room. Then they sat down.
Shaken by the scene she had just witnessed, Lindsey sipped the strong,
hot tea that had been served with the sweets. Beside her, Jamie
brooded in silence.
When the servants left the room, Lindsey turned to Jamie.
"Is he mad?"
"I think not. But his mind is surely addled by spirits. I had heard
the rumors, of course, but I had no idea it had gone so far."
"The queen does not seem to fear him."
"It is not her nature. Mary is a fiery monarch, who was raised since
infancy to believe that the world is hers. I think she still cannot
completely believe that anyone would want to see her dead."
"But she fled Holyroodhouse."
"Aye. And perhaps she was right to flee. That band of angry lords had
fire in their eyes. I know that look. They will not be satisfied
until there is blood on their hands. But I think my fear for her was
greater than her fear for her self?"
"But you tried to persuade her to stay."
"Aye. It is why I broUght your family to Edinburgh. They are the sort
of warriors I need to keep the queen safe from attack until she can
take her cause to the people. But Mary fled because she fears that the
minds of the people have been poisoned against her."
"And what say you, my lord?"
"I think, for now, this quiet place will be good for Mary. I will do
all in my power to raise an army to lead her back, victorious, to
Edinburgh."
Jamie stood and paced to the windows overlooking the fragrant garden.
When he turned, his eyes were narrowed upon Lindsey.
"Perhaps your intrusion upon our mission was the hand of fate."
"I do not understand."
"Since her birth, Mary has always been surrounded by people who tell
her only what they think she wants to hear." A hint of a smile touched
his lips as he added, "You are not at all like that, my lady. I could
not see you telling even the queen pretty lies."
"I would never say hurtful things."
"Nay, my lady. Nor would I want you to. But even the queen needs at
times to hear the truth."
As the servants entered to begin clearing the table Jamie offered his
ann to Lindsey.
"You should rest now. The night was a long one."
"Aye, my lord."
They walked from the refectory. At the foot of the stairs Jamie paused
and placed a hand beneath Lindsey's chin, forcing her to meet his
steady gaze.
"If you think to escape and return to your father, be warned that the
loch has claimed many lives, my lady. And if the loch does not stop
your escape, I will."
She tried to back away but he held her firmly. She glared at him.
"I
do not think you would kill me, Jamie MacDonald. "
"It would not be necessary to kill you, my lady, in order to halt your
escape. There are other ways."
"What other ways?"
He ran his finger lightly across her lips. Too late, she saw what he
planned. As she tried to pull away he drew her closer and covered her
lips with his.
The kiss was hard and quick. Lindsey felt the swift rush of heat as
her pulse grew erratic. She despised the weakness in her that made her
want to cling to him and offer more.
Too late, Jamie realized his mistake. He should have known the mere
taste of her would fire his need for this woman. But she had become an
obsession, filling his mind when he least expected it. And now that he
was tasting, he wanted more. Much more.
Calling on all his self-control he lifted his head.
In a voice barely more than a whisper he said, "Remind me to thank
Mistress Macnab for finding you such fetching clothes. Though I agree
with Darnley that you filled the breeches nicely, you are a rare beauty
in that gown."
Lindsey felt a rush of heat and pushed away from him.
"Good day, my lord."
She turned and hurried up the stairs. But not before he saw the color
that flooded her cheeks.
Jamie moved toward the gardens, deep in thought. The lass would try
to escape He could see it in her eyes. But she would not succeed.
He thought about the blush that had touched her skin. It gave him an
odd sense of power to know that his simple touch could have such an
effect on the bold lass.
Despite the danger in this undertaking, he found himself already
looking forward to the days to come, when he would have other chances
to spar with this fascinating, beguiling woman.
Chapter Fourteen
Daylight was fading when Lindsey awoke. Evening shadows stretched
across the roiling lawns that sloped to the loch.
Clad in only the sheer sleeping gown Sabina had provided she lit a
taper and stood for long moments at the balcony window, gauging the
distance across the icy loch. Her family was so far away.
She missed them. She had not believed their absence would be so
painful. How many times had she yearned to be free of their teasing,
their bickering? Yet here in this silent castle she felt more alone
than ever before.
Had Donald met a dozen females by now, who had captivated him with
their charms? Was Robbie composing pretty poems about Scotland's most
famous city? Had Mur ray awoken with a throbbing headache, and vowed,
as he had so often before, that the would follow his father's ex ample
and lead a more moderate life? And Neal. Dear Neal. Was he telling
Cedric, the young groom, how to care for their horses? And grieving
because he had missed the chance to see the queen's mount?
In her mind's eye she could see her father's face, etched with worry
over her unexplained absence. How many times must he be made to suffer
because of her? All her life, it seemed, she had caused him pain. It
grieved her to be the source of so much concern.
She would make amends. The plan had been forming in her mind since her
arrival. The timing was perfect. Setting the candle on a table she
hurried across the room and picked up the sword that had been hanging
over the fire place and the bundle of clothing she had discarded that
morning. If the disguise had worked once, it would work again.
