Midnight Magic by Shari Anton

defended himself while protecting the life of . . . the earl, just as several of our men died trying to protect Hugh and William.”
    He sounded so reasonable. In her head she understood, had even used the same reasoning with Nicole. Death on the battlefield wasn’t considered murder. Even if her father had taken a bullheaded approach, leading to his own death and many others, her heart yet cried for the unfairness of it all.
    “That may be, but I cannot bring myself to forget it was Alberic who took William’s life. Whether on purpose or no, it was his sword that cut William down. You cannot ask me to accept the man as my lord.”
    “You have a generous heart, Gwendolyn. Perhaps in time you will find forgiveness.”
    Gwendolyn saw no need to tell him she doubted she could forgive Alberic anytime soon. Indeed, even before she’d known of his involvement with William’s death, she hadn’t been unhappy that some unknown archer had taken umbrage at Alberic’s lordship.
    She couldn’t allow her heart to soften. She couldn’t weaken. For her sisters’ sake, for her own.
    “You truly believe the king ordered Alberic to separate us?”
    “As I said before, I have no reason not to believe.”
    “Is there no way to counter the order? If we petitioned the king to reconsider, would he?”
    “Possibly. When at court, Emma will be in a position to do so.”
    In a position, aye, but would Emma want to? From her sister’s reaction, Gwendolyn didn’t think Emma was particularly upset about being sent to court. Still, Emma might petition the king on Nicole’s behalf. The girl definitely did
not
want to enter a nunnery.
    So many questions, too few answers.
    “Might I suggest you speak with Lord Alberic this eve,” Garrett said gently. “He has not yet issued orders for me to leave for London, nor has he decided where to send Nicole. As his future wife, you might have some influence over him. Perhaps, if you can warrant Nicole’s behavior, he may let you keep the girl here.”
    Except Gwendolyn wasn’t to be Alberic’s wife, so she wouldn’t be here to take care of Nicole. She might not have time to come up with a solution, either, depending upon how long it took her to convince Alberic to hand over the ring.
    “Is Alberic easily influenced?”
    Garrett thought that over for a moment. “During the journey from Wallingford we discussed much. I noted that he listened intently to all I told him, then formed his own judgments. In truth, I would say he is far more patient and tolerant than many of the men to whom the king might have entrusted Camelen. ’Tis my opinion that if given the chance he will make a good lord, might even make you a fine husband.”
    Garrett’s full acceptance of Alberic was irritating. That she agreed with some of his statements was irksome, particularly when she remembered Alberic’s patience and tolerance when dealing with Nicole. But just because Alberic might make a good lord didn’t mean he’d make her a good husband!
    No matter. There would be no wedding.
    Still, it wouldn’t hurt to ask Alberic about his plans—especially about when he intended to send off Emma and Nicole. Surely he would allow them to stay for the “wedding,” which would give her a week to sort things through.
    And she still had to get the ring, which might be the hardest task of all. He’d refused it to her twice already. But persuade him she must, using whatever influence she possessed with the lonely man occupying the lord’s bedchamber.
    Knowing her sisters were taking supper in their bedchamber, Gwendolyn slid into Emma’s chair at the high table, confident in her plan to convince Alberic to give over the ring.
    All she needed was for the man to appear.
    The tables were readied for supper, each covered in white cloth. Baskets of fragrant bread and bowls of sweet butter awaited the diners. A spoon, tankard, and bread trencher had been laid at each place.
    More people gathered for supper than in past days.