Page 81 of The Knight's Pledge
“Fair enough,” he said. “And we shall get to that, too, if you like. Later.”
Lucan sighed, bringing the cup to his lips.“Go on, then.”
“Very well.” Gilboe paused for a moment. “Let her be.”
Lucan stared at the man, trying to craft a bored expression on his face. “Let who be, Gilboe?”
“You know damned well who.” He didn’t raise his voice in ire, as was maybe his right, Lucan admitted to himself. “You’re confusing her. Distracting her. Preying on her weakness, even if youdon’t mean to.”
Now Lucan did take offense. “I’mconfusingher?”
“Yes,” Gilboe answered firmly. “It’s causing friction in the family. If Gorman finds out before you’ve returned to Westminster and seen this thing through to its end, I’m afraid people willchoose sides.”
“Mine or Gorman’s?”
“Don’t flatter yourself; Gorman’s or Effie’s.”
It was a blow to his pride, but one Lucan realized he likely deserved. Themonk continued.
“The first thing that must be done is to get little George Thomas back. And then, somehow strive to see that Tommy is exonerated of his crimes. What happens after that, only God knows. But if you muddy the mission by bringing outside emotion into it…”
“Wait, why is this only my responsibility?”
“Well, she’s not fucking herself, is she?”
Lucan’s eyebrows rose at the atypical vulgarity.
Gilboe looked back expectantly, blinked, likely because he had no eyebrows.
Lucan lookedaway. “Go on.”
“Let her have her own crises, is what I’m saying. And besides, itisadultery. And adultery is a sin.”
Lucan huffed a laugh. “You must be joking. After what has gone on around here?”
“I do not joke about sin, my son.”
“You and I are likely the same age, Gilboe.”
“But we are all children of God.Son.” He reached for the jug and uncorked it, pouring them both another generous serving. “Besides, if you push the issue with Gorman, he will likely reach up your arse and, with one firm shake, turn you inside out. So perhaps you will think about it.” He held up his cup again. “To your health.” He lifted the vessel to his lips.
“To my insides staying inside,”Lucan muttered.
Gilboe nearly choked on his drink, but then carried on as merrily as if they’d not just been discussing Effie Annesley. “So, now you wish to know: am Ireally a monk?”
Lucan swallowed.“I do indeed.”
“Well, I am, in fact,” he said proudly. “I was given to the abbey when I was seven years old, and I grew up there. Loved it so. Eventhe beatings.”
“Beatings?”
“I was ratherincorrigible.”
“Not much has changed.”
“No,” Gilboe said happily. “It was only as I grew older and ascended through my vows, with more responsibility to the church, that I began to see the wicked things afoot in Christ’s very house.”
“This sounds bad.” Lucan lifted the jug and obliged them both in anticipation.
