Secrets of Seduction (Legendary Lovers 3)

Recognizing Hawk’s resolve, the baronet nodded slowly before sighing again. “I suppose it might be possible to amend the charter so that the league needn’t be controlled by a descendant.”

“There is another alternative we haven’t considered,” Hawk replied. “Miss Olwen’s younger brother Timothy has the same Guardian blood she does. I met your great-nephew last night, and I believe he has the makings of a Guardian.”

Sir Gawain’s gaze turned thoughtful. “Tim is only a lad, barely out of shortcoats, and yet … You are proposing that he join

the order now?”

“Yes. Granted, it may take years to determine if he has the character and skills to qualify as one of us and perhaps even become commander. In the meantime, Ryder could take charge of the league after your retirement. He and Deverill and Thorne can certainly teach Timothy whatever he needs to know.”

Trey Deverill and Christopher, Viscount Thorne, were also elite Guardians and two more of Hawk’s closest friends along with Ryder. “With proper training, Timothy might eventually become your successor. And if not, Ryder can still act in his place for an indefinite period.”

Sir Gawain’s mouth curved in a faint smile. “This is a prime reason you were my first choice, Hawk. Because you are able to see the larger picture and contrive creative solutions. Very well, then. I release you with my blessing.”

Sir Gawain’s response went a long way toward easing the remaining tension in Hawk’s chest. “I greatly regret disappointing you, sir.”

The baronet’s expression softened further. “No, no, you could never disappoint me. Time and again you have exceeded my wildest expectations. You have given a decade of your life to the order and served faithfully, Hawk. I cannot ask for more. It is time you were allowed to pursue your own life. I took advantage of your grief all those years ago so that you would join us.”

“But I was complicit.” He had gladly followed the path he’d been offered, Hawk knew. Skye was right. He’d been punishing himself for continuing to live when his family had perished. In the early years he had cheated death frequently, searching for an honorable way to die. And later, he’d filled his days with danger because his life was so empty.

But he had punished himself long enough and no longer needed to continue making himself suffer. It was time to return to the world of the living.

“Do you mean to give up the Guardians altogether?” Sir Gawain asked with concern.

Hawk hesitated. “I haven’t decided yet. I believe I want to return to England to live. It depends on other factors.”

“Your future bride? Is that the young lady I saw briefly at Hawkhurst Castle? She must be remarkable to have affected you so profoundly.”

Hawk smiled wryly, recalling the stormy evening he’d first met Skye. He hadn’t realized then that she could be his salvation. She had come into his dark house and dragged him into the light, coercing him to open his heart again. “She is quite remarkable. I mean to wed her if she will have me.”

“Then I wish you much happiness.”

“Thank you, Sir Gawain. I plan to apply for a special license today and return home tonight—after I make my apologies to your niece and her parents.”

“There is no need. I will handle my relations. I pushed you into this quandary, and I will make it right for you.”

Making it right with Skye was chief on Hawk’s mind as he took his leave of the baronet. But he had no misgivings about his decision.

Nothing would be right without Skye. He’d made himself believe he could get through the empty days without her, but he didn’t want to face the long lonely years ahead with no one to prod and provoke him to feel.

He didn’t want a life without Skye in it. He wanted the peace of sleeping with her in his arms. He wanted the joy of being beside her each day, facing whatever the future held together. He wanted laughter to echo in his house again. He wanted children with Skye.

And given the choice between leading the Guardians or marrying her and allowing himself happiness, he chose Skye.

Given the choice between wallowing in her pain and putting on a brave face for her Uncle Cornelius, Skye chose to hide her tears. She didn’t want to spoil her beloved uncle’s happiness, so she threw herself into preparations for his nuptials.

Rather than traveling to Beauvoir or Tallis Court in Kent, Cornelius and Rachel planned a quiet ceremony at Hawkhurst Castle with only family present, not wanting to undermine her hard-won anonymity or wave a red flag under Edgar Farnwell’s nose and needlessly antagonize him by advertising her existence. There would be no public calling of the banns in church for three weeks beforehand either; instead they would be married by special license in a fortnight. If all went as hoped, the delay would allow time to gather the Wilde clan.

The most pressing task for Skye was hunting down her brother. Despite Quinn’s cynical views on love and marriage, he would want to be present for the wedding, and his man of business would likely know his location. Ash and Jack had already sent their congratulations and agreed to bring their wives. Katharine had responded with delight, saying she intended to return to the castle at week’s end.

It was Hawk’s plans that most concerned Skye, however. In truth, she thought of him every waking minute of every day, dreamed of him at night, and dreaded that any moment she might hear the news that he was engaged or—worse—had already married.

Four days after their dismal parting, she was finding it harder and harder to control her dread and maintain a cheerful appearance. The frigid weather didn’t help her mood, either. The day had been cold and bleak, just the way she felt. And with a storm brewing as a harbinger of winter, the evening promised to be blustery.

After dinner, the company gathered in the drawing room, where a roaring fire burned in the hearth and extra lamps had been lit to ward off the gloom. The mantel clock had just struck eight o’clock when the new Hawkhurst butler delivered a letter for Miss Farnwell. As Daphne read the message, her apparent puzzlement turned hopeful.

“This note is from my brother,” she announced. “He wishes to apologize to Mrs. Donnelly for his deplorable behavior the other day and requests an audience.”

“Lord Farnwell has called here at the castle?” Skye asked the butler.