He stopped, and she stopped too, looking up at him. “Is that what is happening to you?” he asked softly.
She tried to smile, but then the tears came instead.
“Sir Kace?” he asked. “Was he bold enough to ask?”
“Yes,” she said, the sound of her voice heartbreaking. “But Marcus . . . our brother . . . said no.”
He put his arm around his sister, pulling her close to him, understanding the pain she was feeling. The ache in his heart was still there. It would always be there.
He had offered to help Marcus with their sister’s dowry, and if he could do it without causing offense, he’d make a case for letting her marry for love. But he didn’t want to say anything that might raise her hopes. As much as he wished he could solve her problem, he couldn’t. Nor did he know how to approach his own dilemma. He looked down at the wrist where he’d worn Claire’s braided charm for so long. The bracelet was gone, but it had only been a symbol. His love for Claire had not abated. The lack of her was still a raw wound.
Prince Jon-Landon came to visit again, and this visit was intolerable for he brought with him Sir James Wigant. Sir James is all smiles and witty banter, but he’s truly an eel, and I despise him. I was much shocked to see him again, let alone in the company of the prince, as if they were suddenly boon companions. Duke Wigant responded to the call to arms and brought an army down from Dundrennan. I don’t know whether James slipped away while his father was absent. I don’t trust him and think he has less brains than a badger if he’s trying to get in the good graces of Jon-Landon.
His smirks and knowing looks were made even more insufferable because of the news he brought concerning Ransom. News that Ransom didn’t share himself, although I understand why he didn’t think I’d wish to know that he has been asked to marry another woman. Honestly. Some badgers are more brainless than others. I think it delighted Sir James to tell me that the Elder King has promised the newly conquered duchy of Bayree to Ransom if he accepts the duke’s niece as his wife. Sir James also said that he hopes Jon-Landon will not be named the Duke of Glosstyr after all. He gave me a knowing smile. I tried to reveal nothing, but I think Sir James knows he bothered me. Let him feel like the victor. At least I got news from someone.
—Claire de Murrow
(trapped amidst commotions and intrigues)
CHAPTER NINE
The Lilies of Bayree
Ransom sat in the solar with Dearley, enjoying a companionable silence. It was a new feeling, being the master of a castle, and he found he rather liked it. Dearley was reading a book, and Ransom stood overlooking the lazy river and the village road, watching as the men walked by. They’d all eaten, but most had decided to visit the town to spend a portion of their pay.
Dearley broke the silence. “When do you anticipate riding to Bayree, if you don’t mind my asking?”
Ransom turned away from the window. “Tomorrow, I think. The horses will be rested and ready for another journey. Duke Ashel will grow vexed if we wait too long.”
“What do you make of Lord Ashel? He seems a brooding sort of man.”
“He’s been loyal to the king for many years. He served Devon Argentine during the wars with King Gervase.” Ransom looked back outside again. “He’s seen many troubles in that time. No doubt they press on him.”
“I hope the troubles are nearly over,” Dearley said, his tone thoughtful. “The battle seems like a strange dream now, but so many died. So many knights fell, never to rise again. And here we are now, far away from that field.” He shook his head. “Well, I’m talking too much. Have you been to Bayree before?”
“No,” he answered. “I don’t know much about Bayree, just that it is renowned for its fishing, and there’s a famous dye they export. I imagine they will be nervous about meeting us, so we will need to put our best foot forward.”
He heard the noise of the door latch and looked toward it as it opened, revealing Elodie.
“You want me to come?” Dearley asked with anticipation.
“You are my first knight,” Ransom answered. “Of course. Hello, Elodie. Welcome.”
Dearley turned and then rose and bowed quickly to the young lady. The warmth in his smile seemed to confirm Ransom’s suspicions.
“I was hoping . . . if I might have a word with you?” she said to Ransom.
“I should go,” Dearley said, setting down his book on the table. He promptly left the two of them alone.
Ransom remembered his conversation with Maeg. He’d been so busy afterward that the matter had entirely slipped from his mind. He gestured for her to take Dearley’s chair, but she only approached and stood behind it, her hands fidgeting before she pressed her palms on the top of the padded chair.
“I’m glad you called on my sister to come,” Ransom said.
“I enjoy her, I truly do,” said Elodie. She looked uncomfortable, hesitant. “I’m grateful for your suggestion.”
Ransom waited, wondering what she was going to say or if he should just let her know his thoughts quickly and end the suspense. “Elodie—”
“If I may,” she interrupted. She took a deep breath, then bit her bottom lip. “When the king took me under wardship, the master of the rolls explained that my guardian would have the right to choose my husband.” She gave him a worried look.
“I know,” Ransom said gently.
She flushed and glanced away, then took another breath. “I confided in Dearley, while we were waiting for you to arrive, how nervous I was. But then I met you, and you were nothing like I dreaded you might be. You both left quickly, and Dearley’s note arrived soon afterward. I think he was trying to be helpful, but he may have given you the wrong impression.” She looked down. “I am . . . willing . . . you see . . . I know my duty . . . that I have no right to choose. If you want it . . . me . . . I’m . . . I’m making a fool of myself right now.” Her cheeks had flushed scarlet, and she turned to leave.
“Wait,” Ransom said, surprised by her words, her confession. This was not at all the conversation he’d expected them to have. “Please, Elodie. Don’t go.”
She hurriedly wiped her eyes but did not turn back to face him.
“I should have been more up-front with you,” he said, taking a few steps closer. “The master of the rolls told me the same thing. He encouraged me to marry you as the king wished. Now the king has changed his mind again. He would prefer for me to marry the heiress of Bayree. But I tell you this, truly, there is but one woman whom I love. She has been my friend since we were children. I wait on her and no one else.”
Elodie turned her head slowly, a look of relief on her face. “Do you mean Lady Claire de Murrow?”
“She is the one,” Ransom said. “I gave Dearley permission to write to you, to let you know that I will not force you to marry anyone, let alone me. You are my ward, it is true, and I want you to be happy. In fact, I think Dearley cares for you.”
Elodie’s smile brightened the room. “Do you think so?”
“I’ll let you decide that for yourself. As far as my intentions are concerned, I should have been up-front. I don’t intend to marry any woman but Claire.”