“Did you not notice his many questions about Talbot Everard?” she asked.
“Aye, but of what import? Surely he wished only to learn more of Otto’s skill as a mentor.”
Evangeline laughed outright. “Were you struck blind at our nuptials, Ramsay? I wager Talbot was determined to win a fortune, the better that he might court my cousin’s daughter Astrid. Did you not see how they eyed each other, or how often they danced?”
Ramsay shook his head. “I noted his interest, to be sure, but confess I had other interests at our second wedding.” Their gazes met and locked once again, the heat rising between them as ever it did, and Evangeline hoped ardently that would never change.
Then their daughter stirred, raising little fists as she squirmed to wakefulness, and both parents looked down upon her with adoration.
“She is perfect,” Ramsay whispered, offering a finger to the babe. She seized it with vigor, her move making him smile with pride. “And she will be a beauty like her mother. Already her hair is dark like yours.”
“And her eyes are blue like yours,” Evangeline said. “I would rather she was keen of wit than beautiful, though.”
“I wager she might be both,” he murmured, then pressed a kiss to Evangeline’s temple as the party approached the gates. “Your choice of her name is most perfect.” Then he stepped away, taking the reins of his aunt’s palfrey. “Aunt Eudaline! Welcome to Abernye.”
He showed his aunt every courtesy, asking after her journey as the horses were led into the bailey. He lifted his aunt from her saddle and bowed to her, even as she teased him, then she stretched up to kiss his cheeks in rapid succession, reaching to ruffle his hair.
The lady was blinking away her tears of joy as Ramsay led her to Evangeline. “Such a wretched voyage,” she said in elegant French. “I thought it fearsome to cross the Channel, but that North Sea can be an ordeal as well. I am so glad to have my feet upon the ground again.” She smiled at Evangeline, her manner so kindly that Evangeline knew they would find more in common than an affection for Ramsay. “You must be the Lady Evangeline, who so securely claimed my nephew’s heart that he could see no other women.”
“She is that, Aunt. May I present Evangeline, Lady of Abernye, and Alienor MacLaren, herself but three days arrived.”
“Oh!” Eudaline’s hands rose to her cheeks in wonder. “Quelle belle!She is adorable, Ramsay. Already I see a glimpse of your mischief in her eyes.” She winked at Evangeline. “My lady, you may have a line of courtiers at your gate in a decade’s time.”
They laughed together and kissed each other’s cheeks.
“I might have to forgo the pleasures of the hunt to admire this one,” Eudaline said, stroking the infant’s cheek with a gentle finger.
Meanwhile, grooms and squires had appeared from the stables and the hall, ducking through the party to see to the steeds, and unloading the many trunks from the wagons. Talbot looked as handsome as ever and kissed Evangeline’s hand before granting his approval of the new babe.
Then Otto appeared from the armory, undoubtedly drawn by the noise, and let out f a hoot of satisfaction. He seized Talbot in a great hug of welcome, then surveyed his former student critically. “Tell me of the lists,” he demanded. “Did you see as much success as we heard?”
“Perhaps more,” Talbot confessed, his eyes twinkling. “But then, I had a certain motivation this year.”
“And now, my son, Thierry,” Eudaline gestured to a young man of perhaps fifteen summers, with dark eyes and hair, who lingered behind her. “He comes to train with Otto, whose skill is renowned throughout all of Normandy.”
“And further than that, Aunt,” Ramsay acknowledged. “Otto has added to the defenses of Abernye since becoming my Captain of the Guard. As tales of his training and skill spread, he has had his choice of warriors and sentries.”
“’Tis a natural fortress,” Otto said with enthusiasm. “And one that had need of Ramsay’s governing hand.”
“It must be noted that Otto has nigh established a school for warriors at Abernye, one that draws men from far and wide,” Evangeline noted, watching Otto’s chest puff with pride. “Adding coin to Ramsay’s coffers for such training.”
“’Tis a fitting service for my lord’s favor,” Otto said gruffly. “And one that ensures my place at Abernye.”
“As if that were ever in doubt,” Ramsay said and they laughed together. “My lady’s own brothers are here most often,” Ramsay continued, nodding at Thierry. “You will find them skilled opponents in the training field.”
“I cannot wait to make their acquaintance,” Thierry said with a polite bow.
“And you must let them practice their French with you,” Evangeline said as Thierry nodded agreement.
“Such good fortune has found you, Ramsay,” Eudaline said clasping her hands with delight as they entered the hall together. Evangeline watched the older woman’s gaze sweep over the great hall, and noted her minute nod of approval. “Truly, you are blessed in this match.”
“Aye, Aunt,” Ramsay said, claiming Evangeline’s hand anew. She smiled up at him in her own contentment. “I am indeed.”
They might have forgotten their obligations as host and hostess, had Talbot not cleared his throat pointedly in that moment. “As glad as I am to arrive, I regret that I will not linger long at Abernye this time. I would visit Blackleith as soon as possible.”
Evangeline and Ramsay exchanged a glance. “Might I have hopes of attending a wedding before the Yule?” Evangeline asked and Talbot grinned, even as the back of his neck reddened.
“I can only hope as much, my lady, but the decision will be the lady’s.”
