Page 47 of To Honor

“Ah, yes. Fitzwilliam was a skilled combat knight and will be missed indeed. But to not sustain any other casualties against the full might of Stephen’s army? Impressive.”

“We broke through just a small contingency of men,” Gareth said. “And quickly enough to unite Matilda’s forces with their allies. Our small numbers would not have matched Stephen’s otherwise.”

“Mmm,” he murmured. “Either way, if Matilda is able to hold Lincoln Castle without threat of siege, that could turn the entire campaign to her favor.”

“As is the hope, my lord.”

Capitalizing on the pause in their conversation, he met Lord Ashcroft’s eyes and said, “I would offer for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”

He waited for the man to become completely aware of his change in topic and for Gareth’s words to penetrate. When they did, he continued. “I am aware of the status of my family and know you have hope for a more esteemed match. But with this campaign, I had hope—”

“No.”

He had hoped to at least finish his thought. But it did not seem Gareth would be able to do so.

“I am already in discussions to betroth my daughter to another man. Though I can appreciate the valor of your exploits at Lincoln”—his eyes narrowed—“I would be interested to know how you have become familiar enough with my daughter to ask such a question.”

“I spoke with her when you welcomed me,” he said, his words true. “And again when I saw her in the village.”

Also true.

“And yet you wish to wed her? And believe she would accept such a proposal?”

“Some couples know each other less when they are betrothed than your daughter and I.”

“Why,” he asked, now angered, “would you believe she’d accept such a proposal?”

“Because she knows me to be a kind and honorable man. As I know her to be an intelligent and ambitious woman.”

Gareth wasn’t helping himself now, but it was clear Lord Ashcroft cared little if Gareth had led the charge at Lincoln. Or what sort of man he was. As both Evie and Eamon had predicted, little mattered to him but expanding his lands and power.

So he would make a point.

“Ambitious?” Lord Ashcroft, asked. Predictably.

“She wishes to use her love and knowledge of history in some way—an admirable quality. Do you not think?”

Of course, he did not.

“My daughter will do her duty and marry well. ’Tis all she will do.”

The door behind Gareth opened.

As if by the wrath of God, Evie stood there in the doorway. Clearly angry, and not at all following their plan, which was for her to stay away, knowing it would do little to sway Ashford if she did otherwise, Evelina stepped inside and closed the door.

“I will not.”

Also, she’d clearly been eavesdropping, which reminded Gareth of the first time they met. He smiled.

“Aye, daughter, you will.”

“Do not call me that.”

Gareth groaned. Not the plan at all.

“Pardon me?”

“I am not your daughter, and you know it well.”