Page 46 of To Honor

She’d considered as much. “Though I agree ’tis unlikely to sway him. If that plan fails?”

“I could retain the Guardians’ attorney and gain guardianship over you. Lord Stirling can bear witness that I am your rightful father, and as the feudal lord of Castle Blackwood, he has enough influence that I’m certain we could be successful.”

“However,” Gareth added, “such a thing could take years.”

“Indeed,” Eamon said. “Which means,” he said to Evelina, “as I explained to Gareth last eve, the threat of it will have to suffice. Lord Ashcroft cares deeply about his legacy. As his only daughter, he would see you inherit over his brother’s son and has said as much many times. A legal battle for your guardianship does him little favor. It is possible the mere threat of it will be enough to make him relent.”

“If he does not?” she asked. “If he decides it would be preferable for my cousin to inherit rather than see his hopes of my betrothal to the queen’s son dashed?”

“I would remind him,” Eamon said, “the queen is not yet on the throne. And by the time she is, none can say where my case for your guardianship will stand.”

She looked at Gareth. His expression could only be described as resolved.

As was she.

“I will be his wife,” she said to Eamon. “No matter the means.”

“As I am aware. And I would prefer to see you do so and retain your inheritance.”

Her eyes widened. “He told you?”

“Gareth told me nothing. Running off and marrying in secret is what I would have done had your mother been unmarried.”

Gareth squeezed her hand, and she understood. If it came to that, they would do it. Yet, she did not wish that for Gareth.

“He has worked hard these many years to bring honor to his family. I’d not take that from him if there is another way.”

Evelina had thought much about Gareth’s path, his desire to see the Claymore name vindicated. A secret marriage to the illegitimate and disgraced daughter of a powerful baron would not meet such an aim.

“Gareth has proven his worth,” Eamon said, “which is why I stand here, now.”

“I will ask for an audience this day,” Gareth said. “And pray your father does not force us down another path. I’d not see you involved,” he said to Eamon, “if it can be avoided.”

“I am already involved, most willingly. She is”—he looked to Evelina—“my daughter. All I’ve ever wished for is her to be protected and happy. For far too long I’ve watched as the latter was forsaken for the former. No more. I will make this right,” he vowed. “You have my word.”

“One I know you will honor, as you’ve done so for as long as I can remember.”

She and Gareth stood. “It seems we have a plan,” she said.

“God willing, you and Gareth will be betrothed soon. I need the man back on the training field with his mind fully engaged on something other than my daughter.”

Gareth laughed. But it was not a joyful or carefree sound. To Evelina’s ears, it was strained. A sound of hesitation, which she understood well. Their fate was in the hands of a man who cared little for love, only power. And if Evelina knew anything about power, it was that, for some men, the loss of it was not nearly as horrible as the fear of its loss. What her father would do when faced with such a possibility, Evelina could only guess.

23

“Thank you, my lord, for your audience.”

Gareth hadn’t expected to gain one so quickly. Instead of having him come back, the steward swept him into a small but well-appointed solar chamber. He would miss his afternoon lessons, but Eamon would hopefully be aware of it and share the situation with Lord Stirling. It seemed the men were better friends than Gareth realized if Stirling knew of his affair with Evie’s mother.

“Of course. Sit, Sir Gareth. Our returning hero.”

He was glad Ashford had received word of his exploits at Lincoln. He’d been counting on it.

“Word has reached you, then, of the siege.”

“And your breaking though it? Aye. No need for modesty, Claymore. They say you led the charge and that it was a well-executed attack.”

With one exception. “We lost a good man,” he said.