She did not find this as compelling an argument as Ramsay might have hoped. The maid bit her lip, considering him, her doubts most clear. Did garb make the man? He knew that if he had been wearing his full armor for tournament and riding his destrier, she would have trusted his pledge completely.
But Ramsay’s word had merit, regardless of what he wore.
Did she trust Rufus? Ramsay had no opportunity to ask.
The sound of the hunting party’s approach became so loud that he knew there was no time to spare. He bounded back into the shelter of the forest, leaving the maid looking after him with uncertainty.
“She must be here!” Rufus roared and his company burst from the forest to spread along the shore of the river. “She fled in this direction when her steed bolted. Find her! Find my betrothed! God in Heaven—she cannot be lost!”
Ramsay felt his lip curl at Rufus’ feigned fear for Evangeline. The beaters spread out, seeking to flush a different prey than earlier in the day.
“Oh, I should not have suggested she ride to hunt with us,” Rufus said, apparently lamenting his choice. He did as much so loudly that all could hear him. Evidently no one in the party asked after the wound on his scalp, but perhaps it had not been noticed. “She was distressed but I thought the distraction would improve her spirits. I did not expect her to forget how to manage her horse.”
Anna straightened at that, turning to fix the man with a look. “My lady would never forgot how to manage her horse,” she said firmly, earning the attention of Rufus.
He walked his horse toward her, his expression chilling, and Ramsay feared his intent. “Do you call me a liar, girl?”
“Nay, sir, but there must be some other explanation,” Anna said, evidently sensing her own peril. “There might have been a thorn placed beneath the saddle, for example, in which case no rider could control the horse.”
Rufus halted his destrier before the maid and stared down at her, but she held her ground. Ramsay was impressed by her valor—or loyalty to Evangeline. “And who do you imagine might have done such a deed, if it truly transpired?”
“I cannot say, sir, and I do not know. I know only that my lady was an exceptional rider, and learned as much as a child, and would never ever haveforgottenthat skill.”
“Your devotion to her is admirable,” Rufus said, his voice silky. “Your lady will be heartened to learn of it when we find her.”
Anna looked discomfited. Her gaze flicked over the shadowed forest and she evidently spotted Ramsay. He made a gesture with his hand, twirling his finger to encourage her to use the lie he had shared with her. Her eyes lit with belated understanding and she turned back to Rufus.
“I fear she may not be, sir.” She choked back a sob that sounded genuine. “I saw her body taken by the river.” She turned and pointed downriver with such authority that Ramsay nigh believed her. Her voice shook when she continued. “I know that my lady cannot swim.”
Rufus summoned an appearance of shock. “Are you certain?”
“I saw her, sir. I cannot say if the river tossed her and drew her under, or if the weight of her kirtle was too much for her to overcome.” Anna nodded and lifted her chin. “But I saw her vanish beneath the surface. She did not reappear.” Her voice rose in a wail. “I cannot swim either, sir, or I would have rushed to her aid.”
How curious that she mentioned the weight of Evangeline’s garb. Ramsay frowned, unable to see how or why the maid might have thought the wet wool to be a variable. Perhaps he missed a detail, one that would explain Evangeline’s vehemence in not abandoning the garment.
Perhaps women were more concerned with their garb than he had previously realized.
He would unravel that mystery later. He stepped out of the shadows with purpose, feigning a heavier accent than he truly possessed and a more subservient manner than Rufus deserved. “If she was taken by the river, m’lord, there are half a dozen places she could be caught. I know them all.”
“Do you?” Rufus demanded, turning to survey him.
“I was raised downriver, sir, miles from here to be sure, but I know the stream as well as anyone.” Ramsay bowed low, tugging his forelock. “She might not be dead, m’lord. She might be snared in roots, by the weight of her skirts.” Ramsay saw no reason to overlook that detail. He bowed low. “I would undertake this task for you, to be sure, and return your lady to your abode once I find her. I would be honored to be of service to the Lord of Dunhaven. You need not trouble your entire party for such a tedious task.”
Rufus nodded once, clearly glad to surrender this errand to a minion, even an unknown one. “Take the maid, for she will recognize her lady.”
Ramsay did not note that there were unlikely to be multiple corpses in the river. He did not, after all, know how habitual the drowning of women was for Rufus Percival. He simply bowed again and murmured agreement.
“And take the maid’s horse, as well. You will need it to bring my lady home.” He leaned down. “Bring her hale and untouched, boy, and my reward will be generous.”
Boy.
Ramsay hid his annoyance. “Aye, m’lord. Very good, m’lord. ’Twill be my honor, m’lord.” He began to bow repeatedly as he retreated. “We will depart upon your quest immediately, m’lord. You can expect us at Dunhaven, by nightfall to be sure.” To Ramsay’s relief, Anna did not argue with this arrangement.
He watched Rufus turn his destrier with a flourish and summon his party. “We return home to prepare for not one but two funerals,” he called to his company. “God in Heaven, Dunhaven is cursed this day for certain!” Rufus bowed his head and shook it, giving every appearance of despair, then whistled for his dogs and his beaters and gave his steed his spurs.
Anna and Ramsay watched them go in silence, then Anna spat on the ground after the departing party.
Ramsay could not have agreed more with that assessment.
