Unforgotten by Tamara Leigh

Author:Tamara Leigh [Leigh, Tamara]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Scan; HR; Medieval' Time Travel romance
ISBN: 9780061084485
Publisher: HarperPaperbacks
Published: 1997-03-19T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Edmund Morrow was returned. A baron.

Catherine stood silently beside Collier as the triumphant Yorkist took his place at the table. Would a Lancastrian ever again sit the high seat of this barony? she wondered amid the still of the castle folk who had just been told that the hated Montagu had been made Earl of Northumberland. Would the Lancasters never again rule England as Collier said?

"Sir Collier," Morrow called.

Collier glanced at Catherine, then stepped forward. "My lord."

Morrow looked around the hall. "You have done well in my absence, and for that I wish to reward you."

Toller Castle, Catherine thought. Soon she would be going home, but how would she be received?

"What think you of keeping Harden Castle for me?" Morrow asked.

"This eve?" Catherine exclaimed.

"You object, Lady Catherine?" Morrow asked.

From the stiffening of Collier's shoulders, Catherine could see he was as surprised as she. "Harden Castle, my lord?"

"Aye. You have certainly proven yourself worthy."

"My lord, I am flattered, but what of Toller?"

Morrow's eyebrows arched. "I paused at both castles on my journey here, and I assure you, Harden is the finer of the two."

It was true, Catherine thought with sinking heart. And as with all men, Collier would surely wish the best.

"I understand, my lord," he said, "but if you are to bestow such a gift upon me, I would ask that it be Toller."

Catherine started. He would choose Toller over Harden?

"For what reason?" Morrow asked.

Collier was silent for a long moment. "It is where Lady Catherine's family resides," he finally said.

Catherine warmed.

Looking past Collier, Morrow briefly settled his gaze on her. Obviously, he was not keen on the idea. However, in the next instant he smiled. "Have you tamed her, Gilchrist?"

Tamed her? Catherine could not have been more offended.

Collier's shoulders stiffened further. "Lady Catherine and I have come to a kind of . . . understanding," he said.

The sparkle in Morrow's eyes said he could well guess at the nature of that understanding. "Very well, Sir Collier. It shall be Toller Castle."

"I thank you, my lord."

"We shall see. Now, there is the issue of your marriage to address. Ere supper this eve, you and Lady Catherine will be wed."

Collier looked over his shoulder at her, but she avoided his gaze. "Tis so sudden," she said.

"The banns have been read," Morrow reminded her. "What more must needs be done?"

True, thrice now the priest had publicly announced that she and Collier were to wed, but still she had expected to have a few days past Morrow's return to ready herself. "There are preparations to be made."

Morrow leaned forward in his chair. "All that is needed is a willing bride and groom, and do we not have both?"

"But—"

"Lady Catherine, did you or did you not agree to wed Sir Collier?"

She met Collier's gaze. "1 did."

"Then it shall be as Lord Montagu instructed—you will speak vows this day."

Montagu was taking no chances. Wed and beneath a man's heel was how he wanted her. Tamed.

"When you go forth from Strivling on the morrow, it shall be as Lady Catherine Gilchrist.

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