Page 80 of The Darkland

“In fact, you have been something of a son to me in the absence of my own.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

Lionel shook his head. “But the fact remains that you arenotmy son,” he said. “When I die, Quernmore will pass to Lily and her husband. That is not how I wish to bequeath my inheritance.”

Spencer wasn’t following the man in the least. He finally lifted his shoulders. “Very well, my lord.” He wasn’t sure what else to say. “Lily’s betrothed is a fine man.”

“But he is not my son, my flesh and blood.”

“No, he is not.”

Lionel was still looking at his hands. The pause was lengthy before he spoke again. “It would seem that I have an opportunity that I never thought I would have again.”

“And what is that, my lord?”

Lionel lifted his head, then, and looked at him. “The opportunity to have another son.”

Spencer still had no idea what he was talking about. He finally gave up pretending that he embraced the conversation. “I do not understand, my lord.”

Lionel knew that. He hadn’t been very clear. But he was confused, hopeful, and bewildered all at the same time. He stood up and began to pace.

“When Kirk arrived from Anchorsholme, he carried two missives with him,” he said. “The first missive was the request for support in Ireland. The second was a marriage proposal.”

Spencer was genuinely surprised. “A marriage proposal?” he repeated. “For whom?”

“Me.”

Spencer’s shock only grew. “From Anchorsholme?” he said. Then, a disturbing flicker came to his eye. “Not Johanne…?”

Lionel shook his head quickly. “Nay,” he said. “Not that mad woman, thankfully. It would seem that Edmund is proposing a marriage between me and the Lady Mara le Bec, sister of Edmund’s new wife. He has sent Lady Mara along with Kirk so that I may have a look at her.”

Spencer stared at him. “Mara?” he repeated, astonished. “Kirk’sMara?”

“The same.”

Spencer’s jaw dropped. “The woman we werefightingover?” his astonishment grew, so much so that he had to spell out the obvious just to make sure he understood correctly. “Lord de Cleveley has proposed a marriage between you and Lady Mara?”

Lionel nodded, carefully gauging Spencer’s reaction. He couldn’t tell if the man was pleased or outraged but he suspected it was the later. He felt defensive.

“I am a wealthy widower,” he said. “Lady Mara is young, beautiful, and healthy. It is perfectly acceptable to marry her so that she may bear me a son.”

Spencer couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “And if she doesn’t bear you a son?”

“Then she shall be a wealthy and respected wife nonetheless.”

“Is that all she is to you, my lord? Someone to breed with?”

Lionel could hear the judgment in Spencer’s tone. He went from a calm demeanor to a frustrated one in a flash.

“That is the purpose of marriage,” he pointed out. “It is not for young knights to live out romantic and lusty dreams. It is to breed empires, of which I intend to do. If you cannot accept that, then I shall release you from your oath and you may seek your comfort and fortune elsewhere.”

Spencer cooled. He could see that Lionel would not be berated or judged for his decision. It was a reasonable one, that was true, but Spencer was not thinking with reason. He was thinking with his loins and with his heart. He was also thinking about Kirk; he couldn’t help it. He pondered his liege’s words, forcing himself to settle.

“That will not be necessary, my lord,” he replied, returning to his obedient demeanor. “But I would assume that Kirk knew nothing of this proposal.”

Lionel was eyeing Spencer for any further hint of rebellion. “I would assume not,” he replied. “If he did, I am sure he would have destroyed the missive.”

“What do you think he will say when he finds out?”