Hiding Katherine GG Shalton (the read aloud family txt) 📖

days before our marriage ceremony, I was distraught that I may be with child and unmarried. My fears have surfaced, and I find myself with Ian’s child. I am a few months pregnant and I know no one would believe that I was married. My child will be a bastard and no decent man will have me. My only hope is to marry a widow that needs a wife to help with his children.”

The earl’s expression was hard as he took in the news. After a long pause, he covered her hand with his. “That is not your only choice.”

She looked up at him confused at his statement. “What are you saying?”

“Katherine, being a countess is usually reserved for higher nobility. It’s not an easy life, but one that I want you to have. If you agree to take me as your husband, then we will need to form a trusting partnership.”

He searched her face as she gave him her full attention. “You are correct that having a baby now would make your child a bastard. No one would believe that you were married, and the questionable behavior would never allow someone to marry you. My only thought is that we marry as soon as we can, even tonight if possible. We have no land or contract negotiations. I already have the king’s permission. I will send you off to one of my private estates to have the baby. We will keep you there at least a year with only hand chosen servants and backdate the birth date by a few months. The baby will take my name and if it’s a boy, he will be my heir. No one will ever know he is not mine.”

Katherine’s face turned pale. “I don’t understand. Why would you do that?” Her swollen eyes widened in confusion.

A slow sympathetic smile extended across his face. “Honestly, I do not know. There is something about you that makes me want to protect you. I wish we had time to court, but we must decide today.”

Katherine’s mind could not settle. This man is offering her his name and inheritance for her child. Ian was dead, and her child had a chance at a noble life. If it was a boy, he would inherit an earldom and many lands. How could she say no? She reached for his hand and held it with both of hers. “You do me a great honor with such an offer. I can hardly believe that you would be serious. Perhaps you should think about what you are saying.”

He lowered down on his knee and made eye contact with her. “I will not change my mind. You are all I have thought about since the day I left you. I chose not to disrespect your betrothed by announcing my affections and left the next day. But I knew in my heart, you were the only woman I wanted to marry.”

“What if I have a son? Can you really give him your title? Suppose we have sons, would you be able to love my son as much?”

He dipped his head seemingly resolved with his true feelings on the matter. “Yes, if he is part of you, then I will love him as my own. If your child is a boy, he will inherit everything. We may only have daughters—it’s a chance I am willing to take if you are. There can be no question of the bloodlines. We must marry tonight and move on to my estate in the north. You will stay there until you deliver. We will backdate the birth and introduce the child into society by a few months. We can work it out. But it will be our secret.”

She nodded as a sob hung in her throat. “Yes… Yes, I will marry you. Thank you for doing this for me… for us.”

He opened his arms and pulled her close to him as he remained on his knees. “You have made me the happiest of men.”

He let her go and cupped her face. Leaning down, he brushed his lips across hers. “I will tell your brother-in-law to send for the priest.”

Katherine kept hold of his hand as they walked out of the garden. He squeezed it as they entered inside. “You must tell your sister and prepare for tonight. We leave afterwards.”

Katherine nodded, a little disappointed about leaving so quickly. But knowing the offer would save her, she quickly pushed the feeling aside and walked to her sister’s chambers.

Chapter 22

Deanna was with Claudia and they were arguing about one of the stablemen that Claudia had been spending some time with.

Katherine ignored their bickering and sat on the bed. “I must speak to both of you.”

They stopped speaking and looked at Katherine. “What is it?” Deanna asked.

Katherine pinched the bridge of her nose searching for words. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself. “It seems that I have some good news.” Her shoulders shook slightly giving away her apprehension.

Deanna raised her brows in question and asked, “What good news?”

Katherine bit her bottom lip and responded, “I am to be married.”

Claudia and Deanna looked at each other. “Married?” Deanna blurted out.

Katherine grabbed the pillow and hugged it. “Yes, to the Earl of Barragan.”

Deanna sat beside her. “So soon? Your fiancé has only been dead for a short time.”

Katherine’s heart felt like it fell into her stomach. Defensively, she narrowed her eyes at her sister. “I loved Ian and will never stop. This marriage is about protection and it’s a good offer. I think he will treat me well, and I’m not sure if I will receive another offer like this. I have accepted.”

Deanna glanced at Claudia and back to Katherine. “Please honey— think about what you are saying. Are you sure he offered marriage? You barely know him and have no dowry. A man of his station would only marry with the permission from the king. He would demand some political advantage. You are a daughter of