by Maya Banks
Though her tone was teasing, Genevieve didn’t miss the wistful note that crept into her voice. The lass obviously loved her family and missed them when they weren’t near.
“Graeme and Eveline will be home on the morrow,” Bowen supplied. “I know not when Teague will be returned. He is assuming my duties at McHugh Keep.”
Rorie’s face fell and she looked down at her plate, toying with the food in front of her.
“He’ll not stay gone forever, sweeting,” Bowen said in a gentle voice.
He leaned toward Genevieve. “Rorie is especially close to Teague. She’s taking his absence hard.”
Genevieve nodded, and then she paused, staring at Bowen.
“Do you know what I like best about Montgomery Keep so far?”
Bowen cocked his head, his lips curving into a delighted smile. “What’s that?”
“The food,” she exclaimed. “If I am never forced to eat another meal prepared by a McHugh, it will be too soon.”
Bowen laughed, a deep, rich, throaty sound that was pleasurable to Genevieve’s ears.
“I find I agree with you there, lass.”
Rorie’s nose wrinkled. “Was it so bad?”
“Yes!” Bowen and Genevieve answered in unison.
Rorie laughed. “ ’Tis little wonder, then, that you haven’t fallen on the meal before you.”
“I’m trying to exert a little control,” Genevieve said with a grin.
Bowen and Rorie both chuckled.
What Genevieve noticed most was that the members of the Montgomery clan were open and friendly. Rorie had related that it hadn’t always been so, and that the women of the clan, particularly, had shown a lot of animosity toward Eveline when Graeme had married her.
Genevieve had felt instant sympathy for Eveline, because she knew well what it was like to have such hatred directed at her.
But so far the women—and the men—had been nothing but courteous and warm toward Genevieve. She had no idea if ’twas their natural inclination or Bowen had issued a stern warning.
Bowen leaned over so his words would only be heard by Genevieve. “When we’ve finished our meal, let’s take a walk. I’ll show you the outside of the keep.”
There was more in his voice, a frustration that they hadn’t spent any time together since their arrival. Her cheeks grew warm with pleasure, and she smiled back at him.
“I’d like that.”
This time it was she who found his hand under the table and gave it a squeeze. He laced his fingers through hers and held tightly until they were forced to disentangle their hands in order to eat.
At the finish, Rorie looked expectantly in Genevieve’s direction, but Bowen was quick to interject himself.
“I am taking Genevieve around the grounds outside the keep. I’ll escort her to her chamber when we are finished. There’s no need for you to wait on her.”
Rorie pursed her lips and surveyed Bowen and Genevieve with a keen eye, which told Genevieve the lass wasn’t fooled in the least. A grin curved her lips and a mischievous light entered her eyes.
“I think I shall go find Father Drummond, since we missed this morning’s lessons. Perhaps he can fit in a few minutes this eve before he takes to his bed.”
Bowen groaned. “Give the man some peace, Rorie. You’ll drive him daft before long. The poor man will run screaming from Montgomery lands and swear an oath never to return.”
Rorie glared at Bowen, then rose from the table, her chin thrust upward. She turned and stalked away, leaving Bowen and Genevieve alone at the table.
“So what think you of Rorie?” Bowen asked.
“She’s fun,” Genevieve said. “And she has a huge heart. I like her very much.”
“She’s a meddlesome, interfering brat,” Bowen said in amusement. “But ’tis the truth we love her dearly and life would not be the same without her antics.”
Genevieve grinned. “Isn’t that the way with little sisters?”
Bowen rose and held out his hand to Genevieve. “Are you ready to take our walk?”
She slid her fingers over his, savoring the intimate contact. “I’d like that very much.”
He assisted her down the dais and turned to walk out the back entrance, past the bathhouses.
“You’re welcome to use the bathhouses or, if you prefer, you can have a tub and water brought up to your chamber if you require privacy. There is also the river, and Eveline often makes use of it, much to Graeme’s dismay. But if ’tis your preference, let me know and I’ll arrange it so you have complete privacy.”
