The man swallowed, then paled.
“The time has come to ride,” Ramsay advised and the man nodded reluctant agreement. He retreated three steps, then pivoted before vanishing from sight. All within the stables listened as horses were mounted and orders were granted.
The older man moved to look out the door, watching their departure. The horses’ hoofbeats echoed as they cantered away and only when that comrade nodded that the entire party was gone did Ramsay sheath his sword in a smooth gesture. The sound of hoofbeats gained in speed as they diminished in volume, and the dogs barked joyously as they ran with the party.
“We ride immediately,” Ramsay said, his words carrying through the space with uncharacteristic vehemence. The reminder of Alienor had troubled him, and Evangeline did not like that, not a whit. “There must be no sign left of our presence in this place, and no trail to follow.” The others moved swiftly to follow his command, though Evangeline exchanged a glance with Anna.
“You think they will return so soon as that?” Evangeline asked and Ramsay met her gaze, his own filled with surety.
“With as much haste as can be mustered. I anticipate Rufus’ arrival here by sunset.” His manner was grim as she had never seen him before. “Have you a destination, my lady?”
“I would ride for Kinfairlie, my cousin’s holding.”
Ramsay winced. “’Tis predictable,” he said.
Evangeline lifted her chin. “’Twill be safe.”
Ramsay did not argue that but looked to the older man.
“At least four days,” that man supplied. “And only that if we press the horses overmuch. Five would be kinder.”
Ramsay shook his head with resolve. “Too distant and too readily anticipated. ’Tis the obvious destination. My lady, I advise a course to the west or south…”
“Nay. I must go to Kinfairlie. I will not ask you to confront my family,” she continued, assuming that was part of his concern. “You should know that Ahearn, my father’s Captain of the Guard, left Dunhaven for Kinfairlie…”
Ramsay whispered something beneath his breath, then shook his head. “But you cannot ride alone.”
“I must!”
“But I could not be assured that you would reach that sanctuary with success if I did not escort you.” Ramsay shook his head. “Nay, if you are resolved to go to Kinfairlie, then I will endeavor to accompany you there.”
“Even with Ahearn there?”
“Even so.” His gaze clung to hers, his resolve unmistakable. “Before she could thank him, his voice lowered. “Be prepared, my lady, to ride hard. ’Twill be our sole chance.”
With that dire portent, Ramsay turned away with purpose.
Evangeline was both relieved that he would not abandon her, and terrified for his fate upon their arrival. She was afraid to ride alone, for there was merit in his concern—yet having Ramsay escort her to Kinfairlie could only put him in peril again. ’Twas a conundrum and a vexatious one. Evangeline moved to harness Basilisk, intent upon doing her part to hasten their departure.
The sole solution was for her to convince Ramsay to abandon his current trade so she could argue his side before her family. She feared she might have to do as much while he was in Kinfairlie’s dungeon.
Indeed, she might have to secure Ramsay’s freedom again.
* * *
As always whenhe recalled Alienor, Ramsay felt his annoyance rise. He did not wish to remember that maiden or her fate, but it had been necessary to send the Lord of Dunhaven a clear message.
He wished it had not required the surrender of the ring, for he did not want Rufus to possess even that token of the lady in question. The ring, though, had been the simplest way to ensure he was believed.
He also did not wish to be reminded that he had failed that gentle maiden. What had been Alienor’s fate? What did Rufus know of it? ’Twas damning that he had the ring.
And what would Rufus do once he received Ramsay’s message? That was readily anticipated. The fiend would ride out immediately in pursuit of both Ramsay and Evangeline. That they rode for Kinfairlie was no good choice, in Ramsay’s view, but he knew Evangeline would not be swayed.
He would do his best, and could offer no more.
He hoped ’twas sufficient.
The stable erupted in activity even as his innards churned. Even Ramsay had never seen saddlebags packed so quickly or horses stabled with such speed. What little food was there was packed away, indeed, every shred of proof that they had lingered in this place was gathered up to be removed, just as he had instructed. Ramsay himself saddled Basilisk, knowing that he could not risk any other soul with the task.
