Page 88 of The Blacksmith

“Wine?”

He nodded.

As Stanton handed him a goblet, he continued. “You offer her protection. And love.” The earl shifted, clearly uncomfortable with that last sentiment. “But she has been raised with a certain level of . . . comfort.”

Stanton took a sip of his wine, so Lance did the same. “Her dowry will include Tuleen Castle.”

“Just on the other side of Stanton’s village?”

He’d seen it on the way here, a handsome structure.

“Aye. As well as the income from the market.”

Lance nearly dropped his wine. That was no small gift, and both men knew it well.

“Idalia has some ideas for expansion. Of course, with events unfolding as they are . . .”

The earl offered much more than he could have imagined, certainly more than he would ever need. He cared only for Idalia. And for keeping his head after this rebellion. Those were the only two things that mattered.

Lance should likely not say what he was thinking, especially in light of the earl’s generosity. And yet, Idalia had made herself quite clear, and the earl would discover his daughter’s intention soon enough anyway.

“She aims to come with me, my lord.”

His words had precisely the effect Lance had expected. Thankfully, the seneschal chose that moment to open the door.

“Pardon, my lord. Would you care for more wine?”

Stanton did not answer. The seneschal took that as a sign to leave, but Lance stopped him.

“If I may ask a favor, sir?”

Dawson nodded.

“Will you send for the Lady Idalia please?”

Dawson glanced at the earl, who nodded tightly, and then back at him.

“Very good.” With a small bow, he left.

And Lance was left alone, once again, with the Earl of Stanton.

And his anger.

“She will not.”

Before he’d met Conrad and Terric, Lance would have been terrified to address an earl in so bold a manner. But his friends had taught him to see beyond titles and holdings. Conrad and Terric were lords, aye, but they were also simply men.

The same ones who jested and drank with him. Who talked of pretty women and practiced their swordplay with him and Guy.

Stanton was an earl, aye. But he was also a man.

“Your daughter is one of the most intelligent women I’ve ever met. Strong and independent, she is extraordinary, as you know.”

“Which is why she will not be thrown into the middle of a rebellion against the king.”

“I would have her stay at Stanton, or Tuleen, as well. But she has indicated her intention to do otherwise. And I must respect that.”

Stanton slammed down his goblet.