Read Online Shadow Music by Julie Garwood - Free Book Online Page B

abbot stopped and motioned to a man crossing their path.
    “You must meet Laird MacKenna. He, too, is a guest, but he’s leaving shortly. Laird,” he called out,
    “come and meet Lady Gabrielle. She has finally arrived.”
    The man turned and walked toward them with a smile that seemed genuine and warm. His stride was long, and he carried himself proudly. His wavy black hair was swept back from his high forehead, and there wasn’t a single scar on his flawless features. He must lead a charmed life, she decided.
    He bowed to her. “I have heard it said that you are a beauty, and I must say it was not an exaggeration.”
    “I thank you for the compliment.”
    “I know you are aware that Lady Gabrielle is to be married here to Laird Monroe,” the abbot said.
    “Of course, I know,” Laird MacKenna answered. “He’s my friend,” he said to Gabrielle, “and I will attend the celebration at his request. It will be a great day for both of our countries. Returning the glen…I mean Finney’s Flat…to a Highlander will bring peace among the clans, for Laird Monroe will see that it is used wisely. I look forward to the ceremony.” He bowed again. “Until then…” he said and took his leave.
    The abbot waited until he was out of sight and then said, “Laird MacKenna surprised us with such an act of kindness. He brought us a wagon full of grain from his fields. He’s never been so generous before, and we were quite stunned and pleased. The laird has become a thoughtful man. Ah, here is Brother Anselm.
    He will show you the way.”
    The two rooms assigned to Gabrielle were in the largest wing of the abbey. They were surprisingly spacious and had connecting doors on either side. Servants were busy unpacking her clothes in preparation for the festivities ahead. Gabrielle kept her cloak wrapped around her until she was alone in her room. She wasn’t sure what to do about the blood on her cream-colored bliaut, and she couldn’t come up with a plausible explanation as to why it was there. She ended up folding the garment and hiding it in the bottom of one of her trunks.
    Later that evening, after her maids had gone to bed, Faust and Lucien led Gabrielle to Liam’s room to check on him. Father Franklin and Father Gelroy were both there and in the middle of a heated argument.
    “Has he awakened yet?” she asked in a whisper so as not to disturb the patient.
    Franklin smiled at her. “No, he hasn’t, but he’s done some moaning, and I’ve a good feeling he’ll wake up soon.”
    “Or he won’t,” Gelroy said, scowling. “He isn’t out of danger, now is he, Franklin?”
    “One must have hope, Gelroy.”
    “If he dies, Colm MacHugh will tear this place apart, sacred or not. It won’t matter to him. He needs to be told that his brother is here. Hopefully he’ll come to fetch him before Liam dies.”
    “ If he dies,” Franklin snapped. “But I don’t think he will. I do agree that Laird MacHugh should be told Liam is here. I think you should leave with morning light.”
    “I would be happy to take over your duties while you make the trip to the MacHugh holding,” Gelroy responded.
    “I’m too old and feeble to make this journey,” he whispered.
    Gelroy snorted. “You’re neither too old nor too feeble. What you are is afraid, Franklin. Aye, that’s what you are.”
    “And you’re not?”
    “Of course I’m afraid. In fact, I’m more afraid than you are,” he boasted in a low voice. “And older by two years, which is why you should go on this errand, and I should stay. My heart couldn’t take Laird MacHugh’s disappointment.”
    Before Franklin could work up a rebuttal, Gelroy turned to Gabrielle. “We’ve been bickering about this for over an hour now.”
    Frowning, she said, “I don’t understand your hesitance. I would think that Laird MacHugh would be overjoyed to learn that his brother is alive.”
    “Perhaps,” Franklin allowed. “But what if Liam were to die before Colm MacHugh