Page 59 of To Love

“Gareth told you?” she had asked.

“He need not say a word.”

Amalia had agreed. “We recognize what is between you only because Evelina and I have also experienced the same.”

She trusted both women, as much as Elara trusted anyone, and did not deny it. “I am an instructor here,” she began, but they hadn’t let her continue.

“I know what you will say. Gareth and I met in secret as well. There is a spot, behind the village chapel, where we became acquainted.”

“Became acquainted.” Amalia cleared her throat, and all three women laughed. “In more than one way, I am certain.”

“You know the circumstances that led to us marrying—in secret, I might add. Certainly not a smooth or easy path.”

“As it was with Roland and I,” Amalia said. “A lady’s maid simply does not marry an earl’s son. Most often,” she clarified. “So could not a blacksmith’s son and a lady such as yourself be together?”

“Alden and I . . .” she began, but thought better of it. Elara would have told the ladies theirs was not such a serious partnership. It had been fun, but certainly the topic of marriage was not one either had addressed. This was no love match, like theirs. Alden desired her, and she him.

But she said none of that, because it might have been true at first, though no longer.

“If our . . . entanglement were to become public, I could not keep my position here. But neither could I return to court where all believe I left for Scotland to be married. At least, not until Matilda is in power and my father no longer serves the usurper. Neither does Alden wish to return to Shirsten St. Mary. Though I’m certain he is a skilled blacksmith, like his father and brothers, Alden does not want the position.”

“What does he hope to do after this?” Evelina asked.

Alden’s dreams were his own, and not for Elara to share.

“He wishes to become a knight.”

She and Evelina turned to Amalia.

“I heard Roland and Darien speaking of it,” Amalia continued. “Darien asked if Roland could simply knight his friend, but my husband said he could not. That right goes to the king, a member of the royal family, high-ranking nobles and battlefield commanders, even if they do not hold a high rank.”

“Roland’s father, then?” Evelina asked.

“Aye. Which was the very subject they discussed. Roland said he expected Alden to earn his spurs in service of the Guardians of the Sacred Oak, but if he did not, Roland would facilitate it himself.”

“Does Alden know this?” Elara asked.

“Nay. When I asked him about the matter, Roland said only, ‘He will become a knight, though I know not yet the means.’”

“And then?” Evelina asked the most obvious question. “Knighthood alone does not come with a home or property. What does he plan after Blackwood?”

“Alden is uncertain,” she admitted.

“’Tis settled, then,” Evelina said. “There is only one way for you and Alden to be together without scandal, as his instructor. You must marry.”

The remainder of their conversation floated out of Elara’s mind as she once again turned in the bed, unable to return to sleep.

Could it be as simple as that? Would he wish to marry her?

Did Alden love her? Or was it the desire he felt for her, and no more?

Suddenly, Elara realized the reason she’d awoken. A knock at her door became more insistent. Could it be Alden?

Another knock gave Elara the answer. Nay, it was coming from her bedchamber door. Slipping from her bed, she went to it, asking who was there.

“Sir Darien, my lady.”

She was about to turn the lock when he added, “Apologies for waking you, but your presence is needed at once.”