Page 168 of Feathers in the Wind
In the corridor Luke stopped and leaned his head against the cold stone of the castle wall. This was what was meant by the old proverbAs you make your bed, so shall you lie in it. Womanising and drink had for so long sustained him, masking the bitterness, anger and pain of his family's rejection.
In Deliverance he had found not only his equal but a friend, a soul mate. He straightened, hearing the sound of Sir John's wrath echoing down the corridor.
A man fought for one's friends, gave his life for your friends, you didn't just walk away. For a lover you fought to the death. He threw open the door.
* * *
Deliverance faced her father alone,tears tracking scalding courses down her face.
“I made a grave error sending that man here,” Sir John said. “And it grieves me to understand he has seduced and ruined you, daughter, but you were always of an independent mind, not biddable like your sister. It seems I must beat that sense into you that you so lack.”
Her father moved out from behind the desk, undoing the buckle of his belt. She stared at him. Surely he didn't intend to beat her? A grown woman?
She backed away, putting out her hand as he advanced her. “I am a woman with my own mind, father. You cannot beat me,” she said, surprised at how calm her voice sounded.
Her father's sword and baldric hung slung over the nearest chair, well within her reach. She looked at her father's face, still purple with rage, as he folded the belt, preparatory to beating her. In one swift movement she drew the sword from its scabbard. Well-schooled in swordsmanship, she assumed a stance that Sir John would know only too well.
En garde.
“I will not be beaten like a recalcitrant child,” she said.
Sir John took a step back. “You dare draw a weapon on your father?”
“In self defence, yes,” she replied.
The door crashed open. “I can see you seem to have the situation under control, Deliverance,” Luke’s voice came from behind her.
The point of the sword wavered. “Luke, tell him.”
“Put that sword down, Deliverance,” Luke said. “It’s never a good idea to draw a weapon on your father. I speak from experience.”
Deliverance laid the sword on the table and moved to Luke's side. Her father appeared frozen, staring at her. The colour had drained from his face and she wondered if she had really scared him.
“Where did you learn to handle a sword?” Sir John said at last.
“Did you think I spent the time since you went away mending sheets and doing fine embroidery, Father?”
“She's a fair shot as well,” Luke put in. She glanced at him with a small, tight smile.
“Father, please can we talk,” Deliverance said.
Luke laid a hand on her arm and put his arm around Deliverance drawing her into him, giving her courage. “Sir John. I know my reputation but believe me when I say my intentions towards your daughter are entirely honourable.”
“Father, I am of an age where I do not need your consent to wed. If Luke leaves this castle today, then I go with him.”
The last sparks of defiance burned in Sir John's eyes. “If you go with him, you will be no daughter of mine. I shall disinherit you.”
Deliverance glanced up at Luke. “You have already made it quite clear that you intend for Jack and Penitence to have Kinton Lacey. That is... was the only thing in the world I cared about. You have already disinherited me.”
Sir John pointed at Luke. “Collyer. Why do you fight for the cause of parliament?”
Luke considered the question. “Because I believe the King has brought this country to ruin through his own stubbornness and refusal to listen to the voice of the people.”
Sir John’s eyes narrowed. “What manner of man are you?”
Deliverance held her breath. Would Luke tell her father the truth of his birth?
“Sir, I come from a family divided in this war. It would grieve me to see a wedge placed between you and your daughter. There is enough enmity in the world without that.” He paused. “The letter you brought me advised me of my father’s death. I am now Lord Harcourt. I have considerable estates in Warwickshire and if grant your consent for Deliverance to wed me, you have my word I shall see her bestowed in a manner worthy of her station in life.
