“Bought?” Rufus whispered, his voice strained. “Auction?Pirate?”
Evangeline ignored him and continued to speak to Lawrence. “Aunt Madeline declined to wed. There was an auction of relics from Ravensmuir’s caverns and Alexander chose to see her hand offered, as well.”
“God in Heaven,” Rufus murmured.
His father grinned.
Evangeline touched her second finger. “Aunt Vivienne was abducted by a warrior bent on vengeance against his brother, though she aided in the recovery of his stolen legacy and won his heart, as well. She and Erik are most content together at Blackleith.” She touched the next finger. “I told you of Uncle Alexander and Aunt Eleanor.” The fourth finger was indicated. “Uncle Murdoch was cursed by the Fae, but Aunt Isabelle fled Kinfairlie to see him healed when her interest in his fate was forbidden by Uncle Alexander.”
“A forbidden match?” Rufus whispered. “Are your aunts not biddable?”
Evangeline laughed. She could not have helped herself. “Aunt Annelise did much the same for Uncle Garrett to break his curse. They are at Seton Manor and Killairig, respectively.”
“A fine array of blood allies,” Lawrence said with approval. “From sea to sea.”
Evangeline progressed to her third finger on her other hand. “By the time Uncle Malcolm inherited Ravensmuir, it was in ruins.”
“A most notorious holding,” Rufus said. “Once held by a thief without scruples and his wife, a veritable witch.”
“You speak of my grandfather’s brother and his wife, sir, two people most dear to our family,” Evangeline said, no small measure of frost in her tone. Rufus’s eyes narrowed and he apologized, though his heart could not be said to be in the words. “My grandfather’s brother, Merlyn, was honest, unlike his father and brother,” Evangeline said. “And his wife defended her family in his absence with tales of her dark arts. In truth, she was simply a red-headed woman with fire in her blood.”
Rufus closed his eyes as if praying for strength.
“A beauty,” Lawrence said. “Aye, there was a woman! I recall Ysabella well. She faced down those who would have snatched Ravensmuir from her! She gave witness before the king himself! Merlyn was beyond fortunate in his fierce bride.”
“She died the year I was born,” Evangeline said. “And Merlyn the year before. I always wished I might have known them.”
Lawrence smiled at her. “They were the very salt of the earth. But what of Ravensmuir and Malcolm?”
“Uncle Malcolm labored for years as a mercenary to raise the funds for Ravensmuir’s repair but is now returned there, Laird of Ravensmuir. They say the keep is finer than ever it was.”
“And the ravens?” Lawrence asked.
Evangeline smiled, realizing that he knew the tale of their departure when the keep was ruined. “They returned when he wed.”
“I thought as much.” Lawrence counted on his fingers. “But that is only six siblings.”
“Uncle Malcolm’s comrade, Rafael, a Spanish mercenary, won the heart of my youngest aunt from Kinfairlie. They abide in Spain.”
“Such connections, Rufus! You must understand my ardor for this match!”
“Indeed,” Rufus said grimly, then gestured to the chamber door furthest from the stairs. Evangeline sensed that he wished to draw the conversation to a close. “I trust you will find this chamber comfortable, my lady. It is the largest in the keep, save the solar, of course.”
“Surely your chamber is finer, sir,” Evangeline said and watched his lips tighten slightly before he smiled.
“Father insisted, of course, that you, my lady, must have the best accommodations until our nuptial night. Then I will join you in this chamber, which has in the past been mine to enjoy.”
It would have taken a woman of less wit than Evangeline to recognize that Rufus did not like the change, however temporary it might be.
Lawrence laughed as he pointed upward. “All of the floor above is my domain, so I can see in every direction from my perch.”
“And there is a parapet on the roof for your sentries as well,” Evangeline said. “It is a most well-designed tower, to be sure, sir.”
“Ah, we live in a land of turmoil, my lady,” Lawrence said. “It benefits a man to keep his eyes open.”
“I understand.”
Both men bowed. “We shall look forward to your presence in the great hall at your leisure, my lady,” Lawrence said. “The hour is late, but you must be desirous of some sustenance.”
