If Evangeline had knownwhat she was missing, she might have accepted the first suitor who ever entered the gates of Inverfyre. This mating was a marvel beyond compare, and ever more than the pleasure Ramsay conjured within her, she loved the intimate sense that they two might have been alone in all the world. The moment of union was seductive in its power, convincing her that she could quite contentedly remain abed every day and night of her life once she was wed.
But nay, no other suitor would have conjured her pleasure so ardently as Ramsay. Evangeline knew it well. There was a bond between them, an allure that would never be diminished even if their hopes of a shared future must be thwarted.
When the candles were doused much later and they lay entwined, she felt a rare contentment. She heard Ramsay’s breathing slow and savored the weight of his arm around her waist as he held her captive against his side. She did not wish to sleep and miss a moment of this precious time together. She wished this night might have lasted forever, that there was no Rufus Percival or at least no nuptial agreement with him.
But surely now that her maidenhead was gone, the betrothal agreement could be dissolved. Surely her father would take her view.
Evangeline wished she might have been certain.
She rolled over and kissed Ramsay’s shoulder, knowing there could not be another man like him in all of Christendom. No other man would so fire her blood, or make her laugh. No other man could have won her willing surrender in this place. No other man could have made it seem like a paradise.
And truly, though she was captivated by the reckless chances he took, matters must change if they were to have any chance of a life together. In the morning, she must try to convince him to abandon this wayward life and to regain his spurs. If she could persuade him to do as much, and to escort her to Kinfairlie or Inverfyre, she would be able to argue in his favor.
Would her father listen? The Hawk might admire the audacity of a man who willingly entered a keep where he was held in contempt, for a knight should be both audacious and bold.
Evangeline could only hope for the best. Perhaps she would be obliged to aid Ramsay’s escape from a dungeon again.
Perhaps this would be their sole night together. The notion saddened her beyond compare.
And so, despite her exhaustion, it was long before Evangeline slept that night.
* * *
Ramsay awakenedto the distant barking of hounds.
A woman’s bare breasts were pressed against his chest, her breath on his shoulder, her hair across his face, and for a moment, he was uncertain of his location or the name of his companion. He knew only a sense of bliss and a satisfaction beyond previous experience, even in similar situations. Then the lady murmured and moved against him, even that slight sound enough for him to recognize her voice.
Evangeline!
His eyes flew open and he looked upon her, incredulous that she should be in his embrace. Their night together had been no dream, but had happened in truth. And she had sworn herself to him. Awe flooded Ramsay’s heart followed by a healthy measure of relief—for Rufus could not wed a woman who was already a wife,.
He had saved his lady with his caress, and Ramsay had no regrets. He looked down at her, sleeping against him, and stroked her hair back from her face with a fingertip. The bruises rising on the back of her neck with a jarring reminder of the day before.
Why had Rufus tried to drown her? Had it been a jest gone awry? An attempt to tame his betrothed with a harsh lesson? Now that he thought about the matter, Ramsay could make no sense of it. He knew Rufus as a cheat and a liar, but not a killer.
Though there was the sapphire ring. How had Rufus gained it from Alienor? Ramsay supposed it might have been stolen by another and sold to Rufus, though doubt assailed him. The coincidence seemed too much.
Had the loss of the ring been responsible for Rufus’ fury? If so, then Ramsay himself had imperiled his lady.
What might Evangeline have done or said to the other knight to prompt his ire? Had she refused him, based on Ramsay’s counsel, and Rufus had taken the news badly? Ramsay could well imagine that a man might take one look at Evangeline and vow that no other man would possess her.
At least she was with him now. Ramsay might have reveled in his satisfaction—or better yet, awakened the lady to more of her own—but the dogs bayed again at closer proximity.
Belatedly, he realized they were hunting hounds.
That could be no good portent.
Ramsay was on his feet immediately, pulling back the hide that hung over the window opening. Sure enough, morning had dawned and the skies were silvery with the promise of a fine day. But he could see movement in the distance that did not bode well.
A small party drew nearer, its dogs following a scent. He could guess both whose dogs they were and what scent they followed.
Again, he wondered at the determination of Rufus Percival. Was Evangeline’s dowry so rich as that? Or did he merely collect what he believed to be his own? No matter—once Rufus knew of the vows the lady had exchanged with Ramsay, the matter would be resolved.
There was no cause to delay the revelation. The moment Ramsay had anticipated was arrived, if sooner than expected. ’Twould be good to have all resolved—yet he would be garbed when he made his claim clear to Rufus. Aye, he and Evangeline would greet Rufus or his messenger as a couple, clothed and beyond reproach.
“My lady!” he said with urgency even as he reached for his chemise. “You must awaken!”
Evangeline rolled over, granting him a glorious view of her bare buttocks nestled into the furs. She wriggled a little deeper and Ramsay’s resolve nigh faltered at the sight. “I never rise early,” she mumbled, then sighed with a contentment that might have been a balm to his pride under other circumstance.
