Cat lowered her head in thanks. “Thank you, Lady…”
“Lady Ellington,” she said with purpose.
Cat’s heartbeat quickened. Lady Ellington was wife to Lord Ellington, one of the twelve men of the jury who had judged Geordie.
“She lies too,” Robert hissed. “All of them—”
Sir John drew back his fist and smashed it into Robert’s face. “Enough out of you. Guards…”
The king’s guards came forward and took Robert, who had ceased his protests long enough to transfer his hands from his groin to his nose.
“Geordie…?” Cat asked.
Sir John nodded. “I shall go and speak to the king on his behalf now.”
Cat nearly collapsed with relief. Surely after hearing of Robert’s confession, especially coming from Sir John, Geordie would be freed. He had to be freed.
Didn’t he?
Geordie was going to die. He sat in front of the chair by the fire, his focus consumed by the flames licking over logs in the hearth.
After finally having Cat and everything he had ever wanted, it would all be for naught. Tears welled in his eyes at the hopelessness of it all. The key clicked in the lock of his door and he swiftly blinked away his emotion.
He would die like a man and refused to be seen as weak. His door opened and Sir John entered.
“That wife of yours…” Sir John chuckled.
Geordie regarded his brother knight with confusion.
“She sought out Robert on her own when no one on the jury would listen to her.” Sir John gently closed the door but did not lock it. “She came to me for help as well, but sadly, I did not listen to her either.”
A prickle of fear scraped down Geordie’s spine. “Is she well?”
“Aye, as is the babe,” Sir John confirmed. “She got a confession out of Robert. He killed Sir Gawain to make it look like it’d been you, and he then tried to kill your wife’s unborn babe. First with poison, then he tried to stab her in the stomach.”
Geordie leapt from the chair. “You are certain she is well?”
Sir John lifted a brow. “You know your wife above all others. You already know the answer to that question.”
Thanks be to God. He couldn’t help but smile at his fellow knight’s words. “Should I be asking then after the welfare of Robert?”
“He could scarcely walk to the dungeon.” Sir John chortled. “Not that he’ll need to be walking anywhere but the gallows soon.”
The gallows. He would most likely be hung then, not even beheaded as a peer. Geordie suppressed his shudder.
What he had gone through, the anticipation of a guilty verdict, the pain of it being said aloud, the excruciating time of living while waiting for death—he would not wish it on anyone. Not even on Robert. Though he was grateful Cat could no longer be hurt.
“What of my sentence?” Geordie asked.
Sir John grinned. “You have been exonerated; you are free.”
Geordie almost sank back into the chair once more with relief. “Cat. Where is she? I must—”
“Do you really think I’d come see you without her waiting nearby?” Sir John opened the door and in walked Catriona, lovely as a new day and wholly perfect.
They ran to one another and met midway between.
“Geordie,” she gasped. “You’re free, my love. You’re free.”
He smoothed the hair back from her face where it had come loose from the careful braids bound around her head. “You could have been killed. The babe—”
“I wasn’t.” Cat touched his face, her fingers wandering down his cheeks, over his jaw and neck, to his collarbones, as though she could not get enough of him. “The babe is fine. I felt it move within me.” She took Geordie’s hand and put it over her stomach. “Our child is doing so again now,” she said. “Can you feel it?”
The silk of her kirtle was smooth and cool against his palm, and he could feel only the firmness of her belly. He shook his head. “I believe women sense it before men can. God be praised that you are both safe. Cat, you should never have taken such a risk…”
“And if I did not, you might be dead.” She buried herself in his embrace. “I could not lose you, Geordie. Not when so much has pulled us apart for so long. Not when we have finally found one another.”
He wrapped his arms around her and gently stroked her hair. Never had he thought to hold her thus again, to feel the sweet warmth of her against him, to breathe in her lovely rose scent that held notes of sunshine and happiness. They were all alive and well and safe.
“How can I ever repay you for your courage, my Cat?” he asked into her ear.
“With a lifetime of joy and love.” She drew away to smile up at him. “And mayhap, we might return to Werrick Castle to deliver the babe there.”
“I’d rather be there than Easton Castle for certes.” And truly he would. The idea of letting a child start their life in such a hard and hostile home. He had no plans to take the child there, not until Lord Strafford was dead and they could bring their own warmth to those cold halls.
Cat beamed up at Geordie. It had been far too long since she’d looked so cheerful. After all she had been through, he was glad to see her jubilant spirit return.
“Would you mind terribly if we invited Lady Strafford to stay at Werrick Castle as well?” Cat asked. “So that she might be there when our child is delivered.”
Geordie could only smile at her request, knowing what it would mean to his mother. He pressed a kiss to Cat’s smooth brow, loving her for her consideration and kindness. “I am certain she would be overjoyed to receive such a request.”
“I shall write to my father immediately.” Cat locked hands with Geordie and regarded him once more. “I am eager to leave court. I confess I lied when I said I enjoyed it. I needed you to believe it at the time to ensure I got to court, so I could confront…” She pressed her lips together, rather than put a name to the man who had brought them both so much pain.
