Adam stiffened and so, he fancied, did Jonah.
“I see.” Jonah’s gaze traveled to his sister. Eventually she too looked up and they locked eyes.
Two golden haired, blue-eyed de Nevilles. Could Esme count on her brother’s support?
Adam clenched the hilt of his sword, but only out of habit. He could not wield it against Jonah de Neville.
Jonah scratched at his faint growth of beard, his expression thoughtful. “It cannot be said that I am a worldly man.” He looked at Crispin, as if for confirmation.
Mayhap taken by surprise, the knight nodded.
“But I do believe that these things, occasionally, happen.” Jonah’s blue gaze now swung to Adam. “Is that not the case?”
What is happening here?
“I have heard tell of such things.” Adam forced out the words.
Jonah nodded. “Esme, do you wish to wed this man?”
She showed only momentary surprise, before casting a withering look at Crispin. “Most assuredly, I do not.”
“Then there is naught further to discuss.” Jonah opened his palms, as if dismissing them both.
Adam was half-frozen in place with shock, but he gathered his wits and walked purposefully forward. “Shall I escort him outside, milord?”
“I do not know if he should, after all, be flung into the cellar for a while. Any man who moves against Lady Esme de Neville should be punished, do you not think?”
Adam felt a smile pull at his lips. “Very wise, milord.”
But Crispin stood tall. “I would advise against that, de Neville. Unless you intend to keep me prisoner here for the rest of my days.”
Jonah also rose up from the table. He did not have Crispin’s height or bearing, but real anger showed in his finely-boned face. Adam recalled how Esme had lauded his swordsmanship, and fancied that it would not serve to underestimate the youngest de Neville son.
“Do not tempt me, sir,” he said.
“Nay, Jonah. We do not want a man like him poisoning the sweet surrounds of Ember Hall.” Esme held her head high. “You will leave us, Crispin. And never trouble us again.”
A pulse flickered at Crispin’s neck. Before Adam could restrain him, he slammed his bound fists onto the table, making the platters of food jump. “That is the trouble with you people. You always think you have more power, morerightthan the rest of us. When will you start listening?” He shook his head, almost regretfully. “You cannot win in this. Esme, you will be my wife. Jonah, you will be my brother.” His voice rose with mirth.
“The man is deluded.” Jonah wiped his fingers on a linen cloth, his face screwed up in distaste.
Adam knew not whether to bundle Crispin from the room or wait to see how the man might explain himself. It felt wrong to take charge of the situation, when the son of an English earl was also present.
I am but a servant, Adam reminded himself.
His feelings for Esme counted for naught. Forsooth, Jonah may well flinghiminto the cellar, should he discover them.
Watching the scene, Adam began to feel detached from it. He had never felt further apart from Esme, than when Jonah and Crispin faced one another.
Two sons of the English aristocracy.
Whereas he was the son of a farmer.
A Scots farmer, at that.
His muscles and training meant nothing. Without rank or wealth, he could not hope to save Esme from this situation. The realization caused a deadening of sensation within him.
“Explain yourself,” Jonah commanded.
