on each side of the gravel path. The hedges had been shaped into large spheres as well as a low wall bordering the path. A few gardeners were milling about, cutting away the excess growth.
“I’m still devoted to Claire,” he said. “Besides, I don’t trust any of this. I’ve not been home that long, Maeg. Every time I think I’ve found my place . . . it gets ripped away from me. Bayree is so very far away, a spike of land in the sea. I saw the map in the king’s tent. It’s next to Benedict’s land, and he’ll make for a surly neighbor.”
“How does Claire feel about you?” she asked.
“We are friends,” Ransom said with a shrug. “I have permission to write her but not to court her. I wish I knew her feelings, but I cannot ask. It would violate my agreement with the king, and it would be unfair to her. I can’t marry her unless he changes his mind.”
“It would not be wise to upset the king,” Maeg agreed. “What of Benedict? Is he still at odds with the king?”
“Yes. And he’s angry with the king’s decision to give me the duchy. He feels it should go to Jon-Landon.”
“Shouldn’t it? Wouldn’t you rather have another duchy instead?”
“I would. But the only prize left for the taking is Glosstyr, and he means for Jon-Landon to marry Claire and take ownership of it. I cannot bear that thought. I . . . I don’t know what to do.”
“I’m glad I came. You need advice from someone who loves you. I think Mama would say the same thing. You need to be clear on how you feel. I take it you don’t intend to marry Lady Elodie?”
“No!” Ransom said, surprised. “I told Dearley as much and asked him to tell her.”
“I know,” said Maeg, giving him a gentle but scolding look. “You need to tell her yourself. She’s confused. I think she cares about your first knight. But she also feels obligated to you as her guardian.”
Ransom’s brow furrowed. “I’m not—”
“Just talk to her,” said Maeg. “It’s frightening, being in her position. Knowing that she might be given to a man to further his fame or wealth.” Her voice hinted that the struggle she described was one she knew well. “If you will make no claim on her yourself, then tell her. Don’t make her wait.”
He stopped, and she stopped too, looking up at him. “Is that what is happening to you?” he asked softly.
She tried to smile, but then the tears came instead.
“Sir Kace?” he asked. “Was he bold enough to ask?”
“Yes,” she said, the sound of her voice heartbreaking. “But Marcus . . . our brother . . . said no.”
He put his arm around his sister, pulling her close to him, understanding the pain she was feeling. The ache in his heart was still there. It would always be there.
He had offered to help Marcus with their sister’s dowry, and if he could do it without causing offense, he’d make a case for letting her marry for love. But he didn’t want to say anything that might raise her hopes. As much as he wished he could solve her problem, he couldn’t. Nor did he know how to approach his own dilemma. He looked down at the wrist where he’d worn Claire’s braided charm for so long. The bracelet was gone, but it had only been a symbol. His love for Claire had not abated. The lack of her was still a raw wound.
Prince Jon-Landon came to visit again, and this visit was intolerable for he brought with him Sir James Wigant. Sir James is all smiles and witty banter, but he’s truly an eel, and I despise him. I was much shocked to see him again, let alone in the company of the prince, as if they were suddenly boon companions. Duke Wigant responded to the call to arms and brought an army down from Dundrennan. I don’t know whether James slipped away while his father was absent. I don’t trust him and think he has less brains than a badger if he’s trying to get in the good graces of Jon-Landon.
His smirks and knowing looks were made even more insufferable because of the news he brought concerning Ransom. News that Ransom didn’t share himself, although I understand why he didn’t think I’d wish to know that he has been asked to marry another woman. Honestly. Some badgers are more brainless than others. I