Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
“My husband fears nothing,” Flora said, her voice sharp to the surprise of all, even Henry. “He is a strong, courageous man who loves me and keeps me safe and there is no other man I will take as my husband. So, have a magistrate brought here for I will tell him the same thing I tell you. Not now nor will you ever be my husband.”
“I only do what your da asked of me,” Henry said, “but it appears obvious that you are adamant about remaining Lord Torin’s wife. Your da and mum wanted not only what was best for you but for you to be happy. They thought you might find that with me. I see that you have found it with Lord Torin. So, I believe it would be wise for all concerned if a magistrate was brought here and our marriage absolved, so we both will be free.”
“I always appreciated your wise choices, Henry,” Flora said, relieved. “If my husband grants permission, you are welcome to remain here until this matter is resolved.”
Torin was reluctant. He did not trust the man, but it was better he remained where he could keep watch over him rather than having him gone from his sight and not know what he might be plotting.
“He can stay. I will send someone to bring a magistrate here,” Torin said and turned to Kinnell. “Show, Henry, to a cottage, then see the Strathearn warriors fed and camped for the night. They can leave for home tomorrow morning.”
“They escort and protect me,” Henry protested.
“My warriors will see you returned to Clan Strathearn when we are done,” Torin ordered, leaving no doubt his word would be obeyed. “We will talk later at supper.”
Torin dismissed and commanded Henry in few words and having no other choice he followed Kinnell.
“How do you know Henry?” Flora asked Walsh as soon as the man was far enough away not to hear her.
“He was there, I believe, twice when I spoke with your da, though he thought me no more than an acquaintance of his. Your da held his tongue when it came to his missions.”
He was certainly right about that, the sting of her parents’ secret still disturbing her.
“And my da never mentioned his intention to wed me when he asked you to watch out for me?” Flora asked.
“Nay, not a word,” Walsh said.
“He lies,” Torin said, taking his wife’s hand and locking his firmly around hers. “From what you told me of your da, it does not seem likely he would wed you without first consulting you. Also, why ask Walsh to look after you if he wed you to Henry? That would be his responsibility as your husband. And what of a message? Your da would have surely left a message with Henry for you as he did with Walsh.”
“I thought the same,” Flora agreed. “How would my da not have a message for me if he wed me to Henry? And as you suggested, why would he ask Walsh to protect me if he had already wed me to Henry? Something just doesn’t seem right about it. But Henry has been a friend to my family, and I do not like to think he would deceive me. But why travel all the way here if it is nothing more than a lie?”
“I don’t trust him,” Torin said, his eyes still on Henry, though he was a good distance away.
Walsh chuckled. “I can understand that since he threatened to take your wife away.”
“Something that will never happen,” Torin warned. “I will see him dead first.”
“I don’t wish Henry to meet such a dire fate, but I do think he does not speak the truth, though I cannot understand why. He was always truthful, at least I believed so. Perhaps I have misjudged his character. I will learn more as we talk with him.”
“WE, wife. You are not to speak with him alone,” Torin ordered.
“As you say, husband.”
Torin stepped back to look wide-eyed at his wife, his hand still clasped to hers. “I do not think I have ever heard those words leave your mouth.”
“That is because on this we agree,” she explained, thinking it obvious. “We should speak with the Strathearn warrior who led the troop here to see if he has anything to tell us.”
“Something I intend to do while you remain in the keep,” Torin said.
“On that we do not agree,” Flora said and tugged at his hand. “Come, we do not want to waste time.”
Torin was about to stop her with a slight opposing tug when he thought better of it. He had a private question to ask her.
“You declined an offer of marriage to Henry?” he asked as they walked.
“Aye,” she said. “He thought with our shared interest in knowledge that we would pair well. My mum even advised me to consider it since she believed Henry a malleable man who would not make demands on me. But he was nothing more than a friend, and I could not see myself being anything more to him or him to me. Besides, I did not want to marry and be subject to a husband’s rule.”