The chivalric order had been formed more than a thousand years before by a handful of Britain’s most legendary warriors—outcasts who had sought exile on the Mediterranean island of Cyrene—with the purpose of performing valiant deeds, righting wrongs, and protecting the weak and vulnerable. Only within the past half century had the long wars with France necessitated the expansion of their reach. Currently the Guardians operated chiefly in Europe as a secret arm of the Foreign Office. There were a dozen or so members living on Cyrene, fifty others scattered across Europe and England, and even several Americans.
“I am fully aware the league cannot be left rudderless,” Hawk replied, “but there are others who could serve in my place.”
“But none who are willing to wed in order to secure the succession and fulfill the terms of our charter, as you are, Hawk.”
That was the rub, Hawk knew. The charter required leadership to be passed down through the descendent families of the original knights, to which Miss Olwen belonged. Nominally, she would be the acting head of the Guardians and Hawk would lead on her behalf. And if he sired sons or daughters, he would lead in his children’s name.
The thought of siring another son was brutally painful, unless it was with Skye, Hawk had decided. But that was not a subject he wished to discuss with his mentor.
“Moreover,” Sir Gawain continued in a pleading tone, “few leaders would be as effective as you, Hawk. You are able to inspire loyalty and devotion. You well know that quality is invaluable.”
The league’s agents usually had specialties. Hawk’s prime skill was gathering intelligence, but his most valuable asset was his ability to lead men.
“Your services are needed, Hawk. As my successor you will do a vast deal of good. Saving lives and meting out justice are supremely worthy causes.”
“I agree.” His original desire to assume the reins from Sir Gawain had never been a lust for power, but a conviction that he could make a difference. Additionally, Hawk felt an ardent personal obligation to the baronet. “But our work is not as crucial now that Boney has been defeated.”
“It is still critical, however. And we cannot afford to be without a strong leader.”
Sir Gawain was right, certainly. And Hawk couldn’t—wouldn’t—leave the Guardians without a leader. But perhaps the criteria for leadership could be revised.…
“What if we could amend the charter to reflect how greatly our circumstances have changed over the years? What would that require? A vote of the entire membership?”
The baronet frowned thoughtfully. “I fail to see how an amendment is possible. And even if it were, you are best prepared to shoulder the mantle of leadership.” His expression turned imploring. “You and I are different from normal men, Hawk. You have never flinched from making sacrifices. What has caused this hesitancy now? For the past year or more, you have wholly supported my plan for the succession.”
I returned home to terrible memories, he thought. Aloud, he said, “The closer I came to making a marriage of convenience with your great-niece, the more I disliked using her as a pawn.”
“Amelia is a dutiful girl who accepts her historic obligations. There will be no objection from her or her family.”
At Hawk’s hesitation, Sir Gawain went on pressing his case, his tone revealing his growing anxiety. “It is only natural for you to have second thoughts about entering into another marriage, Hawk, but I am certain you see this opportunity as your duty.”
“I do.” Until now he’d never before questioned his devotion or commitment to the Guardians or his loyalty to their leader.
And duty was paramount to Sir Gawain. The baronet had long fostered his agents’ sense of honor and obligation to a cause greater than their own. His determination to put the league first was one of the traits that made his leadership so admirable and effective.
It was then that Sir Gawain returned to his personal plea. “Please, I beg of you, Hawk, do not withdraw now. You are like a son to me. I promise, this will be my last significant request of you.”
At those simple words, reality returned with a vengeance for Hawk. He’d let himself forget how important the succession was to Sir Gawain.
How could he forsake the man who had been like a father to him, the man who had saved his sanity? Furthermore, did he have a right to put his personal happiness above his sworn oath to the Guardians?
Hawk slowly nodded, reluctantly accepting the inevitable. His life was dedicated to the Guardians. And he had given his word to Sir Gawain. It was too late now to renege.
“Very well. I won’t withdraw.”
The relief on Sir Gawain’s face was palpable. “Thank you, Hawk.” He exhaled quietly, then moved on to another matter. “I fear I must return to London directly since there is an urgent situation requiring my attention. I would be much obliged if you could accompany me there this afternoon. We have much to discuss about the situation in Calais, and you could renew your acquaintance with my niece while you are in town. She has been expecting your attentions for weeks now.”
Hawk managed to hide his grimace. “Yes, I will accompany you to London. But I have several affairs I must attend to first. I will need an hour or so.”
“Of course, but I hope to leave as soon as you are able.”
“Yes, sir,” Hawk replied politely, his thoughts leaping ahead.
He needed to speak to Skye and put an end to any romantic aspirations she had of being his ideal match. He couldn’t lead her on when he wasn’t free. The simple fact was, he couldn’t both wed her and command the Guardians, and the league had to come first for him.
He wanted to let her down gently, though, before she became more deeply involved. Before he became more deeply involved. He was loath to hurt Skye, but he wasn’t the right mate for her. She had brought passion and pleasure into his life again, even happiness, yet pleasure was a far cry from love. She’d been a refuge, a haven, but a temporary one. And her continued presence in his life would only be a torture.
The trouble was, Hawk realized as he left Sir Gawain and went in search of Skye, he kept recalling recent images of her. Most particularly, his mind kept flashing back to the previous day’s encounter in the tower room … the tenderness in her voice, her beautiful smile, her sweet laughter.