Page 149 of Laird of Smoke
He blinked, stunned.He’d swived a nun who was the daughter of a respectable merchant.
So many questions raced through his head, he couldn’t think of which one to ask first.
The abbess continued in a hushed voice.“She isn’t in trouble, is she, Brother?Is that why ye’re here?”
“Nay.”The word came out on a croak.He was still reeling.
“Because, between ye and me,” she confided, “her father is quite a generous donor, and if his daughter is removed from the convent for any reason…”
He nodded.He understood.“No need to fret, Reverend Mother.That’s not why I’ve come.And as far as her father…” His voice cracked on the word.“I won’t breathe a word to anyone.”
Adam couldn’t have been more sincere.
The ugly truth—that he had trysted with a nun—would follow him to his grave.
Chapter 24
Eve had promised the abbess she would return before Martinmas.She was going to keep her promise, but only by the skin of her teeth.For the last half of her journey home, she’d had to let the useless mule walk beside her unencumbered while she carted her satchel across her back.She feared this would be the poor old beast’s last journey.
She finally reached the convent on the afternoon of Martinmas.After stabling the mule, she passed through the cloisters.She hadn’t realized how hungry she was until she smelled the delectable Martinmas feast wafting from the kitchens.
Hurrying to her cell, she dropped her satchel beside her pallet and used the basin to wash for dinner.Her habit was dusty from travel, but since she’d burned her spare garments, it would have to do.Her stomach was growling as she scurried to dinner.
The rest of the sisters were already seated at the trestle tables, murmuring as they waited to be served by the novices.
She smiled.It was good to be back to the familiar faces and sounds and smells of home.And after a lean several days of travel, she was ready for a holy feast.
The nuns looked up when she entered.But instead of greeting her with welcoming smiles, they stopped chattering and swiveled their heads toward the abbess in expectation.
The abbess stood up from the table.“Welcome home, Sister Eve.Ye made it by Martinmas, as ye promised.”Then she opened her arm to the place of honor on her right.“Ye have a guest who’s been waitin’ to see ye.”
Eve’s smile froze in horror as she followed the abbess’s gesture.
Rising from his seat was Adam, dressed as a monk.
The abbess politely inquired, “I believe ye know Brother Adam?”
Eve resisted the urge to spin on her heel and make a hasty exit.Flee to Ireland.Or France.Or even bloody England.As far away from Rivenlochs as she could get.
“Sister Eve.”His voice was low, grim, filled with accusation.
It was the accusation in his voice that gave her the strength to stay where she was.
How dared he take that tone with her?As if this was allherfault?
He was the one who’d passed himself off as an outlaw when he was a damned Rivenloch.
He was the one who’d betrayed her…twice.
He was the one who’d stolen her heart…and her virtue.Who’d promised to marry her…and then abandoned her.
Her eyes watered now, with griefandrage.
But she wouldn’t let him win.This was her home.This was her destiny.He was in her house now.She wouldn’t let him ruin her entire future.Not again.
“Brother Adam,” she said in a level voice.
The nuns were watching both of them expectantly.
