The Banished Highlander by Keira Montclair

Author:Keira Montclair [Montclair, Keira]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Keira Montclair
Published: 2019-09-16T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

When they arrived back at the abbey, Juliana dismounted on her own just as Ailbeart made his way over to her. His demeanor had changed back to the way it had been prior to their run-in with Ruari, so she thanked him for his gifts and tried to make her way past him, but he stopped her.

“Lady Juliana, forgive me for my actions. I lost my temper when that man came near you. I fear I will never like another man looking at the woman who is mine. Could we have a brief repast so we can talk?”

“Nay, I need to lie down. It was a most exhausting day, though I do thank you for it and for my gifts.” It was almost time for the evening meal, but she had no desire to be around such a cruel man. She just wished to go to bed and speak with Joan.

She held her breath, but he finally agreed, taking her arm to help her inside. “Aye, festivals can be quite exhausting for gentle ladies.”

As soon as he released her, she dashed off to the room she shared with her sister. Once inside, she collapsed on the bed, tossing her gifts off to the side. She never wished to look at them again. Joan came in moments later and said, “I heard it did not go well.”

She nearly burst into tears, but instead stood up and said, “Please help me into my night rail. I don’t wish to step outside this chamber until the morrow.”

Joan hurried to assist her, helping her release her gown’s laces. But as soon as her sister tugged off one of the sleeves, she gasped and said, “Who did this to you?”

“What?” She turned her arm over, just then noticing the huge bruises on the tender underside of her arm. “Oh my.”

“Juliana, that must be verra sore. I’m going for a poultice right away.”

“Please help me get undressed first. I wish to lie down. ’Twas a verra trying day, and I’ll be happy to tell you about it, but first I must get comfortable and find something to eat.” She must have looked like she was ready to collapse because her sister stopped fussing at once.

“Oh, dear. Of course I’ll help you. We have all the time in the world to talk. After I help you into your night rail, I’ll find you something to eat, just a light repast.”

Once her sister left, she settled onto the bed, propped up on the plump pillows, reviewing all that happened and wondering how much to tell her sister. After much thought, she decided to tell her everything because she desperately needed advice.

But she fell asleep instead and dreamed about a handsome man tossing a log.

***

Juliana slept until the morning, to her surprise. Her sister shook her awake. “Juliana, Papa wishes to see you in the hall. You must get up. I’ll help you get dressed. You can tell me everything later, but I’ll give you a hint. He wants to take you back to marry Ailbeart by the end of the week.

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.