Knight Defender (Knight Chronicles) by Rue Allyn Read Free Book Online Page A

Instead of falling into place beside Seona, Artis rushed to the table and reached across to grab Jess’s free hand. “I’m so sorry to be late. But the reason I sought your care for Neilina is that I had to help Eimhir give birth. She and her three kittens all thrive now, so I’m finally able to join the meal. I’m so glad you are still here, for I would hate to miss your first supper with us. We’re all agog to discover everything you can tell us about being English. Please say you’ll talk to us.” Behind Artis, her sisters—all appearing as startled and surprised as Jessamyn knew she felt—nodded and rushed forward, crowding around their youngest sibling and adding their pleas.
    Artis’s excitement was infectious, and soon all the girls were animated and smiling, talking over each other in a cacophony of information and requests.
    “Sorcha will be so sorry to miss your arrival, but she wed Strathnaver last month and has gone with him to Inverness to receive King John’s blessing,” said Lady Maeve. “Neilina has the chatelaine’s keys now, and since she detests housework almost as much as I do, I’m certain she shall be happy to turn them over to you.”
    “What is this, Maeve? I had no word that Strathnaver intended to meet with King John,” the baron interrupted to ask the question with stern softness and a clenched jaw that would have sent Jessamyn quaking. Her father and brothers used just such a tone before raining their ire on all present.
    Lady Maeve informed him of a letter received that very morning. Otherwise the girls ignored the question and the storm warnings.
    “I’ll be glad to go over the household accounts with you,” Seona said. Her gleaming eyes suggested she enjoyed the work. “We’ve so much that needs tending. Your dowry will be very welcome, and I’m sure you’d like to see it spent wisely.”
    “Nonsense, Seona.” Maeve rolled her eyes. “Lady Du Grace must tell us of the latest fashions. You can go over those musty accounts tomorrow. Your gown is so lovely, my lady, please share your knowledge with us.”
    This sister, who was evidently also a healer, was a stunning young woman. Her blonde hair and violet eyes were unlike her brother, but MacKai was stamped in the high cheekbones and straight nose. Her chin had a determined set to it that Jessamyn was beginning to recognize as a family trait.
    “Will you accompany us to Mass?” a younger sister spoke up. The girl was somber of dress and expression.
    Beside Jessamyn the baron still glowered. “Of course Lady Du Grace will attend Sunday Mass, Brighde.”
    “Yes, brother, but I meant today.” She shrugged at him. “Raeb allows too many of our clan to neglect their souls. I’m hoping you’ll set a better example.”
    Artis shouldered Brighde aside. “I heard that you brought your own palfrey, so you must be able to ride. I, that is, all of us learned, though we havena as many mounts as we once did. And I gave my horse to Raeb. But now … ”
    “Artis, dinna pester Lady Du Grace,” the baron warned.
    Behind Artis stood the only red-haired sister. Keeva, if Jessamyn recalled correctly, gazed into space, her hands folded before her. Curious about the girl’s silence, Jessamyn hardly knew whom to respond to first, or how.
    Another quick glance in his direction revealed that the baron included all the sisters in his warning to Artis. His grip on Jess’s hand tightened. The frown on his face and the anger in his eyes astonished her. Did he not want his sisters to like their supposed future sister-in-law? Just moments ago he suggested she get to know him and his clan better, or was that a pretense to mask his true desire that his sisters dislike her? Her lids narrowed. He smoothed his expression in the moment he realized she studied him.
    What game is he playing
?
What can he possibly gain from ill feeling between his wife and his sisters? Whatever his aim, it need not concern me.
She would befriend his sisters or not