He owed her the courtesy of looking his best when he came for her. He knocked, abruptly aware that his palms were sweating. Stand down, he chastised himself. Bavin was an untried maid. She’d accepted his kiss. She wore his seal, but she likely wouldn’t share his bed this night. It would be by Tes’s favor alone that she might agree to share it within the month before they were married. His frustration stirred that simply, and he forced his jaw to unlock...just in time for the door to swing open. Bavin’s father hesitated, then stepped back and waved Gawen in. Was he uncomfortable with the idea that his daughter would soon be experiencing Gawen’s kiss and touch? Or did he disapprove but fear Gawen’s response to such a thing? In truth, the older man had no choice in the matter, but it wouldn’t do to alienate him unnecessarily. Gawen offered a tip of his head in greeting. “Is Bavin free to walk with me?” he asked formally. Were Bavin any other woman or Gawen not what he was, her father would be incensed by such a question.
