My Cherished Enemy by Samantha James

Author:Samantha James [James, Samantha]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Romance
ISBN: 9780380766925
Publisher: Avon
Published: 1991-12-31T13:00:00+00:00

Chapter 14

They arrived at Ashbury several days later.

Kathryn's reunion with Elizabeth was all she feared. They were scarcely through the gates than Elizabeth came tearing outside, laughing and crying her name. Kathryn half-turned from Esmerelda, unwittingly providing a side profile of her rounded tummy.

Elizabeth's cries of joy ended on a strangled gasp.

By the time they hugged and embraced, Sir Hugh was there as well. Guy stood next to Kathryn, but it was as if an invisible boundary had been drawn between them. The four of them exchanged greetings, the atmosphere stilted and awkward.

Now, back in the chamber she had occupied since she was a child, Kathryn released a long sigh of relief. The oaken portal had no sooner creaked shut than Elizabeth threw her arms around her sister and hugged her fiercely once more. "Kathryn," she cried. "Oh, you do not know how I have missed you!"

Tears sprang to Kathryn's eyes. It was difficult to speak around the lump in her throat. "Oh, but I think I do," she said shakily.

Elizabeth squeezed her hands. Her smile faded. "Are you well, sister?" She worriedly noted the pale-purple smudges beneath Kathryn's eyes. "You look so wearied."

'The journey was not overly pleasant." Ah, and wasn't that the truth, she reflected bitterly. The discord between herself and Guy had never been greater. They had spoken only when necessary. He could scarcely bring himself to look at her.

Her hand fluttered down to the hard swell of her belly. "I suppose I should explain," she said quietly.

Elizabeth then bit her lip. "I fear I am rather puzzled," she admitted. She hesitated. "You were so certain when you left that you were not—"

"I was not." Kathryn's laugh held no mirth. "At least not then."

Elizabeth was aghast. "Do you mean to say that you... I mean the earl. . ." She blushed a fiery red and broke off.

"Aye, Elizabeth. The babe is his." She glimpsed the anxious question in her sister's gaze. "And no, we are neither married nor betrothed. Nor," she stressed shortly, "are we ever likely to be. We may have created a child together, but rest assured that the earl and I have little regard for each other."

As briefly as possible, she told Elizabeth of the earl's mission for King Henry and how he had just learned of her condition. Elizabeth nodded slowly when she'd finished. "Hugh has told me that King Henry is expected any day now." She shivered. "Having the earl here makes me nervous as it is, let alone the king. I fear I shall say something wrong."

"You will do fine," Kathryn soothed. But the next instant she studied her sister more closely. She had been concerned for Elizabeth's well-being these many months, afraid she would wilt away from loneliness. But vibrant color bloomed in Elizabeth's cheeks. Her eyes were clear and unwavering. It struck her then that Elizabeth appeared calmer, more confident, despite her words. . . and more at peace with herself.

"You have changed," she said slowly, then smiled slightly. 'Tell me, Elizabeth.

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