Dreamer (Highland Treasure Trilogy) by unknow

Author:unknow
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Onyx
Published: 2000-04-30T21:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 14

The raids continued.

Outside of Balvenie Castle, Adam of the Glen continued with his destruction of Athol’s lands with a frustrated John Stewart dogging his heels. Meanwhile, any time he reappeared inside the walls, an increasingly frustrated Catherine relentlessly--and unsuccessfully--pursued her husband to secure an escort back to Elgin Cathedral.

More than a fortnight had passed since John Stewart had dragged her back to Balvenie Castle. As a "punishment' he had not allowed her to speak to the bishop before their departure, and though Brother Bartholomew had been left behind, Catherine still had no clue as to her requests regarding the school. Understanding the power of the church hierarchy, Catherine knew that having permission of the earl, her husband, was only half the battle for her project. Little would be done without the support of the bishop. And to think, she had been within a few steps of the bishop’s palace!

As the days passed, Catherine was becoming more and more anxious to go back to Elgin. During one stretch of good weather, she had found herself sorely tempted to take one of the other monks and make the journey once again. But Athol’s men had received clear instructions on that score. They were very, very sorry, but the countess was not allowed outside the gates with a horse, mule, or nanny goat. And if she wanted to walk into the village in the glen below the castle walls, then they would be more than happy to escort her. Had she thought of taking a turn about the gardens for air?

One night, as she paced her chamber restlessly, the sound of horses and the shouts of men could be heard from the courtyard. Jean’s knock sounded at the door before Catherine could even reach it. Together, they crossed the chilly corridor to the long, thin windows overlooking the courtyard. Athol had been gone for several days--a lifetime, it seemed--but there he was, dismounting in front of the Great Hall. Catherine’s spirits lifted immediately. Finally, he had returned.

Within moments, there were calls for hot water and food to be sent to the earl’s chamber, and Jean went scurrying with the rest of the serving folk.

Well, no matter how tired the man must be, she decided, she would go to him and make him help her as he’d promised. But there was no telling who might be with him, so Catherine quickly dressed, practicing her argument a number of times as she did.

Opening the door, Catherine shivered as a brisk cross breeze whistled in from the corridor, blowing out the taper in her hand. Turning back into the room, she crossed to her bed and picked up the Stewart tartan, wrapping it around her shoulders for warmth.

Deciding that a lit taper was unnecessary, she closed her door behind her and started down the corridor. Before she had gone two steps, though, the scuff of a shoe on the floor in front of her froze her in her tracks. Someone was coming, and she knew it couldn’t be Jean.

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