“I understand.” He pulled her more snugly against him. He too was ready to leave court. In fact, he’d been ready to leave as soon as they arrived. The king would need to give his permission, of course, but with war having been temporarily set aside, he doubted the king would refuse him.
If all went according to plan, they would be able to leave within a sennight and could travel at a comfortable pace to ensure Cat’s safety, as well as that of their child.
Soon, they would be back at Werrick Castle. Away from court intrigue and gossip and carefully spoken words. And when the babe came, it would be surrounded by family and friends and all the love a new child deserved.
Aye, it would be good to go home.
29
The horses were loaded with packs and the small carriage piled with several more trunks than they had arrived at court with. In the last sennight, Cat had noticed the distinct shift in the atmosphere at court. Her name still seasoned every tongue, but now with praise.
She was a hero, a woman who pushed beyond the duty of any wife and found a way to free her husband from certain death. Not that she cared for their exaltation any more than she had their slurs. All that mattered was that Geordie was safe. And that they were soon to depart for Werrick Castle.
Eldon and Durham were already on their horses while Freya fussed over Lady Strafford’s horse to ensure as much comfort as possible for Geordie’s mother. Cat knew part of it had to do with Freya’s anxiety to return to Werrick Castle where she would see Peter once more.
Cat watched the archway to the castle with anticipation.
“Tristan will be down in a moment,” Cat promised Geordie. “He said he’d see us off, and he will.”
Geordie grinned. “I’d never dream of making you leave without bidding farewell to Tristan.”
No sooner had his name been mentioned than the man stepped through the archway and out to where they stood on an expanse of cobblestones. “Did you think I wouldn’t make it?”
He opened an arm, revealing blue
silk undersleeves.
Cat went to him and embraced him. “You’ve been my only true friend while I’ve been at court. Thank you for everything you’ve done. For me, and for Geordie.”
“This has been the most enjoyment I’ve ever had at court.” Tristan released her and bowed. “Trust me when I say life without you will be terribly dull.”
“I think dull might be a good change,” Geordie offered. “Thank you for all you’ve done for us. Your kindness will not be forgotten.”
“God’s bones.” Tristan leaned close to Cat and eyed the emerald necklace about her throat. “Was that the king’s gift to you?”
Cat flushed and touched the massive stone. It was far too extravagant for her taste, and nothing she ought to be wearing for travel. But she did not want to offend the king when he had made such a generous gift for her efforts in saving the life and honor of one of his most trusted knights.
“It may pull me off my horse,” Cat said in light jest.
“I’d be there to catch it.” Tristan winked at her.
“Do not dare leave.” An authoritative voice boomed out.
Cat’s chest tightened with dread. They had hoped to avoid this moment.
Lord Strafford stepped around Tristan, purple-faced and sweating with the fatigue of walking from the castle to where they readied to depart beyond the stables. “Lady Strafford, I said you could not go.” He shoved the servant at his side forward. “Pull her trunks from the cart. Now, you wastrel.”
“Nay.” Lady Strafford stood in front of the cart with her feet braced wide.
“I told you that you will be returning to Easton Castle with me.” Dots of spittle caught the sunlight at the vehement words Lord Strafford ground out. “Get to my side now, woman.”
Geordie took a step forward, but Cat pulled his arm and shook her head. Lady Strafford had spent a lifetime doing her husband’s bidding and suffering the consequences of actions she had no hand in making. If this was the first time that she declined to be biddable, doubtless she would have more to say.
“Please leave them,” Lady Strafford said gently to the servant. The man bowed his head in acquiescence, as though unsure what to do. Geordie’s mother, however, did not suffer from such hesitation. Nay, she strode forward to her husband, her back straight and her head lifted high.
“I lost Geordie to you once before.” She kept walking until she stood directly before him. “I almost lost him again.” She jutted her chin upward. “I lost young Tom as well because of you. I will lose no more. I have sacrificed enough for you.”
Lord Strafford drew back his arm to strike his wife. Lady Strafford did not move from her position, but Geordie did. In a flash he was in front of her, shielding his beloved mother.
“If you weren’t frail as an old woman, I’d crush your nose into your skull,” Geordie snarled.
“The son so pathetic, even Werrick couldn’t bring himself to kill you.” Strafford snorted. “It matters not.” He waved a hand with disinterest. “Her womb has been dried up for years. She’s of little use to me now.”
Geordie drew back his fist, but his mother put her hands to his forearm to stay the action.
“He isn’t worth it, Geordie.” Then, without another look back at her husband, Lady Strafford turned away and allowed the Master of the Horse to aid her onto her steed.
“Go on with you,” Tristan said. “I’ll ensure he doesn’t follow.”
Cat gave her friend a grateful smile. Within minutes they were on their horses and departing, leaving behind happy memories as well as horrible ones, bitter enemies as well as lifelong friends.
Soon, they would be among family and friends with a wedding to celebrate, a babe to birth, and a new life to begin.
When they returned to Werrick Castle, they were welcomed back with genuine affection. Geordie’s mother had been drawn into the fold, not as a guest, but as family, and the news of the marriage was met with much joy. Perhaps no one was happier to see them returned than Peter was at seeing Freya. Cat had told Geordie of their budding romance and they could not help but share a smile as the two met once more with shy excitement.
