Ilisa walked between Braden and Alec, once again keeping her face hidden by the hood of her cloak as they neared St. Mary’s. They each carried a bag and did their best not to draw notice.

A sick feeling sat in the pit of Ilsa’s stomach. Whether it was from knowing she’d be left at the nunnery where she couldn’t work toward taking her vows or the notion she’d soon say goodbye to Braden, she didn’t know.

Neither pleased her.

“You remember what I told you?” Braden asked.

Ilisa sighed. Mayhap it wouldn’t be so terrible to bid him goodbye after all. He’d reminded them to take care more than three times, giving specific details on where they shouldn’t go and what they shouldn’t do.

“How could we have forgotten?” Alec asked. “You’ve told us often enough.”

“’Tis important so it bears repeating.”

“If you’re so concerned, you should take us with you.” Ilisa hadn’t given up yet. She and Alec had done their best to convince him to bring them along since he’d determined this plan. Though uneasy at the idea of going to the holding of a lord who wanted her family dead, she didn’t want Braden to go alone and helping to halt Graham held appeal as well. Until he was stopped, their lives couldn’t truly move forward.

Braden didn’t bother to answer as he passed through the gate of St. Mary’s.

Ilisa noticed how much more attention Braden garnered from the sisters than she had a few days ago when she’d ventured there alone. She kept her observations to herself as several of them hurried forward to greet Braden, ignoring her and Alec completely.

Once Braden untangled himself from his admirers, Ilisa led the way to Prioress Matilda’s office.

“What a wonderful surprise,” the prioress greeted them, a wide smile on her face. “And you brought handsome young Alec with you as well. How lovely.”

Alec’s face heated at her greeting but even more when she pinched his cheeks.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Ilisa tried her best to mask the hurt from what felt like the prioress’s rejection of her.

“’Tis good to see you up and about, Sir Braden. I understand your injury was quite serious.”

“I’m much improved.” He glanced at Ilisa, a gentleness in his eyes that made her breath catch. “Lady Ilisa was kind to aid in my recovery.”

Ilisa held his gaze, wondering at the odd expression on his face. Did he also regret having to part? The thought warmed her considerably.

“I trust all is well with you?” he asked, turning his attention back to the prioress.

They visited for a short time until at last Braden cleared his throat. “The purpose of our visit is to ask for your assistance. I’m going to be gone for a time and do not wish to inconvenience the lady or her brother with the journey. Might they stay here for a sennight until my return?”

“To where are you journeying?” The prioress clasped her hands before her on her desk, her expression one of curiosity.

Braden glanced at Ilisa, seeming to ask how much information he should share with the prioress.

She nodded to indicate he could trust the prioress with the truth. “In fact, she might be of assistance. There is little that occurs on this side of Scotland that she doesn’t know.”

“I plan on joining Lord Graham’s celebration for his daughter’s birthday with the hope of gathering additional information on his activities.”

“Ah. Excellent plan. More details on who is behind the Sentinels would be welcome. However, my understanding of the festivities is that an invitation is required to gain admittance into the holding.”

“I will find another way to gain entrance.”

“Someone with your skills will no doubt manage that.” Yet she frowned. “Will you reveal your true identity once inside? You’ll need to plan on competing in the tournament if you go without a family as all eligible knights will be doing so. Be aware that Graham will watch you closely as he’ll assume you’ll be one of the many men vying for his daughter’s hand in marriage.”

“That’s why he’s holding the celebration?” Ilisa asked. “To find a husband for his daughter?” Though not unusual, the girl was nearly the same age as Ilisa. The idea of being held out as a prize for all to see nearly made her shudder. Would Braden compete for the daughter’s hand?

“So say the rumors,” the prioress answered. “It must be an uncomfortable situation for her. Poor dear. I only raise the issue as attending the gathering by yourself will ensure you have many eyes watching you.”

Braden scowled. “I’ll have to make it clear I have no interest in the daughter.”

“I’m certain all the other young knights will believe you.” The prioress’s smile suggested otherwise.

From Braden’s disgruntled expression, he didn’t care for her remark.

Ilisa was beginning to enjoy this conversation more than she’d expected. She liked seeing Braden uncomfortable when the prioress used her brand of logic on him. What did the prioress think he should do? The cleverness and intelligence of the woman was not to be underestimated. Ilisa well knew how unpleasant it was to be at the receiving end of the prioress’s forceful opinion.

