Page 10 of To Honor

“Very much so,” Gareth said before he could stop himself. Thankfully, she did not take offense. “I do not understand why that precludes a conversation between us.”

“I am accustomed to conversations about”—she nodded to the game between them—“chess. Or the weather. Or Cook’s preparation of the meal. Not of recruitment or politics, or any other topic of substance.”

Her words, coupled with the tone she used, made her meaning clear. Gareth knew of such men. Indeed, they were plentiful, and it seemed her father was such a man. But Gareth was not.

“My mother can, and has, outwitted my father on many occasions. She knows more of politics than he and my two brothers combined, courtesy of her father having raised her to take an interest in such things. I am glad to speak to you on such topics.”

That she seemed so surprised by his admission told Gareth all he needed to know of Lady Evelina’s relationship with her father, of her role here at Ashcroft Manor. And of her opinion of such a role.

“Did they truly bribe a man to accuse you of cheating?”

“Indeed,” he said, attempting not to be distracted by her beauty. It was difficult, however. Lady Evelina did not seem to know of the effect she had on him. “I’d just won the Grand Tournament of Henham Moor when my opponent, a German knight, called me a cheater for all to hear. ’Twas nonsensical, not only because I’d not cheated but because he had no specific claims. Later, when Lord Stirling and Sir Eamon approached me, they confessed to having bribed the man to make such claims. The pair wished to learn how I would respond.”

“And how did you respond?”

“When the host dismissed his claims, he offered recompense, but I declined it. The earnings from my victory, and knowledge of a clean joust, were enough for me.”

“Which is why Lord Stirling claimed you were as chivalrous as your reputation preceded you?”

“I assume so.”

“Why did you come to Blackwood?”

If Gareth had once been embarrassed about his family’s situation, that was in his past. He’d gone from angry to ashamed and then, these last few years, determined to right the wrong.

“My parents supported Empress Matilda from the start. Doing so saw my family’s lands and titles stripped from them. As a third son, I had little recourse but to find a way to restore the family name.”

Lady Evelina smiled. “You did so by becoming the greatest tourney player in England.”

He neither confirmed nor denied it. “And now have the opportunity to more directly impact the outcome of a conflict that has drawn on too long.”

Unfortunately, that would be the end of their conversation. Lady Evelina’s father and his companions strode toward them, confirming his disappointment.

“Your game is stalled,” her father said, his tone almost accusatory. A clearer picture of their relationship formed, and Gareth could admit it did not please him.

He considered saying nothing, asking no questions, but after he’d been forced to bid adieu to the lady, and once back inside the gates of Castle Blackwood, he found himself alone with Sir Eamon.

“Lady Evelina’s father,” he began as they walked away from the stables toward the keep. “He seems a hard man.”

Sir Eamon stopped. Looked at him. For so long Gareth’s brows drew together, but he’d not look away.

“I will give you three facts, my son. Do with them as you will. First, your assessment is correct. Lord Ashcroft has not a tender bone in his body, not even for his own daughter. To him, she is a pawn. He plans to betroth her to the empress’s son once she is restored.”

Gareth’s eyes widened. Lord Ashcroft had high aims, indeed.

“The second fact is, as you may have ascertained, I’ve a fondness for Lady Evelina. She is a kind, intelligent woman who has done much for the people of Ashcroft. I care very much for her happiness.”

Gareth knew little of Sir Eamon beyond that he was a master swordsman, but him being fond of anyone, given his perpetual scowl, spoke to Lady Evelina’s character.

“And the third?”

Again he stared at Gareth for so long that he nearly interrupted the silence.

“The third is that, as the men will likely tell you now that you’ve seen her, most of them had a similar response to her as you. Do not allow any of those facts to be a deterrent.”

With that, the man turned and walked away. What could he possibly have meant?

The answer would have to wait. Something was happening near the entrance of the keep, and Gareth sped up his pace to learn what that something might be.