Page 23 of To Honor

“Her father plans, when the war is won, to pledge her to Lady Maude’s son.”

Mirroring Sir Eamon’s neutrality, not giving anything of his thoughts away, he said, “I am aware.”

“So you are also aware, I am certain, he would not accept the third son of a deposed baron as a son-in-law?”

Gareth could not be more aware of the fact. “I am.”

“So what, then, are your intentions with Lady Evelina?”

It was the hardest edge the knight’s tone had taken since they began the conversation. By now, however, having initially misinterpreted Sir Eamon’s intentions, he understood the purpose of this conversation. As always, Gareth followed the advice his father had given him long ago. In dealings with honest men, the only true response is an honest one.

“At first, I was unsure. Drawn to her from our first meeting, I simply wished to see her again. To know her. Now, however . . .”

He would admit to Sir Eamon what he’d not yet admitted to Evie even as, after four meetings, they’d grown closer and closer. “I would see my family’s honor restored when Lady Maude retakes the throne and then ask for Lady Evelina’s hand in marriage.”

“Even aware of her father’s intentions?”

His chin rose. “Aware those intentions are unlikely to come to pass. There will be much competition for the prince’s hand in marriage, if he is so named. There are earls who support the empress with daughters of marriageable age.”

He expected Sir Eamon to argue with him. “Agreed,” he said instead. “I do not think Lord Ashcroft’s hopes are realistic ones. But they stand, nonetheless. ’Tis possible you will secretly court his daughter only to lose her to Henry Fitzempress.”

“’Tis also possible,” he argued, “I will play an instrumental part in restoring Lady Maude to the throne. If my family is on the right side of the crown, our titles restored, I am not in want of coin to offer Lady Evelina a substantial dower.”

Sir Eamon smiled. “Tournaments have been good to you.”

“I have made it so.” It was not a boast but the truth. He’d worked hard to ensure it was so.

“I like you,” Sir Eamon said bluntly. “And because I like you, I will tell no one of your meetings. Nor will I ask you discontinue them. But I would request one thing of you, Sir Gareth, as your instructor. And, perhaps, as a friend.”

Sir Eamon, a friend? An interesting development . . .

“Anything,” he said sincerely.

“Do not dishonor her.”

“I’ve no intention of it.”

Sir Eamon’s jaw set. “Even if she wills it,” he added.

Gareth took a deep breath, imagining a scenario where they continued to meet, and Evie wanted more of him. Of course he’d want to give it. Every time they were together, he wondered more often how Evie’s body would feel beneath his own. He wanted her as badly as he wanted any woman, and yet, there was only one answer to give.

“I would not dishonor her,” he said. “For any reason.”

It seemed the words were enough for the sword master. He nodded, mumbled, “Very good,” and left Gareth staring at his back as he walked away.

Alden and Roland would have difficulty believing the conversation he’d just had, but he would relay it to them anyway. The three men had found themselves sharing more and more each day, and Gareth trusted them.

But first, he had a secret meeting to attend to and feared he was late. Evie would already be waiting for him.

12

“But I must go,” Evelina said.

Her father typically cared little how she spent her days unless he wished for her to host a meal or entertain a guest. Today, however, he’d stopped her and Amalia as they’d been about to leave.

“Why?” he asked. When he stopped her, Evelina had said she and Amalia planned to distribute bread, something they did often, which should not be a cause for undue notice. Oddly, though, her father had noticed.

Instead of answering his question, she posed one of her own. “Why are you concerned, suddenly, about our visit to the village?”