“I happen to know someone who was invited but unable to attend. Unfortunately, the lord is married.”

“How would that help?” Braden frowned. “Graham would know I wasn’t who I claimed to be.”

“The gathering is not merely for close acquaintances but for those he wants to come to know.” She studied Braden before continuing, “One might think he’s gathering support for something. At any rate, Lord Graham knows the man’s father but not him. The father died two years ago, and the son has only recently returned having earned his knighthood in France after many years there. Graham hasn’t seen the son since he was quite young.”

“And you think I could pass for this man?”

“You’re similar in coloring and build. I don’t suppose you could speak intelligently of time spent in France?”

“I lived there for several years.”

“Interesting.” The prioress nodded, her expression not giving away her thoughts. “Graham wouldn’t expect the man to come alone. You would need a wife.” Her gaze swung to look pointedly at Ilisa.

Ilisa’s heart hammered in response. “A pretend wife.” Why she felt the need to clarify the statement, Ilisa didn’t know. Of course, it would be pretend.

The prioress glanced away, as though her thoughts continued working through the details. At last, she studied them both. “I’m afraid I couldn’t approve of that. I wouldn’t be at peace with my conscience if I allowed Lady Ilisa to pose as a wife. The two of you would have to marry.”

Braden stiffened as Ilisa gasped.

“That’s impossible.” Braden rose to pace the small room. “’Tis only for a week. What would be the purpose?”

“I cannot marry.” Ilisa scooted to the front of her chair to take the prioress’s hand, desperate to make her see all the reasons it was a terrible idea. “You know ’tis my wish to take my vows when possible.”

Alec sat back in his chair as though enjoying the entertainment, his gaze bouncing between them all.

“I do know that, Ilisa.” The prioress squeezed her hand in return before releasing her. “The marriage could be easily annulled upon your return.”

“Then why bother to marry?” Braden demanded.

“Making it a marriage in truth will help to convince those you seek to fool. And because you are two young, healthy, people of marriageable age, taking such vows will protect you both in the event something occurs.”

“Something?” Ilisa stared at her, confused at her meaning.

Braden turned away, his movements stiff. Did he understand the prioress?

The older woman glanced at Alec then looked back at Ilisa with a raised brow as though waiting for her to catch up with the conversation. Finally, she offered a hint. “Something married couples often do.”

Alec chuckled, obviously understanding what the prioress meant.

Ilisa’s face flamed with heat. The prioress wanted them to marry in case they couldn’t keep their hands off each other? She refused to look at Braden as the few times they’d touched came to mind. “I truly don’t believe that is a risk over which we need to worry.”

“God works in mysterious ways, my child. I feel a personal responsibility to watch over you in Sophia’s absence. We don’t know the path ahead of us. Therefore, ’tis best to be prepared for all outcomes. In truth, annulling a marriage is quite simple. I’ve seen it done many times for a variety of reasons.”

Ilisa stared at the older woman. The vague way she’d said that made Ilisa wonder. If she didn’t think Prioress Matilda incapable of it, she’d think she was lying. That couldn’t be, could it?

“’Tis the perfect solution.” The prioress beamed brightly pleased with her suggestion. “Alec can serve as your squire, Sir Braden. You and Ilisa will pose as Sir Hugh de Grasse and his lovely wife, Lady Cairstine.”

Alec straightened, alarm on his face, his previous amusement gone. “I’m not a squire. I don’t know how to be a squire.”

“I’m not a wife either.” Ilisa felt compelled to point out.

“You’ll have plenty of time on the journey to settle all the details,” the prioress said, waving away their concern. “The journey to Lord Graham’s holding will take at least two days.” She rose, indicating the meeting was over. “Think upon my suggestions and let me know your thoughts this even. I believe I offer the perfect solution. I’d suggest you marry come morn and begin your journey afterward.”

Ilisa led the way out, her thoughts numb with all the prioress had said. She didn’t dare look at Braden. Surely he thought this as crazed a plan as she.

 

~*~

 

As the time to make a decision neared, Braden sought the calming quiet of the stables, hoping to find an answer as to what path he should take. Reuniting with his horse calmed him considerably. He murmured to the steed, his upset easing as the horse nickered then nudged him with his nose in greeting.

“I missed you, too.” His horse had remained here while he recovered at Hilda’s. He ran his hands along its neck and rubbed its nose, appreciating the black palfrey’s effect on him. Already his worry lessened. He’d left his charger at home in England as palfreys were much more suitable for traveling distances.

