Claiming(4)

“You, with your great knowledge of defence and warfare?”

She turned to him then, her eyes glinting with unshed tears and barely suppressed rage. “I know my castle, I know my land, I know my people. That is enough.”

“Your father knew it wasn’t and entrusted me with the care of the castle and of you. Besides, even if he had been of a mind to leave it all to you, his liege lord would never have let such a prize be awarded without his involvement. Upon your father’s death, you became his responsibility. You must have known this.”

She tried to speak but couldn’t for he spoke the truth.

“You knew it, but found it convenient to forget it, to believe otherwise.”

“I know my liege lord. He would have been content enough to carry on collecting the revenue from our lands. He knew I could continue to produce it. He obviously changed his mind. You, sir, changed it for him. How much did you have to pay to make him agree?”

“Enough.”

She closed her eyes, trying desperately to regain control of her life, of her thoughts… But she opened her eyes and the man still loomed tall over her, dominating her. But, beneath it all, her sense of betrayal ground into the pit of her stomach, undermining everything. “How did you know my father? How did you make him do such a thing to me?”

She saw a flicker of reaction in his grey eyes that warmed and swept his features as if he was, himself, frustrated. He turned to the sheriff. “Sir William. Lady Rowena accepts the terms of the will, as do I.” He turned back to her. “Don’t you?”

She nodded stiffly.

“I have a financial settlement drafted if you care to look at it.”

“I care all right.” She took the document and read through it. If he should die she’d be well cared for—the dower package was generous. She looked up at him and nodded. “’Tis satisfactory.”

“Good. Sir William, I would have the betrothal ceremony witnessed before you leave.” He glanced at Rowena. “So everyone will know the Lady Rowena has consented, that our marriage will be legal… once consummated.” He reached for her hand but she stepped away, putting both hands behind her back. He shrugged. “I take you as my wife. Do you wish to take me as your husband?”

Rowena tried to speak but her mouth was dry with shock. She took a deep breath and swallowed, holding her head high. “If I have to.”

“If you wish to stay here, you do.”

“Then I will take you as my husband.”

He took her right hand and this time she didn’t withdraw it. She had no alternative but to suffer his large, calloused hand wrapping around, and dwarfing, hers. He looked at her sharply, obviously aware of the tremor in her hand. “I take you as my wife, for better or worse, to have and to hold until the end of my life and of this I give you my faith.” He bent toward her. “Come, lady, say the words and it will be over.”

Then he squeezed her hand, his thumb sweeping over the back of her hand in a gesture of compassion that startled her. She gazed up into his eyes and knew she had no option but to continue. “I take you as my husband, to have and to hold until the end of my life and of this…” Her voice cracked and she cleared her throat. “I give you my faith.”

He dropped her hand, taking away his warmth and careless gesture, bringing her back to reality. “Good.” He turned to Sir William. “Thank you, Sir William, for your help in this matter.

“You are most welcome, my lord, and congratulations on your good fortune. As to the marriage, there will be no need to issue bans, or for a ceremony at the church door. It is sufficient that we have witnessed it on behalf of the King. No-one dare gainsay it. All you have to do now, sir, to complete the deal, is to consummate it.” He glanced at Rowena and returned an amused look back to Saher. “Good luck with that.”

Saher ignored the innuendo. “Are you sure you don’t wish to stay for more refreshment?”

“I must return to Norwich. I wish you well in your new endeavours.” He turned to Rowena. “My lady, I wish you well, also. No matter what you think, your father sought the best for you. I suggest you make the best of it.”

Rowena nodded coolly. “I intend to, sir.”

Sir William gave a pointed glance at Sir Saher. “Good luck, sir, I think you’re going to need it.”

She walked away from them, hoping that Sir Saher would leave also. She poured herself more wine and sipped it with her back to the door. Suddenly there was silence. She waited, her ears acute, listening for the slightest sound, hoping against hope that she was now alone. But then she heard his footfall approach her. She closed her eyes once more.