Free A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) by Kara Griffin

said.
    “I understand why the secrecy, my lord. All is set and procured for the nuptials. Where is the groom? Shall I perform the sacrament now?”
    Frances stiffened, disbelieving she was to wed this very day, this very minute. “It cannot be now, for I have tasks to see to this morn. Father Cleve, can you return this noon?”
    He nodded. “I am free this day to care for Lord William’s needs. I shall be staying with him and praying for his welcomed entry into heaven until he no longer needs me.”
    Frances was relieved by this news even though her heart hurt hearing his words. “I am sure it will be a comfort to have you here, Father Cleve. Uncle, will you be able to …” She stopped midsentence when she realized she was going to say something that might upset them all. “… rest until then?”
    The last thing she wanted was to cause her uncle’s displeasure, but she wasn’t ready to do what he’d asked. She needed a little more time to reason and accept it. She only hoped he held on a bit longer.
    “I’ve waited this long, lass. Aye, Father Cleve and I will discuss what’s to be done and business matters. I need ye to make a list for Sean, Cleve.”
    She wondered if he fabricated his impending death. Was he using it as a ruse to gain her agreement to wed the Highlander? Then she reconsidered, for her uncle would never do something so rash and lowdown, and Father Cleve attested to his claim. If he said he was dying then she’d have to believe him.
    “I shall return by the midday meal. I want to see Ermintrude beforehand. I should explain to her what’s happening. Have you told him of her?”
    “Told Sean? Nay, not yet. I will, but there are other important matters to see to. Give the wee lass and kiss for me.”
    “I will.” She kissed her uncle’s head, left the chamber, and went directly to the nursery.
    When she entered, she found Ermintrude eating her morning fare. She stood by the door content to watch her, as she’d missed her the past six months. Her pretty hair was pulled back and tied with a string that matched her dress. Even so, the color of her tresses much resembled Robert’s hair.
    Seeing her daughter made her miss Robert even more. Not because she loved him, but for the calm he brought to the household. The situation was becoming unruly and unmanageable, which didn’t sit well within her spirit.
    Frances sat beside her. “Good morn, Ermintrude. How are you this day? Did you sleep well?”
    “Momma! Oh aye. Libby slept with me.”
    “Libby? Oh, the cat. You look well rested. I wanted to tell you about …” How did one tell a four-year-old that she’d have a father? Frances was apprehensive about telling her. The one good thing about all of it was her daughter had never met Robert.
    Ermintrude was born exactly nine months after her father died. She didn’t know what it was like to have a father’s love. Although her uncle tried his best to fill that role.
    Frances hoped Sean Gunn would fill that place in her daughter’s heart. But after seeing him last eve, she wasn’t sure he could.
    “What, Momma?”
    “I … you … that is …” Frances rambled and took a breath. There was no need to be unsettled. “I’m to wed this day. You shall have a father. What do you think about that, my heart?”
    Ermintrude showed her tiny teeth behind a smile and her lips turned downward. She cast her eyes to the floorboards.
    “There’s no need to fear him, Ermintrude.”
    “Oh, I seen him. He’s the tall man that helped Davy to ‘es chair. He can reach the roof. He’s a giant, aye.” Her small eyes widened.
    “He’s not a giant, my heart.”
    Ermintrude’s lips pouted. “Aye, he is. Will he eat us akin to the giants in the stories?”
    Frances refrained from laughing at such absurdity. “Nay, love, he doesn’t eat people and he’s not a giant. You shan’t be fearful of him. Now promise me you’ll be behaved.”
    How easily gullible children were. Frances vowed not to read