Mary Reed McCall by The Maiden Warrior Read Free Book Online Page B

to keep your identity secret thanks to their loyalty to me, but I cannot say the same for the rest of the country.”
    Gwynne frowned, uncertainty pricking her. “If I dress as a female, ’twill draw attention to the fact that you, a betrothed man, are bringing an unknown woman into your household. Suspicions will arise concerning your intentions—unless you plan to present me as a servant. And that , Englishman, I will never abide. I agreed to livewith you while you dissolve this betrothal you claim between us, but I didn’t agree to serve you.”
    “You won’t need to serve me, Gwynne,” Aidan murmured.
    An odd tingle shot through her at the softening she saw in his gaze. She crossed her arms over her chest, pretending not to notice it.
    “I’ve thought of a story that will ensure you’re treated as a noble guest in my home,” he continued. “As a relative, actually. I will present you as a distant cousin whose entire family was slaughtered in the warring up north. Everyone will believe that I’m taking you in to live with me at Dunston since you’ve no one left to care for you.”
    Gwynne almost laughed at that absurd prospect. Instead she raised her brow. “How do you plan to explain my departure back to Wales in three months, then?”
    “We’ll have to deal with that when the time comes.”
    He looked away for a moment before piercing her again with his gaze—and she got the distinct impression that she wasn’t going to like what he was about to say next.
    “In the meantime, we must make your stay with me as believable as possible, for both your sake and mine. While you’re at Dunston, I must make it look like I’m trying to arrange a marriage for you with one of my fellow nobles.”
    Gwynne choked.
    “At least, try to pretend an interest in it,” Aidan added, ignoring her glare. “As you’ve said, your presence in my home would appear suspect otherwise.” A muscle in his jaw tightened. “And I will not endanger my betrothal to Lady Helene by allowing any colorful rumors about you to reach her ears.”
    Lady Helene . So that was her name.
    Annoyed, Gwynne tossed her head and reached up to her shorn hair. “What of this?” she demanded. “Will it notbe difficult to pass me off as a lady, seeing that I don’t possess the silken tresses that seem to be the pride and joy of every weak-minded English female?”
    He didn’t rise to her bait.
    “We can explain that away by saying you’ve recently suffered from a fever that required its cutting. ’Tis far less dangerous to have you act the part of a gentle-born woman than a man. No one will suspect a female of being the Dark Legend.”
    Gwynne scowled again. Damn him and his irrefutable arguments.
    “Just when will I have to begin this farce?” she muttered.
    “Tomorrow. We’ll be passing through another demesne where I can get you some suitable garments to wear before we reach Dunston by late afternoon.”
    “Wonderful.” She gritted her teeth. “But I will consent to this only if you ensure that my own clothing and weapons be kept accessible to me. I still need to train during the time I live with you.”
    “Agreed—with the exception of your shield. It marks you too clearly as the Dark Legend. It will have to be sent back to your people for safekeeping.” He studied her for a moment with what might have been a glimmer of understanding in his gaze. “Never fear, Gwynne. It won’t be so bad, you’ll see.”
    She glared at him. “Imagine yourself donning a smock and skirt, Englishman. That’s how bad it will be.”
    “Ah, but you used to wear such garments all the time. ’Twill be like revisiting old habits.”
    “So you claim.” She clenched her fists tight.
    A smile edged his lips, sending a jolt of anger through her. The bastard was enjoying this far too much.
    Flashing him a dark look, she leaned forward. “Just remember this, de Brice: appearances can be deceiving. Imay be forced to wear a dress while I’m with you,