Her heart squeezed, fluttering wildly. He was so solicitous. So caring.
He took her hand and enfolded it in his as they moved past the stone skirt surrounding the keep and toward the hillsides that overlooked the river.
The river was larger and deeper than the one at McHugh Keep. There were areas that could be used for bathing or swimming without fear of being seen.
Bowen led her to a vast expanse of green rolling terrain where sheep and horses grazed. The river was not far away and it posed a magnificent backdrop to the setting sun.
She breathed in a contented sigh. ’Twas beautiful here, and so very peaceful. She was filled with hope and, at last, happiness.
“I think I will be very happy here,” she said in a low voice.
Bowen looked away, unable to meet her gaze. She cocked her head, confused by his demeanor. Had she said something wrong? Did he plan to send her to the abbey after all?
“ ’Tis my heart’s wish for you to be happy,” he said. “ ’Tis all I want for you, Genevieve. You’ve suffered long enough. I would do whatever necessary to ensure that you are content.”
She squeezed his hand. “I never thought to meet a man like you, Bowen Montgomery. My experience has taught me to fear men and not to trust their pretty words and lies. You’ve been naught but honest and sincere with me.”
His face turned gray, and there was clear dismay in his eyes. He looked as though he’d swallowed something exceedingly unpleasant.
Worry plagued her, for his mood was different this night. He seemed distant, as if something bothered him.
“Bowen? Is aught amiss?”
He tugged her underneath the shelter of his arm as they continued their journey toward the river.
“Nay. That you are content is all that matters to me.”
“I am ever grateful to you,” she said earnestly. “Now that I am away from the McHughs, I cannot fathom ever going back. ’Tis something that haunts my sleep at night. I’ve dreamed for so long of being free of Ian and his clan that now that I am here ’tis hard to believe it’s not a figment of my most ardent desires.”
He kissed her tenderly, his mouth sweet on hers. “You’ll not ever return, Genevieve. You have my word on it.”
She touched his face, letting her fingers linger along his cheekbone. “You are a good man, Bowen. I’ll not ever forget all that you have done for me.”
He closed his eyes for a long moment, and when he opened them they were bleak and forlorn. She knew not what occupied his mind, but it worried her, for he was not his usual self this eve.
“Come,” he said. “Let us go down by the riverside and watch the sun set. ’Tis a beautiful place to watch the stars. There will be a chill, but I’ll keep you warm, lass.”
She smiled and nestled more firmly into his side. She had no doubt that he’d do just that. And an evening spent in his arms was the most perfect way to spend a night.
CHAPTER 41
The excitement of the past few days rapidly caught up to Genevieve and she slept the sleep of the dead. As soon as her head hit the pillow, she was sound asleep, and she didn’t stir when the first strains of dawn began to lighten the room. Nor did she move when Rorie knocked on her door to invite her down to break her fast.
In fact, she was still sound asleep when Rorie and Eveline burst through her door close to the noon hour. Genevieve stirred when her bed bounced and she heard chatter ring in her ears.
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br /> She blearily opened her eyes to see Rorie and Eveline Montgomery in her chamber. She shook the veil of sleep from her head and attempted to push herself up.
“What’s wrong?” Genevieve croaked.
The fact that Eveline was here in her chamber was cause for alarm for Genevieve. Had she been so angered by Genevieve’s presence that she’d come straightaway to order her out? Or perhaps she wanted to voice her displeasure in person.
But nay, Eveline was smiling sweetly, her eyes sparkling with welcome. And Rorie was grinning like a fool, fairly dancing with excitement.
“That’s what we came to find out from you. If something was amiss. ’Tis nearly noon and we saw no sign of you. I knocked at your door when it was time to break our fast but you never stirred,” Rorie said patiently.
Genevieve sat straight up in bed. “Noon?” she squeaked. “I’ve slept until noon?”
“You were tired,” Eveline said in a soft, sweet voice.
Her speech patterns were different. The sounds of the words were different, but Genevieve had no issue understanding her at all.
