Page 393 of Wicked Highland Heroes

Chapter Nineteen

Nothing was as it should be. Victoria pushed open the stable door and slipped inside away from the morning sun. How had Katherine changed so much in so little time? Perhaps it is not she who has changed, a small voice whispered. Victoria frowned and the thought gave way to memory of her husband. He was no more the simple jailer she had believed him to be than Katherine was the innocent child. You never once suspected he could be more? She pushed aside the question, shifting her thoughts to Edwin. He hadn’t changed. His manner was just as remote that morning when Iain explained the situation with Katherine as it had been when he justified his reasons for staying gone after Richard’s death.

“Victoria.”

She whirled at the sound of Edwin’s voice.

He strode toward her from the direction of the door. “I must speak with you.”

With a glance around the stables, Victoria cursed providence’s judgment in keeping young Gilbert from his duties that morning. “If you wish to discuss King Henry’s letter, it is a waste of time,” she said. “If it is

Katherine, you have already agreed to the marriage.” Two more long steps brought him beside her and he grasped her shoulders. “Katherine’s marriage is of no consequence. She has proven herself no different than her father. It is you I wish to discuss.” His hands slid down her arms to rest at her wrists. “I have missed you.”

“You cannot miss what you never had, my lord.” She tried to draw back, but his fingers tightened around her wrists like the easy, yet invincible, weight of shackles.

“You were married to my brother. I had to keep my distance.”

“I am now married to Lord MacPherson.”

Edwin gave a quick tug, pulling her so close his breath bathed her face. “It is time you come home.” She stared. “You cannot mean Hockley Castle?

That was never my home.”

“You do not belong here.”

Victoria barked a laugh. “Your point is moot, my lord. I am married.”

“The marriage can be annulled.”

“I believe papal law decrees a consummated marriage is not so easily annulled.”

“You need not fret.” A muscle flexed in his jaw, and Victoria recognized the determination Edwin Hockley was well known for. “I can deal with the matter,” he said. “I understand this is difficult for you.”

“You understand?” She jerked free. “Nay, Edwin. You do not understand at all.”

“None of this would have happened had you not run away,” he said. “You knew better. Or have you forgotten?”

Her heart skipped a beat, but she understood the reaction for the fear it was and not the romantic notion she once took it for. “I do not understand.”

His mouth curved upward. “My sweet Victoria, if

I believed that, I would be a greater fool than even

MacPherson thinks me.”

She stiffened. “You forget yourself, sir. I tell you again, I have no idea what you mean.”

Irritation glinted in his eyes. “I have not forgotten.”

Her cheeks warmed. “What are you saying?”

“You are no fool,” he snapped. Then, in a calmer manner, “However, I believe you had no idea where your reckless behavior would lead. I comprehend how difficult it is being kept a prisoner here and being forced to share that heathen’s bed.”

Victoria laughed. “Why, Edwin, I have never known you to be concerned about such feminine sensibilities.”

“This idiocy does not become you,” he said with a flash of impatience. “I have always cared.”

Her amusement vanished. “You showed no concern when I was married to your brother. That is when it would have been appreciated.” “Richard held the title. I was powerless.” “You, powerless?” She gave a mirthless laugh. “You were content to leave me to my fate. After his death, your only interest was in keeping me from remarrying.” She narrowed her eyes. “What is your game, Edwin?”