Page 58 of The Silent Songbird

He found the book of Ruth and let Evangeline read the first chapter. It felt strange to read the Holy Writ of God in the common language, but after a few verses, she lost herself in the story and ceased to think of the language she was reading it in. She handed the book back to Westley, and he started the second chapter in his even, masculine voice.

Evangeline read the third chapter. She read about Ruth going to the threshing floor where the men were sleeping, uncovering Boaz’s feet, and lying down beside him. Evangeline stopped.

“What is it?”

“It seems strange that she would risk her reputation as she does. Why does she lie down with a man when he’s with his workers at the threshing floor? How does she know she can trust him?”

“I think the intention was to signal to Boaz that she was willing to marry him.”

“I suppose. But why do it like that? Why not just speak the words? I cannot imagine doing such a thing with a man who was practically a stranger.”

“Have you always had trouble trusting men?”

Evangeline thought for a moment. “I like to think I would not trust a stranger, but the truth is, I trusted you when I knew you and your men not at all.”

“Perhaps you have more in common with Ruth than you thought.” His crooked smile seemed flirtatious.

“I have always had the idea that I should not trust men. I suppose . . .” She almost said,I suppose I got that idea from my nursemaids, but of course, a peasant did not have nursemaids. However, he already knew she was not a peasant, and certainly not a servant.

“From the very first time I saw you, there was something about you, something in your face. I trusted you. I trusted you not to molest Mildred and me, at least. Besides, when I saw you save that child from the runaway horse, I knew you had a good heart.”

“You saw me . . . in Berkhamsted Castle’s bailey?”

Evangeline’s stomach sank. Had she said too much? When he figured out who she was, would he take her back to Berkhamsted Castle?

“Where were you? I did not see you. You must have been inside the castle.”

“I . . . I was. May I please finish this book before you question me further?”

He held up his hands. “Very well. Go on.”

Evangeline took a deep breath and resumed reading to the end of the chapter.

Westley took back the book, their hands brushing as she helped lift it from her lap.

He read the last chapter and looked over at Evangeline. “So you would not let a man know that you wanted to marry him by lying down at his feet?”

“Um, no. But perhaps it was the custom of the day. Would youmarry a woman who came to you while you were sleeping, uncovered your feet, and lay down beside you?”

He smiled as if amused. “Possibly.” Then his smile disappeared. “How did Lord Shiveley tell you he wanted to marry you?”

Evangeline stared down at the book between them. “I never said Lord Shiveley wanted to marry me.” She had to be careful. She did not want to tell a lie, but she also did not feel she had to tell Westley everything. He was better off not knowing, especially if his conscience were to tell him he should take her back to Berkhamsted Castle to do the king’s bidding.

“Are you betrothed to Lord Shiveley?”

“I already told you I am not.”

If Westley wanted to marry her himself, she would reveal all to him. If he were committed to her, perhaps he would fight for her, would think of some way to protect her from the powerful Lord Shiveley. But she did not believe Westley wanted to marry her. After all, she was running not only from the Earl of Shiveley but also from the king of England. How could she ever escape? They were bound to find her sooner or later.

Westley did not behave like a man who was in love with her. She wished he was, but she had no idea how to make him fall in love with her. Besides, he had only known her for a short time. She could not trust him to protect her from Lord Shiveley. “May we please keep reading?”

“You are not betrothed to Lord Shiveley, but someone wanted to marry you, and you ran away to avoid marrying him. Was that man Lord Shiveley?”

“Why do you want to know so badly?”

“I want to know what manner of trouble my family will encounter in the future.”

“I do not intend to cause your family any trouble.” Evangelineavoided looking at him and kept her jaw tight, even as she struggled to keep a tight rein on her emotions. “I shall leave Glynval now if you wish.”