Never mind that he had undertaken a journey to Scotland simply to warn her about Rufus. The nobility of his choice warmed her as assuredly as his commanding kiss.
She leaned her cheek against his chest when he finally lifted his head, content to sit with him and feel the warmth of his arm holding her close by his side. She felt the steady rhythm of his heart beneath her cheek and the welcome scent of him and knew a contentment beyond all others.
Save for one detail.
Evangeline cleared her throat. “Am I wrong that you immediately recognized the ring Rufus had sent to me?”
“I did,” Ramsay admitted.
“And you do not wish to tell me how or why,” she said. “In truth I expected you to tell me Rufus had stolen it from someone, perhaps from this Lady Alienor.” At the mention of the other woman’s name, Evangeline felt Ramsay straighten a little.
Surely he could not kiss her thus, protect her thus, and hold another woman in higher regard? Evangeline felt a warning dread.
“There is no proof of his deed, whatever he did.”
“How curious. Whyever not?”
“Because the rightful owner of the ring is dead.”
“Alienor?” Evangeline guessed softly.
Ramsay did not reply but changed the subject slightly, which was not reassuring. “I should not have cast away the ring.”
“Because of its value?”
“Because you have the stronger claim to it. I apologize for not consulting you about its fate. I was wrong.”
“There was little time for such consultation.” Evangeline looked up at him, noting his wariness. “DoI have the stronger claim? I would wager otherwise.”
Ramsay stared into the distance and remained silent.
“How did you know it, Ramsay? Whose hand did it grace before mine? It would not have fit upon a man’s finger.”
He winced and said naught.
“WhoisAlienor?” she asked, determined to have the tale.
“Was,” Ramsay corrected softly.
“Did you and Rufus compete for the affections of the same lady?” Evangeline asked. “Did he succeed where you failed? Tell me it is not so. Tell me the lady in question was not possessed of such folly.”
He cast her a look. “How is it that you have such a skill at divining riddles?” he asked, his tone teasing, and she knew he avoided the reply again.
But a man who relied upon no one would not be able to surrender his secrets readily. Evangeline knew the tale of Alienor was of import and chose for this moment to grant Ramsay a small reprieve from her questions.
She laughed. “I have three brothers, all of whom have been mischievous imps in their time. Mhairi never rose to any of their baiting, so I was the target of choice. Like you, I prefer to anticipate any situation and prepare for it.” She raised a brow. “Even allowing for predictable contingencies.”
She held his gaze and Ramsay did not look away. “So, we have this trait in common?” he asked, his voice low.
“Perhaps,” she dared to cede before continuing lightly. “Defense of my treasures, my sleep and myself meant discerning hidden truths and interpreting clues.” She touched his arm with her fingertips, feeling his pulse leap. “Tell me of Alienor, Ramsay. It might do you good to surrender the saga of your broken heart.”
Ramsay shook his head. “I cannot. I would not risk your conclusion that I loved another woman and yearned for her, that my affection for you is feigned in any way.”
“Oh!” She smiled. “That is what I desire to hear. I did say that it would be folly for a maiden to choose Rufus over you. Did you not hear as much?”
“I did,” he confessed and their gazes clung anew. She raised her brows, inviting his confession. When he sighed, she knew he would surrender the tale.
“Her name was Alienor.”
