Free Margo Maguire by The Perfect Seduction Page B

bed.”
    Kathryn could scarcely believe it had been only three days since she’d sewn his terrible gash. She’d been at Braxton Keep only one night, yet it seemed as if weeks had passed since she’d first set eyes upon Lord Edric, since she’d first felt the swell of arousal in her breast.
    She’d had no chance to speak to Drogan about going to Evesham Bridge. She had to do so soon, before the stirrings of motherly affection for Aidan became any stronger. Even now, ‘twould be difficult to leave the bairn.
    No one had ever needed her so desperately before.
    Kathryn tucked his head under her chin and followed Lora down the dim corridor of the second floor. Lora walked past Cecily’s bedchamber and down another long passageway.
    The healer’s manner reminded Kathryn of her sister, Isabel. Gifted, confident, and striking in her appearance, she had many talents. Kathryn doubted Lora would have allowed herself to be abducted. Surely she—like Isabel—would have found a way to escape the raiders.
    “Where is Berta?” Kathryn asked, concerned about the old woman.
    “In her chamber. She took to her bed after the burial and will not come out.”
    “Where?”
    “On the floor above. She seemed to take comfort from you. You might visit later.”
    “Does she have a maid or anyone to attend her?”
    “Oh, aye,” Lora replied. “But I understand ’tis not a satisfactory arrangement. There is no Saxon who can satisfy the old crone.”
    Kathryn was silent for a moment. She felt pity for the poor woman, who must have been taken from all that was familiar to follow Cecily to Braxton Fell. Now that Cecily was gone, there was nothing here for her.
    “Will Lord Edric send her back to Cecily’s family at Lichford?”
    “Aye. ’Tis likely.”
    “Mayhap I’ll take Aidan to her chamber to visit her from time to time,” Kathryn said.
    “’Twould be a kindness, I’m sure.”
    They walked on, and Kathryn became curious about Lora, who seemed so much at home as they walked up steps and through dark corridors. She liked the young woman, who was so forthright and friendly. “Do you live here in the keep, Lora?”
    She shook her head. “No, my cottage is in the village, outside the walls.”
    “Your family did not join you in church.”
    Lora gave a brief shake of her head. “I have little family. I am a widow.”
    “Oh! I am sorry…I should not have—”
    “’Tis naught. My husband has been gone more than twelvemonth. ’Tis no longer painful to speak of him. But what of you?” Lora asked. “Who waits for you at Rushton?”
    Kathryn did not want to perpetuate the lie about Rushton, but she could think of no alternative.
    “No one.” Though Geoffroi might still be at Kettwyck. She wondered again whether he’d survived the attack and knew she could never face her family—and his—if he had not. Outside of what anyone thought of a Scot’s captive, her behavior on the night of the fete had been shameful. She had led Geoffroi to his…
    Dear God, she hoped he had not been killed.
    “I—I cannot return home.”
    “What of your family? Will they not be glad to know—”
    “My people would condemn me for what happened,” Kathryn replied. “I cannot go back.”
    “Condemn you for what happened ?” A deep furrow appeared between Lora’s brows. “Do you mean they would hold you responsible for being abducted?”
    Lora could not possibly understand Kathryn’s culpability. She’d drawn Geoffroi away from the festivities at Kettwyck, which might very well have resulted in his death. She prayed to God that he had survived, but regardless, she had heard every word spoken by the ladies at Kettwyck. She knew exactly how she would be received if she returned. “Aye. I am outcast.”
    Lora gave her a sidelong glance. “’Tis just as well, for Aidan needs his nurse.”
    “I cannot stay here, either.”
    “But here you are, thanks to Edric and Bryce. If the Fergusons had succeeded in taking you to their