Royal Feud

Chapter 55

Chapter 55

"You do not think she loves you? I have seen the two of you together. "Tis you confides in, 'tis you she turns to for support and comfort, 'tis you she loves." "You truly think she loves me?"

"Aye, I do."

she

Delvin considered Wyham's words. Did Hermione love him? Every indication was that she did. She generously responded in their marriage bed. She had devotedly nursed him though his injuries. She had faced Morefy's evil to protect and defend him and Ishton. But if she loved him, why had she not told him so?

He slowly nodded. "You have given me much to think about."

"Good," Wyham said.

After Wyham left, Delvin spent some time in prayer to fortify himself before his interview with Clare. With the help of God, he had discarded the load of guilt he bore for Bernard's death, as well as that of Gordon and Roger and the others, but the temptation to resume that mantle of blame was ever present. The more time he spent in prayer, the easier it was to claim the forgiveness his Savior offered.

The knock on the door called him back to his responsibilities. Rising from his chair, he went to open the door. Clare's usually jolly face was composed and sedate as she dropped into a curtsy.

"Milord, Lady Hermione said you wished to see me." "Aye, Clare, please come in." He closed the door after she entered. "Please have a seat." He gestured toward the settle. She took a seat, clasped her hands in her lap, and looked at him.

After bringing a chair over and setting it in front of the bench, he sat down and returned her look. "Clare, I am so sorry for your loss. Bernard was a good, honorable man and a valiant warrior. I deeply mourn his loss. I am completely to blame for his death. I foolheartedly led him and the others into danger. 'Tis something I will regret for as long as I live. I am so sorry."

"You are not to blame for Bernard's death, milord. He knew the dangers he faced as a knight, as a warrior, and he willingly accepted them. His greatest joy was serving you and protecting Ishton."

"He gave his life for mine. Does not Jesus Christ say that there is no greater love

than this, to lay down your life for your friends? I will try to always be mindful of

Bernard's sacrifice for me."

Clare gave a small, sad smile and nodded. "I know Bernard is now with Jesus in heaven. That knowledge makes my pain bearable. He is with our Savior now there can be no greater joy than that and I will see him, when my time on earth is over."

"Aye." Delvin cleared his throat. "What would you like to do now, Clare? You have a home here at Ishton for as long as you want. I will support your family and ensure that your futures are secure. If you need anything, anything at all, you have but to ask."

"Thank you, milord. I would like to remain at Ishton. "Tis been my home for a long time. I think I can still be of service to you and Lady Hermione." She hesitated. "There is one thing I would ask, milord."

"Just name it, Clare."

"If you could but be an uncle, or an older brother, to Nicholas...'tis what he so

desperately needs right now."

"I would be honored to do so. I know Bernard thought it was time for him to begin his training. "Twould help focus his grief and his energies. Is that all right with you?" "Aye. I think that is what he needs right now."

"I will see to it. Is there anything else you require?"

"Nay, milord. Thank you."

Lucy cornered him after supper, requesting a private word, so they repaired upstairs to the lords' solar. After pouring wine into goblets, he handed one to his mother, then sat beside her on the settle. Taking a sip from his own cup, he turned to observe her. "I have not had a chance to ask you how you are enjoying the king's court."

"Tis very interesting and exciting," Lucy replied. "I have made friends with several of the wives of Robert's associates. I am very happy, Delvin, even though I miss you terribly."

"I am glad you are happy," Delvin said with a smile. "I miss you as well. I can always

count on you to give me a severe kick when I need it."

"I am sure that Hermione will be willing to provide you the same service if you but

listen to her. "Tis good to share your faith with your spouse. You will grow closer together as you grow closer to the Lord." "Why not? I have seen her own devotion to the Lord, especially when she was

"I have not yet spoken to Hermione about the change God has wrought in me."

nursing you back to health."

""Tis hard to share my feelings." He looked into the dark purple depths of his cup. "Who better to share your feelings with than your wife? Delvin, do not let your pride get in the way of a full, loving relationship with Hermione. "Tis as important for you to surrender yourself to her as you have surrendered yourself to the Lord. Love is a choice you make to put your spouse's feelings and needs before your own. Love is more than just a feeling... 'tis action. Respect, consideration, and humility."

"Have you been talking to Robert about this?" Delvin asked.

"Robert? Nay. Why do you ask?"

"This morning Robert asked me when I was going to admit that I love Hermione. Last night Hugh asked me the same thing."

"Good. Well?"

Delvin gave a blank look.

"When are you going to admit you love your wife?" Lucy clarified. "How can I know if what I feel for Hermione is love?" Delvin sat with his forearm braced on his thighs, holding his wine goblet between his spread knees, his head bent. "What do you feel for her?" Lucy probed.