After seeing that the horse had plenty of hay, Braden visited the rest of the horses in the stables, including the mare that’d been lame when he last visited. He ran his hand along the animal, checking its bad leg as well, pleased to find it in good condition. Pleased no one had commented on the mare’s quick recovery.

He returned to his horse, who greeted him enthusiastically once again. He couldn’t help but smile in response. With a sigh, he at last pondered the question he had yet to resolve.

Marry Ilisa?

Even the thought of doing so made his stomach burn and caused a tightness in his chest that had him rubbing it. Nay. ’Twas a terrible idea. No good could come of it.

Yet he detested the idea of missing the opportunity to learn more about Lord Graham. When would another chance come along like this, where he could possibly discover what Graham’s plans were or who was aiding him?

He might be able to talk his way into the holding without an invitation, but would he truly be able to remain there for the duration of the gathering without drawing notice or competing in the tournament? With his injured shoulder, he’d be lucky to make it out alive if he were forced to compete.

The prioress’s suggestion of posing as a married couple held some merit. Pretending to be Sir Hugh de Grasse, accompanied by his wife, would remove him from the pressure of competing in the tournament and therefore reduce the scrutiny of Graham.

None of that would be possible without marrying Ilisa, according to the prioress.

Nor did it seem right to marry under such false pretenses.

He feared knowing they were married would give an elemental part of him permission to make her his. To take what he wanted so badly.

Yet the more logical side of him insisted that would never happen. Her dislike for knights, especially English ones, would prevent him from getting close. Never mind that relying on her mistrust of him to keep from giving into his longing felt wrong.

He was a man of honor and would accept nothing less of his own behavior. But he couldn’t deny that sharing sleeping quarters with her would be a problem. Mayhap an even bigger problem than he was willing to admit.

Prioress Matilda had her reasons for insisting they marry before attempting the journey, and he respected them. He appreciated her determination to protect Ilisa. That didn’t mean he liked the prioress’s idea.

He sighed, no closer to a decision than when he’d entered the stables. Never would he want to run the risk of ruining Ilisa or putting her plans to take her vows in jeopardy.

To him, marriage was sacred, not so different from the oath he’d given to become a knight. He couldn’t imagine telling his mother he’d married for a few days only to fulfill a mission. Nor could he imagine telling her he’d jeopardized a lady’s reputation by pretending to be married.

Where did that leave him?

As though sensing his upset, his horse nudged him with his nose.

“What say you?” he asked the steed as he ran a hand along its nose once again.

“Do you always talk to your horse?” Ilisa asked from the stable door.

Braden stiffened at her words only to berate himself. She meant no harm. She couldn’t possibly know of the many times he’d been accused of all manner of strange things, from being possessed by the devil to serving as an angel. She didn’t know his secret and, with luck, she never would.

In fact, the teasing tone in her voice had to be a good sign, considering she hadn’t looked at him since their meeting with the prioress.

He turned to study her. As usual, her expression was solemn but the fact that she met his gaze reassured him.

She walked toward him and reached out to pet his horse. “How has he fared in your absence?”

“Well, I believe. Though he tells me he’s anxious to stretch his legs.”

She glanced sharply at him, her frown easing as she realized he jested. “Your skills are many. It wouldn’t come as a complete surprise to learn you can speak to animals.”

With a scoff, he scratched along his horse’s neck. He’d felt so inept since his injury that her statement was difficult to believe. “May I ask your opinion on Prioress Matilda’s suggestion?”

Her shoulders shifted as she drew a deep breath. “While my initial response was nay...” She paused, and he waited, his curiosity mounting by the moment. “I decided that was selfish of me. I need to consider what would serve the greater good.” She met his gaze once more. “If we could find out who is involved in the Sentinels and what their plans are, the risk would be worth it with little cost to us.”

“But the risk could be great.” He felt compelled to make that clear. “If we’re unmasked our lives would be in danger.”

She closed her eyes at his words then opened them. He was surprised to realize that fear was not one of the emotions layered in their depths. “Then we must do all in our power to make certain that doesn’t happen.”

“You want to proceed then?”

“Do you?”

He had to look away. He didn’t want to risk allowing her to see what he felt. His emotions had no place here. Cold, hard logic was needed. “If you’re willing to do it, then so am I.”

“That’s not a true answer.”

