The Royal by Anne K Hawkinson & Paul V Hunter

Author:Anne K Hawkinson & Paul V Hunter [Hawkinson, Anne K & Hunter, Paul V]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781732017535
Published: 2020-02-21T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

Johnne’s body was sent home wrapped in the coverlet from her bed. Maggie was met with curious, questioning looks from Gavin and the groomsmen when she insisted, but they remained silent. It was a fitting, discreet tribute; a part of her was going with him. She touched the lockets under her gown as she watched the wagon descend into the glade; tethered to the back of the wagon, Duff pranced and tossed his head in confusion and agitation. It would be a long, trying journey for both man and beast.

Someone had removed Alexander’s body during the night; it was gone when the sun rose hazy and red after the fire. All that remained in the spot where he had fallen was a wet spot on the gravel where an attempt had been made to wash the blood away. She neither cared nor inquired about him, but Darby quietly assured her he was far away from Brodie Manor. His name was never spoken in her presence again; it was as if he had never existed. Maggie felt a satisfied peace with his death; there were no more deMortimers left to try and bring her harm. Kendric displayed a mix of anger and indifference when he learned of his uncle’s death; the threat and family stigma were finally gone, and he could move forward with his life free of the burdensome yoke of his parentage.

Maggie looked up at the smoking ruin of her bedroom. The wall facing the courtyard was all but gone, and the ceiling was charred and blackened with soot. Darby had already left for Stonehaven and Castle Wrought to secure the workmen and materials needed to make the repairs; they would need to work quickly to finish before the winter snows arrived. The thought of winter brought a chill to her entire body; she shuddered and tightened the shawl around her shoulders.

Gavin stepped out of the stable when he saw Maggie walk past the entrance. He coiled the lead rope in his hand as he approached her with polite concern. “Are ye aright, M’lady? Is there somethin’ I can fetch for ye?”

“Thank you, Gavin, but no. I’m just going to the glade for a short while.” She reached out and touched his arm. “It was a terrible night for all of us.”

“Aye, M’lady. Losing Johnne…” She looked into his tear-filled eyes and felt the sting in her own.

“I know, Gavin. He was dear to all of us.” She remained silent until she felt she had regained control of her voice. “I’d like to think he was happy here. For that, at least, we can be grateful.”

“Aye, M’lady.” His whisper was hoarse and broken as he turned away.

“I’m sorry, Gavin.” He didn’t turn around or answer, but his slouched shoulders and shaking head spoke to her of his sorrow. Maggie let out a breath of regret as she turned and walked toward the glade. As she entered, she passed the small graveyard and addressed the stone bearing Lennox’s name with a mix of anger and grief.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.