Page 75 of The Blacksmith

“’Tis unjust, but ’tis the way of things.”

“Her mother gave her blessing,” Lance blurted out.

As expected, that fact managed to surprise Terric.

“She learned of our . . . indiscretion and, for her own reasons, was not against the match.”

“How odd.”

“But the earl . . .” His voice trailed off.

Terric nodded, his expression understanding. “’Tis surprising he did not toss you from Stanton when he learned of it.”

“He didn’t.”

“Pardon?” His friend leaned forward as if perhaps he’d misheard.

“He did not learn of it. I could not chance telling him. And, to my knowledge, neither Idalia nor her mother did either.”

Lance attempted to appear casual, but the Scot’s expression made his chest ache. The longing he’d suppressed these last days rushed over him in a suffocating wave.

“You must tell him,” Terric said.

“No.”

“Lance—”

“I will not risk this mission. For anything.”

It was only this thought that had allowed him to do what was needed and leave her.

Terric ran both hands through his hair. “Guy said he’d never seen you so . . . at ease before as you were at Stanton.”

Lance stood. “So?”

“You do not deny it?”

“Deny that Idalia made me feel whole? Nay, I will not. But we’ve more important matters to discuss.”

“More important? Do you truly believe a man who risks losing his title and property, possibly his life, will change allegiances because a blacksmith dares to confess loving his daughter?” Terric stood with him, his voice rising. “You’re an intelligent man. I know it well. Think about it for a moment.”

All of the anger and frustration and thwarted love bubbled inside him, forming a toxic brew. “Think about it?” he shouted, something he rarely did. “I’ve done nothing else since meeting her. But I will not endanger our mission. And I’m surprised you’d have me do so.”

He turned to leave.

“It’s not our mission you endanger,” Terric said.

The softness of his tone was more jarring than if he’d shouted back at him.

A chill ran through Lance’s shoulders and into his arms. He sucked in his breath and let it out, not trusting himself to respond.

So he left.

Something he was quite good at doing. Except this time, he had a real life, one that he loved. One that was gone, for good.

Chapter 25

Idalia wandered through the crowded stands in search of her sister. After asking a few merchants if they’d seen Lady Tilly, she finally decided to let her sister find her instead.