WolfeStrike (De Wolfe Pack Generations #2) - Kathryn Le Veque Page 0,86
home, they fulfill the roles that a wife would normally fill, so mayhap they view you as a husband-figure in a sense.”
As much as he didn’t want to admit it, that made sense. But after a moment, he simply shook his head. “That is my fault,” he said. “I should have had them married off long ago. But they are my last link to Jane and I suppose I was in no hurry to do it.”
“And now?”
“Now, I can see that I failed them in that respect. And I cannot have them around any longer if you and I are to enjoy a happy marriage.”
“I am not trying to force you to rid yourself of your last links to Jane if that means something to you. I would never ask that of you.”
He nodded, reaching over to boldly take her hand. His hand was easily twice the size of hers, maybe more, but that giant appendage held her with a good deal of tenderness.
“You are not,” he said quietly. “But I know that what I have done… it was not healthy. It is time for Barbara and Lenore and I to go our separate ways, because they cannot come where I am going. And I am going with you.”
Isalyn’s heart was racing at his touch. “As you wish,” she said. “But I will defend myself against them should the need arise.”
He smirked. “After what I witnessed today, you are more than capable of doing so,” he said. “You have my permission.”
“Thank you.”
The conversation lagged, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. They simply sat there, together, lingering on what the future might bring. Tor was studying her face closely, acquainting himself with the woman he was to marry.
He was still in awe of it.
“What are you thinking?” he asked softly.
She cocked her head, amused. “I was thinking that it did not occur to me when I came home to visit my father that I would find something much more interesting here in Northumberland.”
He laughed softly. “And it did not occur to me when I visited Featherstone with your brother slung over my horse that I would come away with the greatest prize Featherstone had to offer. But I think I will be a better man for it.”
Isalyn squeezed his hand at the hopeful and chivalrous declaration. “Will you tell my father, or shall I?”
Tor’s gaze took on a mischievous twinkle. “Let him worry about it,” he said. “I am in no hurry to leave you. Let us speak more on what activities you enjoy while you are in London because, coincidentally, I will be doing the same activities. I should like to get to know what it is I am going to be doing.”
Isalyn thought that sounded like a marvelous idea. There were so many things to tell him, so much she wanted him to know. It was a moment she never thought she would face and the joy of it was difficult to describe. All she knew was that she never wanted the moment to end. It was surreal to realize that if she married him, it never would.
But that tender moment was interrupted when a knock on the door summoned Tor.
A situation was afoot.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
She was hiding.
Well, not exactly hiding, but Isabella was trying to stay to an inconspicuous spot so she wouldn’t be noticed. Once Gilbert had chased her from her own chamber because he wanted to speak to his daughter, Isabella came out to the bailey but she didn’t go any further.
Something was in the air.
Gilbert had been angry, or agitated, or… something. It was difficult to tell with him because ever since he had arrived at Blackpool, the man seemed to be in a perpetual state of distress. Isabella was certain that it had something to do with what had happened with Barbara and Lenore, and he was probably concerned for his daughter’s safety. At least, that’s what Isabella thought.
But she didn’t really know.
That’s why she was trying to stay out of sight.
When she had come out to the bailey, it looked as if nothing was amiss. Men were still going about their duties as they always did and nothing seemed out of place. Isabella probably should have gone to the great hall to wait out the situation, but she couldn’t seem to get away from the apartment block because something was happening inside.
She was curious to know what it was.
She hadn’t been out in the bailey for more than a few minutes when Tor came running from