“I counted on it. I’m uncertain what to do. I’d planned on telling the king today that I’m retiring from the circle.”
Edward’s eyebrows furrowed. “Why the hell would you do that? We need you more than ever now, after losing Pearson and Stratmore. The king may let Stratmore live, after hearing what you’ve told me, but you know the man will never serve with us again.”
“I know it.” Grey circled his shoulders around and tried to ease some of the tension that mounted every time he thought about Stratmore’s life being in his hands. Would Madelaine forgive him if he failed to convince His Majesty to allow her father to keep his life? The thought of her enduring such pain because he had not succeeded sat like a lead ball in the pit of his stomach.
“Grey, you’ve not answered me.”
“What did you ask?”
Edward leaned forward and placed his palms on the table. “I asked why you would think it necessary to quit the circle.”
“I was worried that if the choice came to the king or Madelaine, I would choose Madelaine.” No sense in burdening Edward with the knowledge of what Grey had already done.
Edward nodded. “I won’t pretend to understand. I’m not like you and Father. I’ve never met a woman who’s made me doubt the king should be first in my life. Yet Father managed to serve both the kingandbe a good husband. I’ve no doubt you’ll manage it as well.”
Grey sagged in his chair at Edward’s unrealized blessing. Marrying Madelaine would not have changed no matter what Edward said, but knowing he was treading the same path his father had managed made Grey feel more secure. He rose and glanced down at his brother. “I want to speak with the king before my wedding tonight. What of his mind? How was he when last you saw him?”
“Completely well and reasonable. I say we go to him now and beg Stratmore’s case. The king’s consent to let Stratmore live would probably make your bride very happy.”
“We?” Grey raised an eyebrow. “You’ll go with me? I would not have thought you could stomach asking the king to pardon Stratmore when the man was going to try to help put the prince on the throne.”
“I do it for you.” Edward’s voice was low. “You are my brother, and I’ll always stand by you. I believe you lost this.” Edward held Grey’s ring to him.
Grey took it and grasped Edward. To hear his brother say he would always stand by him was like hearing words he’d always longed for. He’d wanted to hear them from his father, but his fatherhadcared, and now Edward and he had the kind of relationship he’d longed for but could never quite grasp because of his hurt. Father had to be smiling on them. Today was full of surprises. Pray God, they were all good.
Thirty-Three
Madelaine ran a finger over the gown she wore. It was beautiful with the encrusted pearls in a pattern of leaves. It fit a bit too tight, but the lush robe of silver brocade that billowed from her shoulders would help disguise that.
“Thank you for allowing me to borrow your wedding gown, Helen.”
Helen clasped Madelaine to her. “I always hoped for a daughter to wear my dress. Oh, my dear.” She sniffed. “You look exquisite.”
Butterflies fluttered in Madelaine’s stomach. She had delayed putting on her wedding gown when Grey had sent word pushing the ceremony time back, but now that the gown was on, if someone dared to knock on that door and give her another note, she’d storm the castle and drag Grey to the altar.
Helen patted Madelaine’s arm. “Everyone in my family is always late. Wipe the furrow from your brow and remember that. Tardiness doesn’t mean Grey has changed his mind.”
“I’m not worried. I trust in Grey’s love.” The truth made her smile.
“It’s good to see you so sure and happy. I’m off to the chapel,” Helen said. “Abby will see you safely there.”
Madelaine nodded, wishing her father would be with her as she got married, yet knowing the futility of the wish.
Once she and Abby were alone in the room, Madelaine faced Abby. “I vow to you that if Father is pardoned, I will do everything in my power to ensure he treats you like a daughter, but I want you to know I always wished you were my sister, and no matter the history, I’m glad you are.”
The two of them clung together for a moment, hugging, laughing and alternately sniffing, but Abby scolded Madelaine when a tear slipped down her cheek. “Don’t you dare cry and ruin how beautiful you look. Things will work out. I firmly believe it. No doubt Lord Grey has already set everything to rights.”
Madelaine nibbled her lip. “I hope so. I wish I could have gone with him to speak with the king.”
“Well, you couldn’t.” Abby placed a wreath of flowers on Madelaine’s head. “He thinks only to protect you, and you need to let him.”
A few minutes later, they entered the courtyard before the chapel, and Abby paused by the fountain. “I’m so happy for you. And I know your father—”
“Our father,” Madelaine corrected in a very low voice.
Abby frowned, but jerked her head in a nod. “He’ll be happy for you too, once he hears about your wedding, of course.”
Madelaine blinked back tears at the reminder that while she was dressed in finery and about to marry the man she loved, her father had counted on her to save him and she had failed. It didn’t seem right to marry Grey today when her father might hang tomorrow or the next day, yet marrying Grey would not change her father’s fate.
