The Price of Freedom Read Online Free PDF Page B

Fergus to the main hall where many of the mourners sought shelter from the heavy mist before departing for their homes. A fire roared in the great fireplace, yet Kathryn could not shake off the depression that had settled over her. She was now the Countess of Homelea, heiress to a modest fortune, and utterly alone in this room full of people.
    But her title would not protect her from Rodney and King Edward. Not a one of her guests would defend her—they each owed their own titles and lands to the whim of the king. He could take them away as easily as he bestowed them. He could give Homelea to Rodney and turn her out of her home if she refused to marry him. She knew it was coming. Why else would Rodney be here now?
    Many of her guests belonged to that element of the Scottish nobility whose loyalty blew with the wind—or the fortunes of war—like her father. And like her father, they held lands and titles in both Scotland and England and owed allegiance to both kings. But the time was fast approaching, Kathryn knew, when they— and she—would have to choose sides once and for all.
    Rodney Carleton, on the other hand, had firmly allied himself with England from the start. His family, though noble, lived on the edge of genteel poverty as a result of mismanagement by Rodney’s late father. Rodney had only recently inherited to find that he had to marry a rich woman if he hoped to restore his estates. To that end he had ingratiated himself with Edward II.
    She’d heard that Edward and Rodney were the two most proficient swordsmen in England. She wondered if the two also shared Rodney’s rapier-quick temper.
    Was it coincidence that Rodney arrived so soon after Papa’s death? Had he somehow learned about Isobel? Kathryn’s weariness gave way to fear, fear she fought to master as she saw him making his way to her side. If only she could have her men at arms remove him from her home. But that would bring down the wrath of Edward of England on Homelea and its inhabitants.
    Rodney stood before her, and where once she had accepted his attentions eagerly, now she reluctantly offered her hand in greeting. It had been nearly two years since he had last left Homelea. She had hoped it would be forever.
    â€œKathryn.” He held her hand to his lips, lingering overlong. “You are beautiful, as always.”
    Careful not to show her aversion to him, she said, “My laird, you are kind, as always.” It made her stomach twist to be gracious to Rodney, but she dared not confront him. She had dared it once and Fergus had taken the brunt of Rodney’s anger. God could not possibly intend for Rodney to be the answer to her fervent prayers for a protector. Not for her, and certainly not for Isobel.
    â€œI’m sure his majesty, King Edward, would want me to extend his condolences along with my own, Lady Kathryn.” He stroked her cheek with his finger in a chilling gesture of intimacy.
    Withdrawing from his presumptuous touch, she said, “Thank you. I understand King Edward has given you another title. Congratulations.”
    â€œYes, I am most fortunate. However, I still find myself in need of a wealthy wife. And you are still in need of a husband.” A beguiling smile graced his face. “We felt something for each other once, Kathryn. Do not deny it. Perhaps Edward can provide for both of us with one betrothal.”
    Fresh shivers of dread chilled her deeper than the earlier frost in the graveyard. His charm had not diminished and she feared he would weave his spell around her again. Would she, in a moment of weakness, respond to him again? Kathryn withdrew from his touch, distancing herself from temptation. “You are presumptuous. Nothing has changed—I do not wish to be your wife. And I assure you I will not change my mind.”
    He took her hand and kissed it, then looked at her with such longing that Kathryn found herself bending toward him in sympathy.