Page 43 of Knight School Chronicles Box Set

E veryone knew.

As she and Gareth and Eamon made their way to Ashford’s great hall, her greetings were stifled. Of course, they very likely made quite a spectacle, the three of them. But when they’d ridden directly to Castle Blackwood to seek out Eamon, after his initial surprise, he’d agreed to the plan.

He hadn’t liked it but had agreed anyway. Which was when Evelina realized that one of the reasons she loved him and had forgiven her father so quickly for not telling her sooner, was precisely the same reason she fell in love with Gareth.

Both valued her opinion—a rarity with so many men, including the baron.

Ashford sat at the head table, about to lift a wine goblet to his lips when he spotted them. Standing, he commanded all of those in the hall to leave. None seemed pleased to do so, but before Evelina and the men could fully approach the baron’s table, the hall was clear, half-eaten meals remaining.

“We could have retired to your solar chamber,” Gareth pointed out.

His comment did not go well with the baron.

“I am lord here, not you,” he said. “Nor will you ever be.”

Evelina stepped forward.

“He is my husband,” she said.

The baron’s smile was one she’d seen many times, usually when he believed he had his opponent cornered. “For now.”

“We could have stayed away,” she said. “And then your threats would not matter.”

“Threats? I did not make any threats.”

“You did,” Eamon argued. “And are well aware of it. ‘Evelina will not meet peace if she doesn’t relinquish her marriage and agree to an annulment.’”

“That sounds remarkably like a threat,” Gareth added.

Flanked by the two men, she found the fear she’d always had when speaking to Lord Ashcroft was gone.

“I will never relinquish my claim to him. Sir Gareth is one of the most honorable men I’ve ever met.

Our marriage is binding, as Eamon has told you, conducted by a priest with witnesses.

And” she continued, “it has been consummated. Furthermore, with Stephen held by Matilda’s forces, Sir Gareth will very likely be rewarded for his role at Lincoln Castle when the empress takes the throne. You are making a mistake.”

It seemed Ashcroft knew of the king’s predicament already. “You make the mistake, not I.”

Gareth stepped forward, but Evelina held out her hand. The baron was lashing out, angry that he could no longer control her.

“I will never marry another,” she said, looking him straight in the eyes. “Ever.”

“Then you will not inherit the title or any of my lands or properties,” he said, his chin rising.

“I’ve little desire to do so.”

He didn’t believe her.

“If you do not recognize this marriage, I will tell my story to all who will listen.”

He laughed. “And brand yourself a bastard?”

This time, it was Eamon who stepped forward. But Evelina stopped him too.

“Better a bastard daughter of a good man than the legitimate one of?—”

“A man who made the best choices given a difficult situation,” Eamon finished. She glanced at him. His eyes held a warning that said, Do not push him too far .

“A situation,” Eamon continued, “that is my fault and mine alone. Do not punish her for it, Ashford.”

Ashford’s expression revealed little of what he was thinking.

“I have tried,” Gareth added, “for so long to redeem my family name. And yet I stand here before you, not a traitor, as we serve the same side, but as a man who has proven himself many times over, and yet still I am not worthy? Nay,” he said, more forcefully.

“I could never redeem myself to men such as yourself. Lincoln Castle proved that. But I realize now, there was never any need for redemption. I am as worthy a man as any for your daughter and know it well. I am only sorry you do not see it too, because now you’ve lost a daughter and any legitimacy as well.

Your misunderstanding of what matters to the woman you called your daughter for many years will be your downfall. ”

The baron did not reply, but Evelina could see it in his eyes. He believed Gareth as little as he believed her. Who could so easily give up lands and titles? Who would ever name themselves a bastard? Certainly not him, and the baron obviously believed she was of the same ilk.

Had she truly believed coming here would work?

Nay. But Evelina also had to try. They’d said their piece, and now it was time to make good on her promise. She truly did not want any of this man’s estates, nor did she care about being named a bastard, as Gareth said.

Evelina was only sorry her husband could not remain at Castle Blackwood. They could not chance Ashford’s influence.

“Come,” she said, knowing at least she had made the effort. “He will not see reason.”

When she turned, neither Gareth nor Eamon said anything further. If the baron were in their places, he would have spoken, ensuring his voice was the last to be heard. But they did not, and the three of them walked out of the hall, their heads held high.

They were just at the entrance to the hall when Lord Ashford’s voice stopped them.

“Evie,” he said, his voice lacking the edge that it had earlier.

For that reason alone, she stopped.

“I would speak to you in my solar chamber. Alone.”

“Nay,” Gareth and Eamon both said at once. She looked first at her husband, and then her father. The look she gave both, hopefully, enough to quell their fears.

“I will speak to him,” she said firmly.

Neither man argued with her. When Ashford breezed by them, Evelina followed, not looking back. She did not delude herself that the man who had raised her would change his mind, declare that he had, indeed, loved her like a real daughter all these years and beg for her forgiveness.

But he did hear her threat to expose herself as a bastard, and just perhaps, he believed her.