He clenched his jaw to keep quiet as she mounted her horse.
“Come children. ’Tis time to go,” he called out.
He thought he might seek out Father Nate to confess but God knew he wasn’t sorry he’d kissed her.
He lowered his gaze and felt the weight of what he’d done. What he wanted to do again.
“Does somethin’ trouble ye, Captain?” Alex asked, coming near him. He should have known Alex would notice something.
“I’m just sorry to see the day end,” Galeren told him as Silene gained her saddle.
“We must remember it,” she said as he lifted Margaret to her. “Keep it locked away in a box of treasured memories.”
“I would have more of them,” he disagreed, shaking his head and staring up into her eyes. “Not just a memory of one.”
She said nothing but rode away with Margaret.
“Ye like her,” Alex said when he, along with Daffodil, rode out of the glade.
“Aye,” Galeren admitted what was obvious instead of lying and losing the boy’s trust. “Dinna ye?”
“Aye. She is fun,” the lad said, turning his smile on Galeren.
“Oh?” The captain arched his brow and quirked his mouth. “Am I not fun?”
Alex squealed with laughter when Galeren lifted him out of the saddle and held him suspended over the ground.
Part of Galeren never wanted to leave Dundonald and John’s service. The steward would most likely be king. Mayhap Alex would take the throne or John’s brother, Robert.
None of the children’s teachers could teach them the things Galeren could.
If Scotland had a king who considered the good of the people and who could fight if he had to and respect the Highland way of life—well then, Galeren’s kin would do well.
Aye, soon, he would be going home to Invergarry, but not too soon.
Morgann met up with him and Silene on their way back with the children.
“Captain, the steward dispatched me to find ye.”
“Did he say what ’tis aboot?” Galeren asked him.
Morgann shook his head. “But he was with Lord Birchet when he sent me.”
Galeren grew angry. He was also worried. This had to do with Cecilia. His belly tied into a knot. He glanced at Silene and said nothing the rest of the way.
When they reached the castle, he asked Morgann to escort Silene and the children back to Lady Matilda.
Silene said nothing and followed Morgann.
What had Cecilia told her father? Good! He was glad her father was here. Now, he could tell them his decision. He would not marry Cecilia.
He climbed the stairs to the solar where Louise told him to find the steward. He would deny anything concerning Silene.
He knocked. The steward called from the other side to enter. He did so and saw Lord Birchet and Father Alphonsus. The three men sat in high backed, upholstered chairs, two of six created for the steward’s pleasure.
“Ah, Captain, have a drink and take a seat.” John offered him a warm smile.
Galeren forsook the drink and pulled another chair opposite theirs. There, he waited for them to begin.