“Because hecheated!” Ramsay flung out a hand. “He is devoid of scruple, seeking his own satisfaction regardless of the cost to others. If ever there was a scoundrel convinced that might made right, it is Rufus Percival!”
“I gather you dislike him?”
“How could her father consign her to such a man? How could the Hawk arrange her marriage to a man who does not deserve to wipe her shoes? How could…”
“Coin, my dear. I wager that a healthy measure of Percival coin secured the transaction.” She pursed her lips. “Or perhaps ’twas Inverfyre coin.”
“Butstill.” Ramsay granted her a dark look. “There are persistent tales, Aunt, of his disregard for the views of ladies.”
His aunt either failed to understand his import or was disinterested in it. Ramsay assumed the first.
Eudaline spread her hands. “Perhaps the fathers are old comrades. Perhaps they respect each other and know precious little of their children’s true natures. Fathers can be thus.” She shook her head. “And not everyone shares my view that marriage should be a happy union as well as a fruitful one.”
“And Rufus has been here in Normandy and in France for years,” Ramsay mused, pacing. “No one in Scotland may know of his true nature.”
Least of all Evangeline.
“I have no doubt his father knows his truth, at least. He may not care.”
Ramsay turned upon her with indignation but his aunt was serene. Eudaline sighed and set aside her cup with apparent regret, her manner at complete odds with his own. “As much as I would like to linger over another cup of wine and enjoy your company on your last evening here, I wager you have preparations to make for your early departure.”
Ramsay eyed her in confusion. “I leave on the morrow?”
His aunt lifted a hand. “Your lady’s nuptials will be celebrated in little more than a month, on May 18 according to Elizabeth, on the feast day of Pope John. Elizabeth recounts that everyone of import will be in attendance and that the celebration will be lavish...”
“She is not my lady.”
Eudaline continued. “If you mean to speak to the lady and halt the festivities, a departure at dawn might be too late.” She marked details on her fingers. “You must ride to the port at Le Havre and find passage, though you may be able to sail only across the channel. If so, you will be obliged to ride the length of England. Indeed, there is not a moment to delay. This may be your last opportunity to claim the lady in question.”
Ramsay found himself on his feet, driven by her urgency though he was not yet convinced he should intervene. “But I could not interfere…”
“Even to keep her from wedding a knave? Truly, Ramsay, you discount your own appeal.”
“I could warn the lady,” he ceded, though the notion of claiming Evangeline was a potent one. He had a fortune. She could choose their abode…
“And in warning her, you might best gauge her regard for you. That is a most honorable strategy, Ramsay, though you cannot blame an affectionate aunt for hoping for more. An abduction always makes for a thrilling tale, especially when it is due to love refusing to be denied.”
“I could not choose for her.” Even as he argued against it, the prospect of seeing Evangeline again beguiled him. One glimpse would tell him whether his yearning was unjustified, or if it had faded over time. By warning her, he wouldknow.
“There is little harm in asking for her choice. Her reply might be most gratifying.”
“But her father…”
“Love should always have an obstacle to overcome, Ramsay.” She met his gaze, her own eyes twinkling with expectation. “I ask only that you ensure the resulting tale is worth the telling.”
Ramsay grinned, filled with newfound purpose. “Have I told you, Aunt Eudaline, how much I adore you?”
“Often,” she ceded. “But you could do as much again.” Her smile turned mischievous. “When you have intervened on behalf of your lady and won her undying affection as well as her hand in marriage, I shall expect an invitation to visit this marvel of Inverfyre. Elizabeth tells me the hawking is excellent there.” She offered her hand and Ramsay kissed it before hastening away.
He did not share his aunt’s surety of the outcome, much less consider it to be inevitable, but he could ensure that Evangeline knew the peril that lay before her.
Rufus Percival. Truly, there could be no greater fiend in all of Christendom. If there was justice in this world, Evangeline could not become that man’s bride.
Warning the lady of the folly of her choice was the only honorable decision.
He would ride out at dawn.
Chapter 1
