Ruth had decided to clear Edwin's misunderstandings even if it meant she had to bore his anger, her pain and his uncomfortable questions.
Because one thing that she had learned from her mother was that the sooner the misunderstandings are cleared, the better for a healthy relationship. You might not feel satisfied with the immediate outcomes, but it would stop the further damage, she used to tell Ruth.
"At that time I did not know who he was. I was not aware of his intentions and he did not give me a single reason to doubt them either. So I did what felt right at that time. I let him carry me on his back. SO it is possible that I got his scent at that time."
Ruth was not only explaining that to Edwin, but at the same time, she herself was trying to figure out that mystery.