Genevieve glanced cautiously up at Eveline, gauging the other woman’s reaction to her.
“I’m Genevieve,” she said. “And you are Eveline. I saw you …” She winced at having to bring up the fact that Eveline had been imprisoned—as had she—by Ian McHugh. “I saw you at McHugh Keep when Ian imprisoned you.”
Eveline pushed Rorie to the side and sat on the edge of the bed next to Genevieve.
“I owe you a great debt,” Eveline said solemnly. “You did much to aid me, and for that you have my thanks. Ian is—was—an evil man. I’m not sad that he is dead.”
Genevieve was overcome with guilt. She couldn’t even look the other woman in the eye. But she forced herself to hold her mouth where Eveline could see the words that came forth.
“You owe me nothing,” she said painfully. “ ’Tis my doing that you were captured to begin with. ’Tis not something I can ever forget, and I would understand if you could never forgive me.”
Eveline put her hand on Genevieve’s and squeezed lightly. “I know of your situation, Genevieve. Graeme told me all. My heart aches for you. I can’t imagine what I would have done in your position. I certainly don’t blame you for doing what you had to in an effort to gain your freedom. ’Twas an ingenious plan, and the fact of the matter is you fought for me. You protected me at great risk and shame to yourself. How can I find fault with you when you did so much to spare me? You directed my husband to where I lay imprisoned. ’Tis possible he would never have found me without your aid.”
Tears gathered in Genevieve’s eyes. She couldn’t hold them back. The kindness and understanding in Eveline’s voice were her undoing.
“There now, don’t cry,” Eveline said gently. “ ’Tis glad I am that you’re here. We’ll not allow such to ever happen to you again. Rorie and I are glad to have the companionship of another lass, especially one as brave and determined as you. Just think of all the mischief we’ll get into.”
“And ’tis why we’ve come to your chamber,” Rorie said excitedly.
She all but pounced on Genevieve, plopping down on the bed at Genevieve’s feet.
“We want to learn to use a bow, and we want you to teach us.”
Genevieve looked at the lass in confusion.
“You told me the tale of how you killed four warriors in battle with your bow and arrows, and Graeme repeated it to Eveline just this morn. ’Tis an amazing feat. You are very skilled! Eveline and I would like you to instruct us in the shooting of a bow. It would be great fun! We can start today if you’re willing.”
Genevieve shook the confusion from her mind and focused on the conversation at hand. ’Twas a bizarre happening. Rorie and Eveline were in her chamber. Eveline acted as though Genevieve had never done her wrong, and both lasses wanted her to teach them how to use a bow. It was all too much to take in.
“It would be great fun,” Eveline urged, her voice cajoling.
Genevieve finally shrugged. “Why not? ’Tis a useful skill for a lass to have. ’Tis a good thing to be able to defend yourself and those around you.”
Rorie puffed up her chest. “I will be the best at it, and then I’ll challenge Graeme and Bowen to a match. They’ll be humiliated when a mere lass defeats them.”
Genevieve broke into laughter. The truth of the matter was she absolutely believed Rorie. She seemed a determined lass, and one who excelled at every task she set her mind to. It wouldn’t surprise Genevieve at all if she bested all her brothers with a bow and arrow.
“Let me dress and collect my bow and arrows, and we’ll find a place to practice,” Genevieve said.
Rorie clapped her hands in delight. “We’ll wait for you at the bottom of the stairs. Don’t be long, Genevieve! We have much to do this day.”
Genevieve smiled. “I’ll need only a few minutes to ready myself.”
“What in God’s name are they doing?” Graeme demanded.
Bowen and Graeme had gone in search of Genevieve, Rorie, and Eveline when no one could report where the lasses were and they had been conspicuously absent the entire afternoon.
When he and Graeme climbed the hill overlooking the river, there in the distance were the three of them, shooting arrows at a flimsily constructed target.
