Part Three

“I’ve wanted to approach you about this ever since your father fell ill, but after my recent poor timing and your brother’s death…” His brow furrowed and he began again. “When your father first gave me the blessing of your hand I was ecstatic.”

Zipporah and her mother hadn’t been. Fortunately, her mother had intervened, convincing her father that Gilburn should ask permission to court her first, to give Zipporah a chance to get used to him, but when Gilburn had come to Zipporah, asking—humbly no less—if he could be her suitor, she’d panicked and told him no, even though it would have been better not to have denied him. She’d run away like a coward, and locked herself in her chamber for the whole day.

“All that stood in my way was your heart,” Gilburn said. “I rushed you before. I deeply regret that. I should’ve given you time to mourn Edward.” He turned to face her with a creak of leather. “I feel I have the advantage. You see, I have admired you since we were children. I want to give you the chance to see me as more than just your friend.” He ducked his head, lowering his voice. “I would like it if, no I would love, if one day you could come to care for me as much as I care for you.”

Genuine hope reflected in his dark eyes. “Grant me permission to court you, please?” he said. “For as long as you need. I will press you for nothing more. All will be on your own good time.”

“I don’t know if…”

“Thank you, my lady.” He smiled as if that was all the answer he needed. “I won’t disappoint you.”

“But I didn’t…”

He caught up her hand. “I must leave you now, but I would be honored if you would share a trencher with me at supper.” He let her fingers slip from his, then turned and walked away.

She watched him disappear down the path, realizing he had just made two proposals—after a fashion—and had given her no opportunity to reply to either one.

Fear prickled at her skin.

She needed to get away, to leave the castle grounds for a time and think things through.  

If she was fast about it, she could saddle her gelding and slip out of the village gates before Sir Gilburn knew she’d left. Zipporah clutched the hem of her gown, and ran out of the garden. 

Part Five