Page 279 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Sir Talbot is reunited with his grandmother and has been named the new Earl of Baliman.”

“Oh, yes,” Rhoslyn said.

The abbess lifted her brows. “You are no’ pleased?”

“In truth, I am not as happy as I first was,” Rhoslyn admitted.

“Why?”

“King Edward demands that St. Claire return to England to swear fealty to him.”

“That is not strange,” Beatrice said.

“Nay,” Rhoslyn agreed. “But it is obvious he only wants control of St. Claire’s newfound power and wealth.”

“Did ye expect less?”

Rhoslyn shook her head. “Nay. But Edward must know how dangerous it is for St. Claire to leave Scotland at this time.”

“Sir Talbot expects his brother to attack?” Beatrice said.

Rhoslyn couldn’t halt the flush of embarrassment to her cheeks.

“Ye are not the first woman to be used as a pawn by men, Rhoslyn. You did nothing wrong.”

“I swear, I did nothing to encourage him,” she blurted.

The abbess grasped her hand and gently squeezed. “I know you, child. Ye are a good woman, obedient to God’s laws.”

Rhoslyn forced back the lump that formed in her throat. “Thank ye, Abbess.”

“Now, tell me of your husband,” Beatrice said. “I am hoping to meet him.”

* * *

Talbot entered their private chambers to discover Abbess Beatrice sitting with Rhoslyn. Rhoslyn’s cheeks were flushed with pleasure and his heart warmed when she said, “It is about time ye came home, St. Claire.”

Home. This was the first time she’d referred to Castle Glenbarr as his home.

“Forgive me, my lady,” he said. “I have been occupied at Dunfrey Castle.”

“We have company,” she said, then laughed. “As ye can see. St. Claire, meet Abbess Beatrice, abbess of St. Mary’s.”

Talbot canted his head. “Sister Beatrice.”

Beatrice acknowledged with a nod. “My lord, it is good to finally meet you.”

“Sir Talbot will do,” he said.

The same amusement he’d seen the night she’d visited him now tugged at her mouth.

“Nay, laird. Sir Talbot will no’ do. Will ye sit with me? I would like to learn a bit about the man Lady Rhoslyn married.”

“If you wish,” he replied. “But I must warn you, I have been working, and am not sweet smelling.”

“If you smelled of rose water, I would worry.” She turned her attention to Rhoslyn. “Will you leave us for a little while, Rhoslyn?”

Rhoslyn cast an anxious glance at Talbot. He tensed. Did she suspected the abbess of being his informer the night she fled the convent? No. She wouldn’t have been chatting so freely if she suspected.