Emeline: A Gisborne Tale

Chapter Five

The table was set for their lunch. Emeline took a sip of wine and waited for Guy to impart his news.

Guy watched her intently and began.

Prince John had told Guy of a lord who had just returned to England. This man had been living in Sicily after leaving the Crusades several years before. On his return, he had learned of the brutal murder of his father's grand niece and her family. Intrigued by the story and possible claim to any titles or fortune, Prince John had sought out more information on the family. Thus, he learned that this lord was indeed Lady Emeline's first cousin twice removed. The same Lady Emeline who was now residing with Guy after he had rescued her in the forest.
"It seems he wants to take you home to your family's manor in Gedling. He would take care of you until the time comes for you to wed."

Guy watched her closely for any reaction, but Emeline only stood and turned her back to him.

"I....I don't know what to say. I have no idea who this man is. I...I...."

She felt shame and alarm as she remembered how she had told Sir Guy she had family back in Gedling whom she could return to. Determined to be truthful, Emeline faced Guy.

"I have a confession to make, my lord. I was not honest with you when you brought me here after the destruction of my family." She took a deep breath and continued, hoping to make him understand her actions. "I don't have any relatives in Gedling. I don't have any family at all. My parents never spoke of family other than me and my brother and sister."

Surprised, Guy raised a brow and nodded for her to go on.

Emeline sighed. "I didn't want you to feel obligated to take care of me in the event that I had no one to return to. That is why I lied. But I have learned many skills from my mother and the experience I have here as your kitchen manager could afford me a job anywhere once I leave your protection."
Guy gave a short laugh. "But you are a lady of quality. Everyone would see that. You could never become someone's servant."

He left his chair and went to her, grasping her upper arms. "Emeline, come with me to the castle. You can meet your cousin and decide what you want to do. If you do not feel it would be in your best interest to go with this cousin then you may return to Locksley and remain as.....as....my kitchen manager and you can come out as an eligible lady and......one day wed......" His words trailed off as he gazed at her.

Guy wondered why he'd made that offer. He was not in the habit of being generous with anyone, but something about this girl made him feel protective, and he didn't want to see her in an unhappy situation.

Suddenly, he became aware of why he had that dream about Emeline. It was more than just carnal desire. He had feelings for her. Feelings that could easily become deeper, something more. He couldn't let that happen! His ambitions would never come to fruition if he took this girl as wife. But he could still save her from a life she wasn't prepared to live by allowing her to remain at Locksley. Besides, Rose loved her as a daughter, or so he told himself, and she was fitting in quite well with the staff.
Emeline looked away shyly. The way Guy was looking at her made her feel something she had never felt before, and she didn't know what it was. It made her comfortable and ill at ease all in the same moment.

"I will go with you to Nottingham, Sir Guy, if it will settle matters. I only wish that I could take back my home. I am the only heir of that property. This so-called cousin has no rights to my home and property. He was a cousin of my mother, but the family lands were owned by my father. Therefore, he does not have a leg to stand on. I will see him and try to settle this."

Guy led Emeline back to her chair and sat next to her. "Emeline, I don't think you understand. I don't see Prince John allowing you to occupy your home as the sole owner. The land was granted to your father by him, and he has powers of authority. Therefore, he can grant or take away your father's lands as he sees fit."