Read Online Fire Raven by Patricia McAllister - Free Book Online Page A

mercilessly upon his ribs. “’Tis clear our Katie doesn’t know what’s good for her. We had a wee tiff about it. I won.”
    He grinned good-naturedly. Winnie had to chuckle at his boyish air.
    “By the rood, what would your father say if he saw you now? Carrying a young lady upstairs, slung over your shoulder like a sack of grain.”
    “Probably ‘congratulations.’” Morgan’s dry laughter rumbled through Kate as well. “Pray turn down her covers, Mrs. Carey. I vow our guest is nigh ready to retire. I’ll entreat you to remain with Kate and deal with all those blasted hooks and stays.”
    “As you wish, milord.”
    The pounding on Morgan’s back ceased.
    “Lord?”
    A surprised squeak issued from beneath all the layers of material.
    “Y-you’re a peer?” Kate sputtered, pushing aside the velvet curtain tumbled about her head. “I don’t believe it.”
    “Merely a baron, my dear,” Morgan said. “Our good queen sees fit upon occasion to grace some of her rustic relations with titles, in order to keep the Welsh provincials in line.”
    “But you never told me, I never dreamed … ”
    Winnie pitied Kate’s present position — not so much her undignified posture over Lord Trelane’s shoulder as the shock in her face. It was awkward enough lying for the Master these past days, and Winnie was relieved the ruse was over. Yet now the unpleasant truth was laid out for all. That was little consolation, even knowing it was for the best.
    “Put the girl back in her room, if you would be so kind, milord,” she said. “I shall see to her further care.”
    Morgan nodded and grimly resumed his march. He deposited Kate on her bed in her room and turned to leave.
    “Morgan … Lord Trelane ... ”
    Kate didn’t know if he was still there or not. Her head reeled from the shock of her unpleasant discovery. She gathered her courage and spoke into the silent void.
    “Indeed, I do understand now. What would a fine lord want with the likes of me? You might have told me the truth in the beginning, milord. I need not have troubled you with my presence for so long.”
    “Damme, Faeilean , that wasn’t the reason.”
    She turned her head away, rejecting any answers or explanations. She sensed Morgan chafing with frustration. A moment later, he departed.
    After he left, Kate stared into a dark void. It was devoid of light or hope as was her life. Aye, this explained everything now. Explained it only too well.

Chapter Five
     
    “I AM LEAVING , W INNIE . I don’t intend to brook any further argument about it.”
    Winnie was lacing a dark green brocade gown for Kate. She did so as slowly as possible, in order to give the Master ample time to return from the fields. What would Lord Trelane say when he learned the girl had wandered off alone, blind, into the wilderness? Winnie already knew. He would be furious with both of them, but she alone would remain to take the brunt of his anger.
    “Are you sure ’tis wise, Katie? These hills are full of brigands. A blind traveler doesn’t stand a chance. Especially a maiden without an escort.”
    “Just direct me toward the nearest abbey. If I must, I shall crawl along the roadside until some kind wayfarer takes pity enough to guide me the rest of the way. What I won’t do is suffer any further charity from Mor — Lord Trelane.”
    Winnie sighed. There was nothing to be done for it Kate had her dander up; like most of the Gaelic, she could be pigheaded beyond reason.
    “As for this gown,” Kate continued, “I intend to assure Lord Trelane is recompensed for its loss. Just as soon as I find my family, I shall see he is compensated for every last coin spent on my behalf.”
    “What if you don’t find your kin?”
    Kate paled and lifted her chin. “Then I must secure some sort of work, of course, and send milord payment as soon as possible. I have only my word to offer, if he can accept the vow of a lowly Irishwoman.”
    Winnie did not take the bait. She gave another