She would leave Lochleven under cover of darkness and arrive in
Edinburgh by dawn. She had seen Justin MacLeod ferrying the horses
across the loch. She knew where they were stabled. She would borrow
Jamie's mount for the journey. He would understand, as would the
queen. She would leave a missive professing her regret at what she must
do. But her father's heart could not be broken again.
At a knock she hurriedly tossed the breeches and tunic beneath her bed.
Draping a shawl over her shoulders she walked to the door.
"I saw the light of your candle, my lady," Jamie said, "and knew you
were awake."
He studied the way she looked, her slender body visible beneath the
gauzy gown, her long hair tumbling down her back in a riot of tangles,
and felt desire stir within him.
She seemed breathless. Two bright spots df color flamed on her
cheeks.
"You are not welcome in my chambers, my lord."
She made a move to close the door but he stopped her, holding the door
when she would slam it shut.
"Our queen seeks your company below stairs."
She hesitated. A royal command could not be denied. But these hours
were fleeting. Swallowing her frown, she nodded.
"Then I will be happy to join her. It will take but a few minutes to
prepare myself."
As she closed the door to her chambers, Jamie walked to the fireplace
and stood, deep in thought. The lass was up to something. He
recognized the fire in those green eyes. I He would have to keep a
careful watch on her. It would be like Lindsey to attempt to escape
Lochleven and blunder around the countryside, searching for Edinburgh.
Jamie began to pace. He had been below stairs a short time ago. It
was obvious that Lord Darnley had been drinking most of the day.
Unless he fell into a drunken stupor, he would be in an ugly mood this
night. Jamie frowned. He would have to devise ways to keep Mary in
plain view, where he could protect her.
He had to protect Mary from her husband, and Lindsey from herself. No
small task. Mayhap he could persuade Lindsey to talk about her family.
The queen would be entertained by the colorful descriptions of
Lindsey's father and brothers, for theirs was a lively group. It could
help pass the time. It would also keep Lindsey in the same room with
the queen, where Jamie could watch both of them. Somehow, he must
devise ways to bring these two women closer together. Then his job of
watching both of them would be easier. When the door to Lindsey's
chambers opened, she was dressed much like she had been that morning.
The blue gown molded her trim figure. Her hair was pinned back with
combs. Her eyes sparkled now with fresh vitality.
As they descended the wide stairs, Jamie offered his arm and she placed
her hand upon his sleeve. Thoughts of the kiss they had shared played
through his mind, and he glanced at the woman beside him.
Though her lashes were demurely lowered, he felt the heat of her touch
and cursed himself for the rush of feelings that he could not dispel.
When they entered the withdrawing room, Lindsey curtsied before the
queen, who was seated in a comfortable chair in front of a roaring
fire. Lord Darnley stood to one side, frowning into his tankard.
"Ah, Lindsey. You are rested?"
"Aye, Majesty. And you? I trust you slept?"
"I do not sleep as well as I once did, but I am rested. The babe
moves within me," the queen said, touching a hand to her swollen
stomach, "whenever I try to rest."
"Is it painful?" Lindsey cast a worried glance at her monarch.
Mary smiled gently.
"Nay. It is, in fact, a most pleasant sensation."
She arched a brow as she studied the young woman.
"Do you know nothing about childbirth?"
"Very little, Majesty. As daughter of the laird, I have assisted in a
few birthings in the village. But my own mother died when I was a
child, and none of my brothers has taken a wife."
"Then I shall have to share this adventure with you. Would you like
that, Lindsey?"
For the first time since they had met, the queen truly smiled, and
Lindsey studied her in the glow of the candlelight. She was a lovely
woman at twenty-three. Mary's hair was more red than blond. Her
almond eyes sparkled with humor, and she had a well-formed mouth and
chin. Up close her skin was as fine as porcelain.
Lindsey'ssmile matched the queen's.
"I would like that very much, Majesty."
"Come." Mary indicated the chair beside hers.
"Join me in a cup of tea before we sup."
As Find sey took her seat the queen poured from a silver tea server.
Lindsey glanced appreciatively around the room. Trophies of the hunt
adorned the walls. Talented artists had recreated on canvas scenes of
Sir William as he hunted deer, boar and bird. The floors were carpeted
with hides. Though this was obviously a man's sanctuary, it was
softened by the addition of a few chairs covered with plush pelts and a
marble table displaying a collection of lovely woodland creatures
crafted of silver and gold.
"Will you take tea with us, Darnley?" the queen asked.
Her husband barely looked up.
"Nay. I much prefer my ale." "Jamie?"
Jamie smiled.
"I fear I would prefer ale as well, Majesty"
"Ah, well." The queen saw the way Lindsey's gaze trailed through the
window to the loch, dark now with evening shadows.
"I see you have still not resigned yourself to being here with us."