“Marrying puts your future at greater risk than mine. I am going regardless of whether you accompany me.” He held up his hand to stop the argument he knew she’d make. “As the prioress suggested, you posing as my wife will make things easier, and I would appreciate your help. But—”

“Very well then. We’ll marry in the morn.”

Before Braden could respond, Ilisa turned on her heel and was gone. Her abruptness didn’t reassure him in the least and left him as unsettled as when he’d arrived.

Would this mad scheme allow them to unmask Lord Graham as one of the Sentinels of Scotland, willing to murder anyone associated with the English in order to see his plan succeed?

Or was Braden placing them both in terrible danger?

 

~*~

 

“Ah, you look beautiful, lass.” Sister Maria adjusted a strand of Ilisa’s hair the next morn. “Perfect fer that handsome groom of yours.”

Ilisa’s lips parted as the urge to tell her the truth threatened once more. But nay. The prioress had urged them to hold this a secret. The reasons for that escaped Ilisa, but as they were leaving directly after the ceremony, what did it matter?

Keeping the truth from the sisters at St. Mary’s had seemed simple enough until this morn when Sister Maria had knocked on Ilisa’s chamber and asked to help her prepare for the ceremony. That simple offer changed the pretend wedding into something all too real.

Did Braden feel the same simmer of nerves as she?

“I’d hoped ye might join us here at St. Mary’s, but once I saw ye with yer young man,” she sighed with such longing that Ilisa looked at her in surprise, “I knew the two of ye were meant to be. Sir Braden is every lady’s dream.” She giggled like a young girl.

“Isn’t he, though?” Ilisa didn’t know what else to say.

“A fine man. Those broad shoulders, strong body.” She leaned forward to catch Ilisa’s gaze. “He’s going to make sure ye don’t regret yer decision in the marriage bed.”

The sensation of Braden pressed against her, his hand holding her breast, teasing her nipple, flew unbidden into Ilisa’s mind, into her body, sending heat to her cheeks and other, unmentionable places. Luckily, Sister Maria was too busy combing Ilisa’s hair to notice.

“I’m just sorry yer sister, Lady Sophia, isn’t here to witness it.”

“As am I,” Ilisa said. Yet she was glad Sophia was in England. She couldn’t imagine what her sister would think of this when she returned to Berwick. Would she bother to tell her the truth if the marriage was to be annulled soon?

“Now then, let us do something special with yer hair.” Sister Maria took a strand from either side of Ilisa’s face to twist them elegantly, gathering more hair into the twist as she pulled them back. She repeated the process with several more strands before tying them together with the small piece of ribbon Ilisa had. “Ye look lovely, my dear.”

Within a short time, Sister Maria was pushing her out the door with a hug.

Ilisa paused at the entrance to St. Mary’s chapel, wishing they could’ve performed this ceremony somewhere else. Doing it here felt too much like a lie as if she were flaunting an untruth to the heavens.

Surely that didn’t bode well for taking her vows if the prioress ever agreed to allow her to do so.

Then her gaze caught on Braden who stood near the altar, waiting for her. He’d shorn his hair, the ends of it that had once brushed his shoulders now teased the neck of the dark blue tunic he wore. It made him look like a stranger. An incredibly handsome one, but a stranger nonetheless.

The change in him only unsettled her further.

His dark gaze held hers as though waiting to see if she dared to come in. She had a moment ago, but seeing this different Braden, and thinking of him as her husband-to-be, held her in place. Her stomach lurched, threatening to rid itself of the bread she’d had to break her fast.

“Come along, Ilisa,” the prioress said as she beckoned her closer with a wave of her hand. “I’m certain you are both anxious to begin your journey.”

Ilisa’s mind remained numb, but her feet did as she was bid, moving one in front of the other until she stood beside Braden.

“Now then, I determined that the fewer witnesses, the better your chance of annulling the marriage. We’ll have Alec serve as the only witness besides me. As banns weren’t read and no priest is performing the ceremony, we can claim lack of consent or some such thing.”

Ilisa frowned, surprised at the casualness with which the prioress spoke. She glanced in alarm at Braden, wondering if he thought the same. But all her worry fell away as her gaze locked with his.

“Sir Braden de Bremont, do you take Lady Ilisa Douglas...”

The prioress’s words turned into a murmur as Braden reached for her hands and held them tight.

Was this a terrible mistake or merely a temporary arrangement? With a long, slow breath, she released the question, for she had no answer to it.

Instead, she held tight to the moment, pushing aside regrets from the past and worry about the future to hold onto the moment and simply be.