“Do we want to know?” Bowen asked dryly. “I think Rorie is quite infatuated with Genevieve. She was most impressed by the fact that Genevieve felled four warriors during battle. She’s recounted the tale to anyone who will listen.”
“The very last thing Eveline needs to learn is how to shoot a bow,” Graeme said. “Think you I want her filling my hide with arrows when I anger her? I’m blaming you for this, Bowen. ’Tis your lass who is corrupting my wife. There’s no hope for Rorie, so ’tis pointless to complain about her wayward habits.”
Bowen sobered. “She isn’t my lass. Not for long.”
Graeme went silent, his expression full of regret. “Forgive me. I did not mean to bring up a painful topic. I know you dread the day when the McInnises arrive.”
“I’ll never love another woman as I do Genevieve,” Bowen said simply. “And because I love her, I must be willing to do what is best for her. She is not fully happy, though she is well content to be away from the McHughs. She misses her family, and she’ll never be complete unless she resolves things with her clan. She may well hate me for what I have done, but I know ’tis best. I can live with her hatred if I know she’ll find happiness.”
Graeme clasped Bowen’s shoulder. “Come, let’s see what the lasses are up to.”
The two men strode down the hill toward the women. Bowen rolled his eyes, because the first rule of battle was to be aware of your surroundings at all times. He and Graeme could have sneaked up and deprived them of their weapons, for all the attention they paid.
The lasses were so focused on their task that they never saw or heard him and Graeme approach. Eveline had good reason, of course, but Rorie and Genevieve should be more alert.
When they were but a few feet away, Graeme cleared his throat.
Genevieve and Rorie immediately spun around, while Eveline continued to fiercely concentrate on her target. She let her arrow fly, and it fell just short of the kill spot Genevieve had marked.
She turned, excitement blooming on her face, and she jumped up and down, the bow falling to the ground.
“I did it! I did it!”
Graeme smiled indulgently at Eveline’s joy, but then she took in the fact that Bowen and Graeme were present and clamped her lips shut, looking guiltily in Graeme’s direction.
Genevieve bent to retrieve the bow, dusting it off and smoothing any marks made by the fall.
“I see you’re quite busy this day,” Graeme drawled. “Pray tell, what enemy are you slaying?”
Eveline rushed to greet her husband, leaning up as far on tiptoe as she could to offer him a kiss, then she patted him on the cheek, leaving him befuddled and speechless.
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bsp; Bowen smothered his laughter. Eveline knew well how to handle her husband. A kiss, a few touches, and he was completely in her thrall.
Genevieve’s eyes were full of worry as she glanced nervously at Bowen, as if she feared reprisal for instructing Eveline and Rorie on how to use a bow.
He held out his hand, not caring if the others saw. He had only a few days to be with her, and damn what anyone thought. He would take these days and savor them. Hold them close to his heart and remember them when he was old and gray.
He’d left her to rest the night before, knowing she was weary from her travels and from the anxiety of coming into a new clan where she was unsure of her welcome. But tonight she would spend in his chamber, in his arms, and every night until the McInnises arrived to bear her home.
He’d hold dear every single moment he had remaining with her, and those memories would sustain him his life through, because he knew he’d never love another as he loved Genevieve.
She shyly slid her hand into his, glancing nervously at the others for their reaction. He cared not. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her, his heart swelling with emotion. God, he did not want to let her go.
The selfish thing would be to keep her here with him. To never let her family know that she was alive. To keep her close and by his side and never share her with anyone.
He wanted so much. Love. Children. To wake every morn with her curled into his side. He couldn’t imagine his life without her, but, above all else, he wanted her to be happy. She’d been denied so much, and she’d endured so much pain and humiliation.
He had to let her go so she could soar and be the woman she was meant to be. Even if it killed him. And it may well do just that.
Genevieve blushed when he pulled away and glanced hesitantly at the others to gauge their reactions, but Rorie was grinning like a fool and Eveline wore a soft smile as she took in the tenderness between Bowen and Genevieve.
“Genevieve is teaching us her skill at shooting a bow!” Rorie said.