Growing up with four siblings meant that Evangeline had learned the merit of unveiling secrets and schemes while still a very young girl. ’Twas better, in her view, to know the intentions of others before being surprised by them. She also had developed the skill early of moving silently. No one who knew her would have been surprised that she crept to the door silently, lifted the latch without making a sound, and opened the door an increment to listen.
She recognized Rufus’ voice immediately.
“The betrothal must be undone,” he whispered urgently, and Evangeline was startled to realize that they agreed upon one matter at least.
“Nonsense,” replied his father with easy assurance. “You will find her a most amenable bride. A beauty and young enough to bring you sons, never mind alliance with the Hawk of Inverfyre himself.”
“I care naught for alliance…”
“Youshould.” The older man’s voice hardened. “The borders are in tumult.”
“The borders arealwaysin tumult. It is beyond tedious.”
“But your future and fortune rely upon a peaceful situation,” the older man said sternly.
“And so I must wed this woman of such a disreputable family? How can you dishonor me with this inappropriate match?”
“There is no dishonor in the match…”
“There isonlydishonor in the match! She is named for a woman who disguised herself to steal a relic?” Rufus’ outrage could not be missed. “A woman who then seduced and wed the original thief? What manner of family are these Lammergeiers?”
“An old family will have its eccentricities.”
Evangeline opened the door a little wider so she could look down the corridor. Rufus’ comments about her family were far from welcome, but she knew they were not uncommon in some circles. She was glad to be aware of his views before she put her hand in his.
Father and son stood at the top of the stairs, each so intent upon the other that both were oblivious to her. Lawrence held a lantern and his face was illuminated by its glow. Rufus had his back to her. Evangeline could neither see nor hear anyone else. She knew that Lawrence slept in the solar at the summit of the tower, a chamber said to comprise most of the floor above this one, while Rufus had the chamber near the summit of the stairs. Doubtless they had left the great hall together and conferred one last time before retiring.
“They earned their wealth in the trade of religious relics?” Rufus whispered, his voice rising in disdain. “That they later earned the king’s favor, undoubtedly in exchange for a rich trinket or two, does not make their former trade legitimate!”
His father shook his head. “Merlyn Lammergeier traded in silks. There is no shame in a history in trade. Such families often have large treasuries, a detail that should earn your favor.”
Why? Was Rufus inclined to spend coin lavishly? Evangeline wagered that he might.
“What better way to hide their true trade?” Her betrothed protested, lowering his voice to a hiss. “They are pirates, thieves and scoundrels, a family rife with dishonor and dubious morals.”
“You cannot conclude as much, Rufus.”
“I cannot conclude otherwise! She confesses readily to thievery and disrepute, as if such shameful choices were worthy only of a jest. Was every bride in her family stolen by a rogue in the night? Nay, only six or seven of them.” He made a despairing sound. “I beg of you, Father, find a scoundrel to abscond with this one and spare me the ordeal of wedding her.”
“Rufus!” The older man was stern. “I gave my word. I made this agreement. You will wed this maiden, and you will treat her with honor and dignity, and you will sire half a dozen sons.”
“I will not be joyous in this match!”
“I do not care!” Lawrence’s voice rose and he scowled at his son. “Time ’tis that you made some effort for more than your own momentary satisfaction. I have never asked you for much but this alliance is what Dunhaven needs to secure its future.”
“I will not,” Rufus countered.
“Youwill,” Lawrence declared, glaring at his son.
“Nay, I willnot,” Rufus said. “I will return to Normandy and abandon Scotland forever.”
“You will do as I dictate,” Lawrence said.
“I will not,”Rufus insisted, then pushed his father hard.
It happened so quickly. No one might have intervened. Lawrence collided with the wall, his expression surprised. Rufus pushed again for emphasis and Evangeline saw Lawrence’s heel slip over the lip of the top step. She saw his balance waver and his expression turn to alarm.
Rufus retreated a step.
