Strange how the man was far more upset about it than the woman’s own father. Catalina knew this, and she turned to look at Essien.
“It was not your fault,” she insisted softly. “I wish you would not be so distressed about it.”
His answer was to reach out and take her hand, in front of her father and in front of Christopher, as if he had been doing such a thing all his life. He forced a smile at her.
“I cannot help it,” he said. “I know it was an accident, but I feel terrible about it.”
Catalina smiled at him and squeezed his hand. He couldn’t seem to stop looking at her, stop hovering over her, and Christopher watched it all with some astonishment. He knew that Essien could be emotional about things, but it was clear that the man had no sense of restraint in comforting a woman he felt that he’d injured. But not just any woman—the woman he was going to marry.
Christopher thought this was as good a moment as any to tell them the news.
“Essien, the lady’s father and I have been talking and we do not see a reason to delay your marriage,” he said. “If you are agreeable, we would like for the two of you to be married this evening, after the games for the day.”
That had Essien snapping his head up, looking at Christopher in surprise. “Tonight?” he said.
Christopher nodded. “Any objections?”
Wide-eyed, Essien shook his head. “Nay,” he said. “Not from me. My lady? Do you have any objections?”
They were still holding hands as Catalina shook her head. “Nay,” she said. “I do not. Where shall we be married?”
“Lioncross has a chapel,” Christopher said. “I have put my wife on organizing the mass, so more than likely, all you need to do is show up and exchange your vows. Dustin will arrange everything you need for the ceremony. Harald? Do you have anything to add to this?”
Harald was over by the empty wine pitcher. He’d been watching the clear affection between his daughter and Essien and, like Christopher, was surprised by it. He came away from the table, moving to stand in front of the pair.
“There are no objections to this?” he said, pointing to Catalina though he was speaking to Essien. “You are agreeable?”
“I am,” Essien said. “Thank you for this opportunity, my lord. I am honored.”
“Are you actuallyhappyabout this?”
It was a question full of surprise. Essien didn’t really have to think about it. He looked at Catalina a moment before answering.
“I am,” he said, his eyes glimmering at her. “Your daughter is a good woman, a kind woman. Thank you for considering me worthy of her hand.”
Harald looked at Christopher, clearly incredulous, and Christopher fought off a grin. What had started out as a forced marriage between two people who had no desire to marry had turned into something else. It was rather difficult to believe.
“Astonishing,” Harald muttered. “You do understand that you shall be continuing my legacy, as the Earl of Mercia.”
“I do, my lord,” Essien said. “I shall endeavor to honor the title, always.”
Harald’s gaze drifted over him, the tall and powerful knight who had been born in another kingdom, someplace far away. He looked like royalty, with his straight, strong features. Harald had seen him in the tournament and knew the man was extraordinarily skilled. What he didn’t know was the man’s mindset over the gratitude he was showing.
Was there something more behind those brown eyes?
“You do understand that this is an ancient title you shall inherit, don’t you?” he said. “I realize you come from ancient blood, but so do I. My family goes back many centuries, to thefounding tribes of England. When you assume the Mercian title, I should like you to take my family name—de Efford. That is not uncommon when a man of lower rank assumes a title of higher standing. It honors the legacy the title represents.”
Essien could see that the man was trying to manipulate him. He could tell because Harald hadn’t looked him in the eye through that entire speech. A man who did not make eye contact had something to hide.
“Did the title come through your father, my lord?” he asked.
Harald did look at him, then. “What does that have to do with it?”
“Is de Efford the family name for the title?”
Harald’s features tightened and his jaw began to twitch. Before he could reply, Christopher answered for him.
“Nay,” he said. He didn’t like what Harald was doing. “De Efford, Lord Eckington, is his father’s family name. The Mercian title came through his mother. He did not take her name when he assumed the title, I will point out, so I do not know why he is asking you to take his father’s family name. That has nothing to do with the Mercian title.”
