That man pointed a finger at him. “I saw you compete at Tours last year,” he said with admiration, then he frowned as he surveyed Ramsay. “Have you lost that fortune you earned?”
“I am in disguise,” Ramsay whispered and the guards exchanged a glance. “Come in secret conference.”
“Secret,” the one guard whispered with a knowing nod.
“Lady Elizabeth is a great friend of my aunt, Eudaline.”
The guard nodded and nudged his companion, who nonetheless held the knife upon Ramsay while the lord and lady were awakened and consulted.
Within moments, Ramsay knew the wheel of fortune had turned for him, for he had two stalwart allies in Dunhaven itself.
* * *
Evangeline and Rufusreached Dunhaven to find guests had already arrived. There were silk tents in the meadow outside the keep and beyond the village, pennants fluttering from the peaks of the largest ones. She noted a red and white tent, as well as a blue and azure one, then one of green and gold. Horses were tethered in that meadow and a veritable army of boys hurried between the keep and the encampment.
Rufus halted his destrier to look upon the scene, as if he had forgotten the detail of guests arriving, and exhaled mightily. He turned a quelling look upon Evangeline. “I will kill you in your sleep this very night if you err in the making of confidences,” he said softly and Evangeline shivered at the threat underlying his tone. “Whether you live to the wedding or not is entirely your choice.”
She did not believe him completely, though, for she knew he wished for her dowry. All the same, he might contrive an accident, much like the one that had befallen his father. She nodded as if in docile agreement.
If only there was a way that she might ensure his demise before that day.
“We have missed your father’s funeral,” she noted instead, nodding toward the mound of freshly turned earth in the cemetery.
“Careful, my lady,” Rufus murmured. “I may be easily vexed this week.” He smiled then as a couple approached them, their faces filled with delight.
They were older, perhaps having seen forty summers or so, the man with a touch of grey at his temples and a balding pate. The lady was plump but pretty, her manner seemingly that of someone always on the verge of laughter. Evangeline felt an intuitive sense of their good nature and liked both before they even spoke.
“And this would be the happy couple,” said the man with gusto. He was stocky, looking for all the world like a warrior who left the battlefield to wage war with his cup and his plate in his winter years. His tabard was red and white, emblazoned with a wyvern rampant. He bowed low, and his bald head caught the light. “Well met, Rufus.”
“We feared there had been a change,” said the lady. She seemed the kind of woman who flutters like a bird, but worries about everyone’s comfort and is kind beyond all. Evangeline smiled at her. “Oh, to arrive for a nuptial celebration and find neither bride nor groom!” The lady fanned herself. “How very concerning!”
“You are a few days early, Lady Haynesdale,” Rufus said smoothly. He dismounted and bowed over that lady’s hand with a gallantry that obviously pleased her, for she blushed and smiled, simpering at his gesture and murmuring his name. “Though for my part, I cannot regret a visit from you of longer duration.”
“Oh, Rufus, you have such charm! Does he not have a charm, Stephen?”
“Indeed,” her husband agreed heartily. “And this must be the lady of choice,” he said, bowing to Evangeline. “Lord Stephen of Haynesdale, at your service, my lady.”
“I fear that I am poorly dressed to receive guests,” Evangeline said. In truth, she wanted naught more than to escape Rufus’ company and lock herself away, the better that she might plan an escape.
“Such beauty as yours needs no embellishment,” Lord Stephen replied.
The weight of Rufus’ hand landed on the back of Evangeline’s waist, making her jump a little. “’Tis just as I always tell you, my lady,” he murmured behind her. “You are a rose in need of no other adornment.”
“How lovely a sentiment,” Lady Haynesdale said with approval, beaming at the pair of them. “’Tis evident that your match will be long and fruitful.”
Rufus completed the introductions, bows were made and hands shaken.
Then Lady Haynesdale’s gaze dropped to Evangeline’s hand. She blinked and Evangeline realized this lady recognized the sapphire ring.
Did she know of Lady Alienor?
Evangeline had a moment to fear that Rufus had noticed the lady’s response before Lady Haynesdale hooked a hand through her arm and drew her away from Rufus. “I cannot tell you how delighted I am to finally meet you, Lady Evangeline. Why Rufus’ father, Lawrence, was filled with admiration for your own father, and Stephen has been friends with Lawrence for decades.” She bowed her head, even as she steadily urged Evangeline away from Rufus. “We were so sorry to learn of his untimely demise, and to have missed the funeral as well. We have prayed for him repeatedly since our arrival, of course.”
“You are very kind,” Evangeline said. “I had scarce met him but I liked him well.”
“Of course, you did.” Lady Haynesdale smiled. “He was a fine man. And now I must have you to myself, the better to learn more of you. Dismiss your maid, for I will aid you to dress for the evening meal.” The older woman leaned against Evangeline’s shoulder. “We must have our little confidences, to be sure.”
Evangeline had no maid, but she did not say as much.
