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“I am both surprised and not, as he is known to be well skilled in that area.”

“As was his father.”

“So I’ve heard.” She paused, thinking on what he’d said. It was difficult to form thoughts when his thumb began to rub circles on her palm. “If we plan to meet and you do not arrive as scheduled, I will assume you or your messengers were unable to come.”

“Ahh, so you plan to meet me again, do you?”

Heat rushed from her neck upward, Evie’s cheeks warming at his jest. “I’d hoped so, aye.”

“I hope so, as well.”

“If you are caught—”

“We will not speak of it. ’Twould be detrimental to us both if such a thing were to happen.”

“Indeed. So what shall we speak of, instead?” she asked.

“Anything my lady wishes. Politics. Our cause. Your childhood. I would hear your voice and listen, no matter the topic.”

“I was thinking the same. Yours is . . . so very deep.” And then she stammered, “Apologies. I do not know why I said such a thing.”

Gareth threaded his fingers with hers. It felt, somehow, even more intimate than simply holding hands.

“Never apologize to me. For anything.”

“I am accustomed, through years of training, to do just the opposite. For so many things.”

“Your thoughts, your words . . . they are your own. A part of you as much as your fingers and toes. I may agree with them, or not, but they are still yours and therefore well-founded. As such, you should never find a need to be sorry for either.”

“So you never apologize?”

“If I’ve injured someone with my words or action unintentionally, aye. For myself, nay.”

She very much liked the idea. Evelina cocked her head to the side. “Lessons from your mother? Your father?”

“Life,” he said. “When your family is branded traitorous, it tends to change the way you view the world.”

“I suppose it must. Tell me more.”

He did, continuing to hold her hand. They talked for what felt like an entire day, but also, no time at all. Knowing they both must return soon—he to Castle Blackwood for afternoon lessons and training, she to Ashford Manor—was the only dark cast to an otherwise bright afternoon.

“Evie,” he said finally.

“I know already what you will say.”

She’d been staring at his lips. What would it be like to kiss a man such as him? Though she wished him to lean into her, to show her precisely how it would feel, there was not enough boldness in her to suggest it. Or even hint at it.

“The instructor you very much admire does not take kindly to tardiness.”

“Lady Elara?”

“Aye.”

She would not keep him. Reluctantly pulling her hand from his, she stood. Gareth did not immediately rise, telling her, without words, he too wished to stay. Finally, though, he did follow her lead. Then, picking up his cloak, he shook it out and draped it over his arm.

“I would have you return first, so I know you’ve done so safely.”

“I will come to no harm. There’s naught but trees and grass between here and the chapel.”