Forbidden: Claude (Second in Command #2)(41)

“I am,” said Conlin. “And who would you be?”

“I am Lord Onfroi Faucheux of Grenoble. I am Lady Evelina’s betrothed.”

“Ah, I see,” said Conlin. “So, your betrothal to Lady Evelina is an alliance.”

“Of course, it is,” the man snapped. “Why else would I be marrying her? Look at her in that bedraggled gown with dirt from head to foot. When she’s my wife, she will never walk around looking like that.”

“Some men marry for love,” Conlin told him. “It isn’t always about money or what you can gain.”

“That’s nonsense,” he spat.

“We married for love,” Isobel spoke up.

“So did my daughter,” said Conlin.

“What is this all about?” asked the count. “Why are you even saying this?”

“Father, I am in love with another man. I cannot marry Lord Onfroi,” Evelina blurted out.

“You’re what?” gasped her father.

Evelina continued. “His name is Sir Claude Jean Montague. He is a French, just like us.”

“He is?” asked the count. “What holdings does he have?”

“I don’t know,” said Evelina, “but neither do I care. I would marry him even if he were penniless because I fell in love with him.”

“She’s lying,” spat Onfroi. “Besides, she is already betrothed to me. The deal has been made.”

“Hold on, Onfroi.” The count held up his hand. “Where is this Sir Claude Montague? I would like to meet him.”

“I – I don’t know where he went,” said Evelina. “He became angry when he found out I hadn’t told him the truth and he left me.”

“There,” said Onfroi with a satisfied smirk. “The man doesn’t want her anyway, so I see no need to continue this conversation. Come, Evelina, we are going back to France to be married anon.” He grabbed her by the arm, but she pulled away.

“Nay! I don’t want to marry you.”

“You’ll not talk back to me and get away with it.” His fist shot out to hit her. Lord Conlin’s body blocked her, and he grasped the man’s hand and squeezed.

“We don’t hit women at Castle Briarbeck,” Conlin said through gritted teeth. “Show some respect, for God’s sake, and stop acting like an ass.”

“I’ll show you who is acting like an ass.” Onfroi pulled out of his grip and went for his sword, but the tip of another sword pressed up against his throat and stopped him.

“You try to touch her again, and I’ll have your head no matter if you are her betrothed or not,” said Claude, coming to her rescue.

“Claude,” cried Evelina, so happy to see him.

“I heard everything, Evie, and I believe you love me. I don’t want to see you married to a cur like this.”

“Lower your sword, Sir Knight,” commanded the count.

Claude glanced over to Evelina, and she nodded slightly. Slowly, Claude lowered his sword and backed away.

“Are you Sir Claude Montague who my daughter says she wants to marry?” asked the man.

“I am.” Claude kept his mouth in a firm line and nodded his head as he shoved his sword back into the sheath.

“You are very brave to stand up to Lord Onfroi when you know he is betrothed to my daughter.”

“I fear nothing when I am protecting those I love,” Claude answered.

“There is that word again. Love,” said the count, chuckling and nodding his gray head. “When Evelina’s mother was alive, she believed in marrying for love as well, although I always believed in marrying for alliances.”

“What are you saying, my lord?” asked Claude.

“I am saying I like you, Sir Montague. I didn’t know until today that Lord Onfroi intended on hurting my daughter.”

“She needs to be kept in line,” snarled Onfroi. “A good beating is what she needs, and I’ll be the one to give it to her. After today, she will never run off or lie to us again.”

“After today, you will need to find a new wife,” said the count. “I am sorry, Lord Onfroi but I cannot let you marry my daughter.”

“We made an alliance,” shouted Onfroi. “Do you want to go to war with me over this?”

“If I have to fight you to protect my daughter, then I will do it. Now, I suggest you leave the castle immediately because the longer you stay here, the more you are making me want to run my blade through you myself.”

“You’ll pay for this, du Pont. You won’t get away with crossing me.” Onfroi left the great hall, making Evelina let out a sigh of relief.

“Claude, can you ever forgive me?” asked Evelina. “I am sorry for everything. I promise that if you can forgive me for my mistakes, I will never make them again.”

“You hurt me deeply,” Claude admitted. “But when I left here in anger, I realized that I was only hurting myself.”

“What do you mean?” asked Evelina.

“You were the one who taught me that I have to let go of the past or I will never be able to enjoy the future. Well, I want to look forward to the future, but only if you are a part of it as my wife.” Claude got down on one knee again and took Evelina’s hands in his. “Will you marry me, Lady Evelina? I love you and want you to be my wife.”