Highland Honor Read Online Free PDF Page B

have none of me.” Gisele smiled crookedly, wishing she could hide her pain but knowing his sharp gaze had already seen it. “I think Maigrat hopes I will slip away ere she returns, but she will be forced to look upon me one more time. I must hear her swear that she will care for Guy.”
    â€œAgreed. If ye can do so without choking on your pride, ye may also ask her for a few supplies.”
    â€œMust I?”
    â€œDoes she have any reason to refuse ye even that meager aid?”
    â€œNone.”
    â€œThen ask, and shame her into giving it. We need all we can gather, for there may not be many opportunities to gather supplies, either by our own hands or with coin.”
    â€œDo you think we will be that hard pressed?”
    He shrugged. “I cannae say, but ’tis wise to be prepared for a hard ride.”
    She nodded and then tensed as Maigrat strode into the kitchen. The tight-lipped look on the older woman’s round face conveyed her displeasure at finding Gisele still there better than any words could. Gisele did not want to ask the woman for anything, but forced herself to do as Nigel asked, and swallowed her pride.
    â€œYou will care for Guy and keep him safe?” she asked. “Do you swear to that, Maigrat?”
    â€œOf course,” Maigrat snapped. “We fostered the boy for many years. He is as a son to me. You should never have pulled him into your troubles.”
    â€œHe is out of them now.”
    â€œAs is poor young Charles.” Maigrat nodded when Gisele paled. “You have developed a true skill at leaving dead men in your wake. And now you sink even deeper into shame. Look at you. No woman with honor in her soul would dress herself in such a scandalous manner.”
    Out of the corner of her eye, Gisele saw Nigel rise to his feet, his handsome face taut with anger, and she quickly signaled him to remain silent. He could not protect her from everything, and should not be asked to. This was a family matter, and painful as it was it was not worth entangling him in it.
    â€œPerhaps, cousin, I have decided that life is of more value to me than honor,” she said quietly. “I need a few supplies, and then I will leave you.”
    â€œI have put myself at risk taking Guy in and allowing you to even step upon my lands, and yet you ask more of me?”
    â€œI do. What matter if you give me a few scraps of food and a little wine? If the DeVeaux discover I was here they will think you did as much, anyway.”
    Gisele stood silently as a softly cursing Maigrat stuffed a flour sack full of food, thrust it at her, and then gave Nigel two full wineskins. She had to fight back the urge to toss everything at the woman and walk out. What she had told Maigrat was true. She did think life was more important than honor. Certainly it had to be more important than pride.
    â€œIs this a new fool you have ensnared to help you flee justice?” Maigrat asked.
    â€œLet it lie, Nigel,” Gisele murmured when he took a step toward Maigrat. “It is not worth your trouble.” She looked at her cousin. “Some people actually pause to listen to my tale, and do not judge me solely on what the DeVeaux said. It is most sad that few of those can be found within my own family. Tell Guy I will let him know when I am safely away,” she added as she walked out of the kitchen.
    Gisele said nothing as she and Nigel returned to their horses, sheltered their faces with the hoods of their cloaks, and rode away from her cousin’s demanse . She was too choked with hurt and her own stung pride to say a word. It was almost dark by the time she pulled herself free of that emotional quagmire to look around. A moment later, Nigel signaled her to halt.
    â€œWe will camp here for the night,” he said, as he dismounted. “’Tis sheltered enough to hide us but not so enclosed that it could become a trap, and there is water near at hand.”
    She nodded and