Page 102 of The Stolen Bride
“Or perhaps her father’s,” Ramsay teased, and Talbot laughingly agreed. Ramsay raised a hand then and called for ale, even as belongings were settled and a light repast summoned from the kitchens for the guests. They would dine upon venison stew that night and open a cask of wine saved for the occasion, and Evangeline wagered they would talk long into the night as friends oft did when gathered anew.
“Such a precious gift,” Lady Eudaline said beside Evangeline, reaching to brush a gentle fingertip across Alienor’s cheek. The babe was sleeping again, bubbles on her sweet lips. Evangeline smiled and offered to let the older woman hold the infant. Eudaline accepted with undisguised pleasure, rocking Alienor close to her breast. Then she cast Evangeline a sparkling glance. “And will she have siblings?” she asked quietly, her hope more than clear.
“I shall do as much to ensure it, my lady.”
“Good.” Lady Eudaline sighed with affection as she watched Ramsay. “I know with a glimpse that he is more than content,” she confided. “And truly, this is what I made this journey to see.”
“I thought you came to hunt at Inverfyre.”
Eudaline laughed. “Perhaps that as well.” She smiled at Evangeline. “May every blessing come to you and Ramsay, my child, and may you live long and happily together.”
Evangeline kissed the other woman’s cheeks, more than glad to have her approval. “I thank you,” she said, then glanced up at Ramsay, who was watching them both. She smiled at him and he smiled back at her, his eyes glowing as he attended some confidence surrendered by Talbot.
But in Evangeline’s view, every blessing had already come to them, for they were together and the future was theirs to savor. The inscription on her ring was perfect beyond all, for they both had claimed their one desire.
À mon seul désir, indeed.
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