While Lord Werrick had appeared pleased with Geordie and Cat’s marriage, Geordie could not help the twist of guilt at his gut. A knight knew better than to wed a woman without first seeking her father’s blessing.
Though the journey back to Werrick took twice as long as it had to get to Westminster, nearing on two months, Cat and his mother were both exhausted upon their arrival. Geordie waited until they were settled and resting peacefully before doing what he ought to have done the moment he’d arrived at Werrick after the king’s campaign ended: to seek the Earl of Werrick’s permission to wed Cat.
The earl was in the solar, seated behind the large desk as he went through a ledger. He looked up as Geordie entered and a smile lit his face.
“I’d like to speak to you for a moment.” Geordie entered the room and tried to hide the sudden sheepishness creeping over him.
“Of course, my boy.” Lord Werrick closed the journal and gestured to the seat before the desk.
The room was brilliantly colored with tapestries on the walls and painted animals, flowers and whorls along the beams overhead, all lit with sunlight spilling in from the leaded glass windows. There had been so many wonderful memories in that room over the years. Its familiarity set Geordie at ease.
“Forgive me for not seeking your permission prior to wedding Lady Catriona.” Geordie slid into the chair, taking the right as the left always gave a terrible squeak. “It had been my intention, but not until I was established with land and income. Not until I was worthy of her. I feared if I asked you prior to having a suitable life attained for Lady Catriona, you might have given me the funds to do so, and…” Geordie met the earl’s steady blue gaze. “I wanted to do it myself.”
Lord Werrick nodded appraisingly. “Aye, I would have paid for you to be established to wed Cat. Regardless, you’ve always been worthy of her, lad. Always. Before you were to inherit a barony, before you had wealth, before you were even a knight. No one has ever been more worthy of our Cat than you.”
Geordie lowered his head in reverent acknowledgment of the finest praise he’d ever been given by a man he’d always admired.
“You seek my forgiveness, but it is not needed,” the earl continued. “You did exactly as you were always meant to.”
“Thank you,” Geordie said solemnly.
“And thank you for accepting Cat.”
Geordie looked up at that. “For accepting her, my lord?”
“Simple mathematics.” Lord Werrick raised his brows. “I am certain you know the months do not add up.”
The pregnancy. Heat effused Geordie’s body.
“After you departed for Westminster, Isla approached me and told me her suspicions.” The earl lifted from his seat and took the chair beside Geordie. The chair gave a low squeak. “When Cat announced her pregnancy upon your arrival, I knew her condition to be further along than only one month. I’m certain you do as well.”
Geordie met the earl’s level gaze. “I know well what I am lucky enough to have in my life with Cat.”
Lord Werrick nodded. “I think you will find that a child born of the woman you love can bring as much joy and affection as a child of your own loins.” He patted Geordie on the back.
“I fully expect it.” Geordie grinned.
“Get you to your wife, lest I be laid to blame for your absence.” Lord Werrick got to his feet and went to his own chair once more. “It is good to have you home, Geordie.”
“It’s good to be home,” Geordie said earnestly.
He slipped from the solar and wound his way down the hall to the chambers he shared with Cat. He entered the room without waking her and eased onto the bed at her side.
She gave a contented hum and rolled toward him. He pulled her into his arms, reveling in the heat her sleeping body gave off. She smelled of roses and everything that had ever brought him joy. He wat
ched her as she slept, noting the sweet pink of her cheeks and lips. Her hand was slung over her stomach, which had grown fuller and firmer in their travel to Werrick.
Geordie smiled down at Cat. “I love you,” he whispered softly.
As if hearing him in her dreams, her lips twitched into a soft smile. He put his hand to the rounded belly. “And I love you,” he said quietly.
A gently tapping sensation tickled against his palm. He froze, fearful of making the small movement cease. Emotion knotted in his throat as he felt another little bump at his hand. He had felt their baby move for the first time.
Surely his life could not be more glorious than it was at that moment, when he had everyone he loved with him and safe.
30
Three months later
* * *
Cat held Lady Strafford’s hand on one side, and Marin’s on the other, as she gave a final push. A scream rent from her throat and pain split through her core.
The pressure ceased, and a thin wail filled the room. Cat fell back, exhausted. Both Lady Strafford and Marin were no longer looking at her, but at Isla at the end of the narrow bed. At Cat’s baby.
Cat lifted her head, despite the jelly-like feel of her stomach, straining to see just one glimpse of the babe.
Isla came around the bed with a small bundle swaddled in her arms, calming the child’s cries with a gentle rocking. “’Tis a girl, Lady Catriona. The bonniest wee lass I’ve ever laid eyes upon.”
A girl. Catriona laid her head back. They had decided long ago if it was to be a girl, they would name her Evelyn, after Catriona’s mother.
“May I enter now?” Geordie asked from the other side of the door, his voice strained.
The women all looked at one another and shared a soft chuckle at his eagerness.
“You have the caul to deliver still.” Isla shook her head. “I dinna let the men in before that part is done. Even barons.”
Catriona’s Secret Page 23