Page 48 of Lion and the Lamb: Easter

“I’m sorry, Hatchet, but I gave this man my word,” said Rachael’s father.

“Aye,” said Lionel, swallowing hard, keeping his face void of emotion. “Lord Bainard, I offer you and the others a place to sleep and a meal while you are my guests here.”

“Thank you,” said Lord Andrew with a nod. “Your hospitality is welcome.”

“Make yourself at home, gentlemen. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” Lionel turned abruptly and headed away and Rachael ran after him.

“Lionel, wait,” she called out, causing him to turn around. When he did, she saw all the anger return to his face.

“What do you want?” he snapped. “Go! Be with your betrothed.” He waved her away.

“Nay, I don’t want to marry Clifford. I want to be your wife.”

“You should have thought of that before you stopped me from consummating the marriage.”

“I didn’t stop you,” she said, getting angry by the way he was acting. “You did it of your own choice.”

“Did I?” he asked, turning and heading away.

“Lionel, please,” she cried, running after him once again. Tears filled her eyes. “I never wanted any of this to happen.”

He spun around, furious now. “Aye, you did, Rachael. Don’t lie to me. I know you never wanted to consummate the marriage because once Lent was over you were hoping to marry the mighty Sir Clifford and be done with me! Just admit it.”

“Well . . . I suppose that’s true. That is what I wanted at first, but not anymore. I swear it’s the truth.”

“Why did you make me fall in love with you, when you knew you never really wanted me?” he asked her, deep sadness filling his eyes.

“Y – you’re in love with me?” she asked, her heart swelling to hear this.

“I love you, Rachael, and that is why I have to let you go.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“I will not be the cause of the breaking of an alliance. Go to him, Rachael. He is the man your father chose for you, not me.”

With that, he turned and left Rachael standing there feeling isolated and confused, with tears streaming down her cheeks.