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

nodded and kept a serene expression on her face. Winifred alluded that her father was considering a new wife and that he wanted to court her. She hoped not, because he was the last person she’d want to wed. He had not a kind heart, from what Winifred told her. And now with her impending marriage, she was at least gratified she wouldn’t have to entertain such a proposal.
    “I just came from your holding, my lord. You’ve not found her? Winifred?”
    He shook his head. “Winifred? Ah, I deem we never will. I am defeated.”
    His sorrowful words tugged at her heart. Her dear friend met with a foe, she was sure of it.
    Frances moved closer to him and took his hand. “I am sorry, my lord. You haven’t ceased the search, have you?”
    “Nay, but I have other matters to see to and haven’t joined my men in their search. The king’s men only finished their rounds and returned to Edinburgh by order of the chamberlain. Mayhap she ran away. She was not a dutiful daughter. I worry for her, but what can I do?”
    She forced herself not to scowl. “I do hope you’ll continue to search. I shall ask Lord William to supply more men.” Frances wasn’t one to give up hope, but alas there seemed to be none.
    “’Tis not necessary, my lady, for I’ve disbanded the search parties myself. I’m to be the emissary for King Henry and am off to France in a few months. I need my men for other purposes and needed to cease the search.” His voice boasted with pride.
    Lord Lombard’s allegiance went to whoever paid more generously. It appeared England’s king currently won his favor. Frances wanted to yell her affront and call him a traitor, but she understood the times they lived in called for necessary political contention. Still, to go against one’s own king was a risky move regardless of the monetary reward.
    “I’m sorry, my lord, that you are so inconvenienced. I’m certain Winifred did not mean to be a burden. Please let me know if I can do anything or if she returns. You know how important she is to me.”
    He squeezed her hand to which she pulled away. “I will have one of my men ride back with ye. You shouldn’t be traipsing the forest alone. It is not safe.” His gaze lingered on her a little longer than necessary, causing her to stiffen. “If you’re not careful something ghastly could happen to ye akin to my poor daughter.”
    Frances nodded and started off, but looked back at him. His words taunted her as if he implied something ghastly indeed happened to Winifred. If he was hiding something, he surely acted as if he cared about Winifred even if a wee bit. He’d never shown such regard for her friend before.
    Often Winifred commented that he’d left her for months, weeks, and days without word. Having lost her mother when she was young, her friend was often alone and barely tolerated by the keep’s servants. Winifred was not one to throw caution to the wind and Frances’ heart tightened, knowing she’d never behold her dear friend again.
    Lord Lombard’s man-at-arms followed at a decent pace behind her. She felt somewhat safer now that she was away from Lord Lombard’s unscrupulous gaze, and had an escort.
    As she continued to ride toward home, she realized how tense she’d grown. By the afternoon she would be wedded to Sean Gunn, the Highland warrior, and her life likely changed forever.

CHAPTER SIX
     
     
    Sean disliked deviance, and was used to sleeping on the stiff cots in the Gunn garrison. Not on a lord’s soft bedding. He spent an uncomfortable night in a large chamber meant for the lord. He knew that to be so by the furnishings within, and because Davy boasted it. Lord William hadn’t used it in years and preferred to be near the steps given his age. Still a few more feet down the hall didn’t really much matter.
    The chamber held a large bed to the one side of the room with the most comfortable bedding. It should have lent to a restful night but sleep evaded him. He’d turned over his