Page 32 of To Honor

They’d not exchanged vows of love, but Gareth knew his mind. And could guess hers as well.

“She said she’d gladly have me, as I may have told her I’d never let another man do so.”

It was blunt, crude, but also the truth. Sir Eamon took in a deep breath as if steeling himself for more. Gareth forged ahead.

“No other man will,” he repeated, knowing the truth of his words. “But I would have an ally in this, if our union pleases you. And if it does not, I ask only for your continued silence until I can speak to Lord Ashford myself.”

“Her father will never accept your offer of marriage. His aims are high, as you know.”

“Just yesterday, Lady Elara told us of the seizure of Lincoln Castle.”

“A recent development, aye.”

“I assume members of the Guardians were partially responsible?”

By taking Lincoln Castle, Empress Matilda’s foothold in the heart of England was not only a military coup but a symbolic one as well. It was a message to her followers that she could indeed challenge Stephen’s rule and would be seen as the most important event in her years-long struggle to claim the throne.

“Partially?” He smiled. “Without them, the seizure would not have been possible.”

Gareth had thought of nothing but that seizure, and of course Evie, all night. The two seemed unrelated, but perhaps they were not.

“Most assume Stephen will not allow it to stand. He will likely besiege Lincoln himself, will he not?”

“We are preparing for the possibility, aye.”

“Allow me to lead that mission.”

Finally, he did manage to surprise the sword master. “It would be the most dangerous of any mission yet. A battle will very likely ensue if Stephen’s forces dig in to a siege.”

A fact he knew well. “Allow me to lead that mission. If it is successful, and Matilda’s men retain such a foothold, it will be the tide to turn the revolt.”

His words were true, and Sir Eamon could not refute them.

“I will ask,” he added, “to be rewarded with Lady Evelina’s hand in marriage.”

Eamon shook his head. “If you were to survive such a battle, there is not a guarantee Lord Ashcroft will agree to such a boon.”

“A chance I am willing to take.”

He was quiet for a moment. “If Stephen does lay siege and you were to lead the charge to raise it, I would expect your family’s title and lands to be offered as a reward when Matilda takes the throne.”

“Agreed,” Gareth said.

“But Lord Ashford? I cannot be as certain.”

“I’ve no other plan, sir.” For good measure, he added, “No other man will have her but me.”

A statement arrogant enough to have been uttered by Roland. But the truth, nonetheless. Gareth remained silent on his second plan, one which involved running away with Evie—something he would not wish for her. But if it were the only way they could be together?

“You are determined to have her?”

“I am.”

“Let me think on it. You are a good man, Gareth. An honorable and noble one who would serve our Lady Evelina well. But this will be an important mission and cannot be taken lightly. Nor is it my decision alone.”

“Of course.” It was as much of a concession as he could hope for.

“I will take my leave and find you this eve, or mayhap on the morrow.”