’ve lost yer way in the story.

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