Lindsey blushed.
"Forgive me, Majesty. It is just that I worry about my father."
"As, I am certain, he worries about you. But it is no more than any
father worries about his daughter."
"Nay, Majesty. It is much more. You see, my mother died when I was
very young. And my father promised her that he would keep me close."
"You are no longer a child."
"But in my father's eyes I will always be that hurt child .... "
Lindsey's voice trailed off as she realized what she had just said.
And though the queen seemed not to notice, Jamie turned to study her
very carefully. She felt his gaze fully upon her and looked away.
What had she almost said? Jamie mused. There was much about herself
she was loath to reveal. He suspected it had something to do with the
limp that was noticeable only when she became overtired. Whatever it
was, he would discover it in time. He would watch and listen. And one
day, he vowed, he would know all there was to know about this obstinate
little female.
"Dinner is ready, Majesty," Fergus announced in a clear voice.
Mary stood and waited until Lord Darnley approached. Placing her hand
on his arm she led the way to the refectory.
"My lady?" Jamie offered his arm.
Lindsey kept her gaze averted as she placed her hand on Jamie's sleeve
and moved along at his side.
"You are good for Mary," he whispered.
"In what way, my lord?"
"She can talk with you about womanly things. These are not things the
queen could share with me, or even with her husband. But with you she
is at ease."
He bent close and his breath feathered the hair at her temple, sending
a flurry of tremors along her spine.
"Stay close to her, my lady, and be her friend."
At his words Lindsey felt a pang of guilt. If he but knew what she
planned. How unfair it was that she should have to choose between her
father and her queen. By the time she took her place at the table the
spots of color on Lindsey's cheeks had deepened.
As before, Fergus entered the room carrying a domed silver serving
tray. When Mistress Macnab lifted the lid, the roast was presented for
the queen's pleasure.
"Ah, Mistress Macnab. Mutton. It appears to be roasted to
perfection.
You may serve us. "
"Thank you, Majesty." The roast was carved and served, along with
bread still warm f
rom the oven.
Sabina filled their goblets with ale, then placed the decanter in front
of Lord Darnley's plate and fiastily retreated.
"It is cold in here, Fergus," the queen said petulantly.
Immediately a lap robe was brought for her comfort, and Fergus added
another log to the already blazing fire.
"I miss my Maries;" the queen said with a sigh.
"It is lonely here without their laughter."
"You have me," Darnley sneered.
"Aye. So I have."
"There was a time," Darnley said, taking a long draft of ale, "when
that would have been more than enough to please you.," Mary sensed that
he was goading her into an argument.
Turning to Jamie she said, "Speak to me of Brice Camp bell. Tell me
how my barbarian fares."
Jamie chose his words carefully.
"When last I saw him, Brice was surrounded by his family and those who
love him."
"Were his wounds healing?"
"He was so recently wounded, it was difficult to deter mine,
Majesty."
Seeing the quick look of fear that darted into her eyes, he added, "But
Brice Campbell is the strong est man I know. He has been wounded
before, and has recovered." His hand closed around the stem of his
goblet as he said sternly, "If love alone could heal him, he would
already be recovered. For I have never known any man to be so beloved
by his family."
Mary placed a hand below her heart.
"Family. It is what I have always prayed for." For long moments she
grew silent. Then, suddenly looking up, she turned to Lindsey.
"Tell me about your family. I know your father, of course, for he has
many times served at court. Douglas is a fine man and a favorite of
many at court."
Lindsey beamed at the queen's compliment.
"But his sons never accompanied him," Mary con ting ued.
"Do they favor Douglas, or their mother?"
"They are all so different," Lindsey said, seeing her brothers in her
mind's eye.
"Murray is the eldest and, I suppose, the most like Father. He is the
first to take up his sword in any battle, and the last to lay it down.
He sees himself as the protector of the clan. He is quick-tempered and
tends to hold a grudge longer than the rest. But though he is a fierce
warrior, there is also a gentle side to Murray.
I know that he would lay down his life for us. "
"Those are the qualities I would wish for my son," Mary said softly.
The queen finished her meal in silence, then signaled Mistress Macnab
to bring the tray of sweets.
As she bit into a tart she said, "Tell me about the others."
"After Murray, there is Donald." Lindsey's eyes danced with
merriment.
"Donald is the tallest of my brothers. His hair is darker, as is his
mood at times. Especially if he has not found a lass to challenge him
in many a day."
Lord Darnley looked up from his ale.
"He loves the lasses, does he?"
"Aye." Lindsey dimpled.
"And the lasses love him. It seems no matter where he goes, a female
falls for his charm." She sobered.
"But there is more to Donald than his looks. He converses well with
men. He is a natural leader. And he is skilled with weapons,
especially the sword."
Mary touched a hand to her stomach and murmured, "I wish these things
also for my son."
She looked up to find Darnley glowering at her.
"The child is mine as well as yours, madame. I assure you, he will