Protected by the Warrior by Barbara Phinney

Author:Barbara Phinney
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2014-08-11T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter Thirteen

Clara’s words stabbed into Kenneth, their truth cutting like a double-edged sword.

He was no better than Clara. Nay, he was worse, for he’d boasted that he would trust God with this terrible situation and then had simply done what he thought best. He slowly fastened his cloak, but ’twas as though it choked him. He couldn’t even argue with her that this was different, for ’twasn’t so. He’d made a decision without prayer or petition, not even warning those in Dunmow Keep about what Taurin planned. Of course, ’twas obvious Lord Adrien had learned of it in short order, no doubt from Harry, and had corrected Taurin’s assumption that he could blaze through the village as he saw fit.

But still, Kenneth had found a solution and done only what he felt was right. How could he demand now that she tell him where Rowena was?

And how could you not at least pray about this?

The internal reproach squeezed his heart. Nay, he hadn’t even prayed for wisdom. He’d simply assumed he knew what was right.

He grabbed the bundle he’d brought and led Clara’s mare out from its hiding place. “Let’s go,” he growled out.

“Where?” Clara asked him.

“Back to the hut. I’m tired and ’tis obvious that Lord Taurin will not be back searching the homes.” Refusing to listen to any argument she may have, Kenneth called sharply to Brindi before scooping her up to deposit her on the larger horse. “Get on, Clara,” he told her gruffly.

Wordlessly, Clara accepted his help. After he mounted the smaller mare, they both began the trot back into Little Dunmow.

At her home, Kenneth lifted Brindi off and ordered her inside. He turned to help Clara dismount, but she held the reins tightly. “What you did, ’twas not a bad thing, Kenneth.” Her voice softened, gently turning into the smallest reproach. “You protected us. Do not be so hard on yourself for not knowing sooner that Lord Taurin is truly evil. Learn from your mistakes.”

“It is not Lord Taurin’s actions that upset me, but rather my own. I should have prayed about this. I have been telling you that you must trust God, and look at me. I’m no better than a hypocrite.”

She reached out her hand and covered his as he stretched to help her down. “Kenneth, no, don’t think that way. ’Tis only hypocrisy if you do it again and again, and never see the truth. Don’t rebuke yourself for a lesson learned. Please don’t. ’Twill do no good to your soul or your stomach. I know. I have rebuked myself often for speaking when I should have been silent, and it has caused many ailments inside of me.”

Her hand settled on his, forcing it down to the mare’s withers. He found it surprisingly warm. Aye, she’d been one to speak out of turn, far too often, but had she actually regretted such folly? Her words settled into him and, like her hand, they warmed him. And oddly, they comforted him.

His heart stumbled a bit, for no reason but a foolish one of a beautiful woman touching him.

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