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The day Vanora and Lionheart's son was baptized was as fine a summer morning as anyone had ever seen. The beaming parents stood before the baptismal font in the chapel, Vanora tenderly cradling the babe in her arms as Father Caddoc poured water over the tiny infant's head. A misty-eyed Lady Barbara stood behind the proud couple, her happiness reflected in her glistening silver eyes.

Prince Edward and his bride, Eleanor, flanked the new parents, standing as godparents to the four-weekold Edward Lionel de Coeur. The servants and crofters craned their necks for their first view of the future Lord of Cragdon, magnificently garbed in white satin robes that covered his tiny form from neck to toe.

Little Lord Edward protested loudly as water spilled over his forehead but settled down when his adoring father took him from his mother and rocked him gently in his arms. After the brief ceremony, the celebration spilled outside into the warm summer sunshine, where tables of food and drink had been set up in the courtyard to accommodate the guests.

Lady Barbara followed Vanora to a bench in a shady nook and sat down beside her. "I cannot recall ever being this happy," Barbara said, "unless it was the day Lionel was born." She sighed. "But alas, we were too soon parted. The months I spent with you and my son have made up for all those years of separation."

Vanora glanced over at Lionheart, who was showing off his son to Edward and Eleanor. "You sound as if you intend to leave us."

"Aye, 'tis time I returned to England. You and Lionheart must live your own lives, with no interference from a doting mother and grandmother. I asked for Edward's escort back to England when he returns."

"I will be sad to see you leave," Vanora said, meaning every word. "Can I not persuade you to stay a little longer?"

"Are you planning to leave us, Mother?"

Lady Barbara smiled up at Lionheart. "I did not hear you approach."

Lionheart handed the babe to Vanora. "The babe was beginning to fuss. I think he is hungry. I heard you say you were leaving, Mother. Where will you go? Do you have sufficient funds to provide for yourself?"

Barbara flushed and looked away. "I intend to appeal to the king. He was always generous with your father. Mayhap his generosity will extend to me."

"I cannot allow it," Lionheart said. "If you insist on returning to England, I will see to your support. But both Vanora and I want you to remain at Cragdon. Your grandson has need of a grandmother to spoil him."

A tear leaked from Barbara's eye. "You truly want me to remain?"

"Aye. 'Tis lonely here for Vanora. Except for Sir Giles, none of my knights are wed, and I'm sure Lady Deirdre can use your wise counsel, for she is expecting her first child."

"If you really want me—"

"We do," Vanora said, quick to echo Lionheart's words. She handed the babe to his grandmother. "Would you take him inside and ask Mair to put him in dry swaddling? Tell her I shall be up directly to feed him."

"I shall change his swaddling myself," Barbara said.

"That was kind of you," Vanora said once Barbara had left. "Have you forgiven your mother?"

"How could I not? She was as much a victim as I. If I ever become like my father, don your armor and take your sword to me."

She sent him a cocky grin. "I doubt that will ever happen, but I shall keep my sword handy just in case."

"It could have happened had you not showed me how to love. Without you to point out the error of my ways, I would have condemned my mother out of hand when she arrived and lost the opportunity to learn the truth and get to know her."

"Have you learned to love her?"

"Aye, I have."

Vanora beamed happily. "I am pleased you asked Lady Barbara to stay. I want her on hand to greet each and every one of our children when he or she comes into this world."

Lionheart's eyes darkened. "I feared the pain of birthing our son was so great you would not want another."

"Mair said the birth was easier than most she has attended. Birthing pains, no matter how severe, are quickly forgotten. If God so wills, we will have other children to love, Lionheart."

"As we will love each other. There may be times I will have to go off to fight, but I will always return to you."

* * *

Lionheart's promise was tested when Edward summoned him to help defeat Simon de Montfort in 1265 at Evesham in a battle that led to Simon's death. Lionheart returned home in time to welcome his fourth and last child and only daughter into the world.