“Has she been questioned?”
“She claims she knows nothing of any child born to my mother. She says the girl is the offspring of a minor nobleman and a strumpet of the town. However, it seems suspicious that the woman comes from a village near where my mother was permitted to go to take the waters.”
Malcolm chuckled. “And where she was persuaded to take Shrewsbury as well.”
“As you say, we do not know if that is true,” James said. “Everything was going so well. I detest all this trouble.”
“That’s why you sent for me.” Malcolm’s tone was light. “To take all your troubles away,”
James’s frown vanished. “I truly missed you, Alec,” he said softly. “I was very angry at you when you left me.”
“I couldn’t stay in Edinburgh forever. I have my borders to guard.” He met James’s gaze. “If you would remove MacDarren as a threat to me, I’d feel safe to visit you more frequently here at court.”
“You know I can’t move against a nobleman as powerful as MacDarren without just cause. You must settle your own disputes.”
Alec had known that would be James’s reply. James enjoyed the dominance Alec wielded over him, but he never let it interfere with his own ambitions or well-being. “Then you must do without my company.”
“Are your petty little forays more important to you than me?” James asked peevishly.
Malcolm felt a flare of impatience. He knew the answer James expected, and if necessary he would give it to him. It wasn’t necessary, he decided. He could please himself and give James a glimpse of the dominance he craved. He replied, “Yes, of course, they’re more important. I will fit you into my life when it is convenient to do so.”
James’s cheeks flushed with anger. “You go too far, Alec.”
“That is precisely why you enjoy me. I will have no more of this whining.” He changed the subject. “Have you put this woman to the torture?”
“Not yet. I was waiting for you.” James’s tone was still offended. “You have a great talent for causing hurt.”
He’d like to slap the sulky brat’s face, but it was time to soothe instead of punish. “Only for your ultimate benefit.” He smiled warmly. “You know I care for you.”
The boy snatched the bone thrown to him like a starving dog with a leg of lamb. “Truly?”
“Did I not travel over the mountains and come to you in the dead of winter?”
“It’s just that you’re so harsh with me at times. It’s not at all kind when I have such great burdens.”
“Well, I’ll lift one burden from your shoulders now.” He finished his wine in one swallow and set down his goblet. “How old is this Merkert woman?”
“Near her fiftieth year.”
“That’s not too old for the rack. I’ve found when subjects near their sixtieth year, their bones tend to crack more easily and the whips are more efficient.”
James made a face. “I don’t want to hear about it. Just do it.”
“I’ll want only my own people in the dungeon, and no interference.”
“Whatever you like.”
“Those are the words I want to hear.” He rose to his feet. “See that you remember them … later.”
James’s face lit with eagerness. “You will come to me tonight?”
“How could I resist you?” He immediately balanced the sensual softness with a hard edge. “But I must attend to more important things first.” He moved toward the door. “I’ll attend to your personal needs when I have the time.”
As he walked down the corridor, he analyzed his meeting with James. On the whole he thought it had gone very well. He had reasserted his dominance over the boy and would reinforce it on a physical level later. Now, he must determine whether bringing this Merkert woman here was only a ploy to get him back to Edinburgh, or if there was a valid threat to James. The entire tale sounded preposterous, but if there was a particle of truth in it, the situation had definite possibilities.
It was only a question of how he would bring those possibilities to fruition.
“I want at least six sheep.” Kate’s brow wrinkled in thought as she finished the mutton on her trencher.
Gavin’s lips quirked. “By the Saints, you must be hungry tonight.”
She waved the comment aside. “I’m serious. I think we should purchase six fine sheep from the Irish and start our own herd.”
“May I remind you that the island can’t support these herds of sheep?”
“But if they get rid of their cattle, the crofts on the mainland can. I’m sure the reason they haven’t run sheep before is that all of Craighdhu is accustomed to thinking of sheep in connection with the trade.”
Gavin chuckled. “It’s not enough that you’ve turned the village upside down with your weavers, you must turn us all into shepherds.”
“Not at all,” she corrected. “We’ll start out slowly, but by the time my weavers are ready, I’d like to be able to supply them with our own wool.”
“Tell me, aren’t the weavers enough to keep you busy?”
“Deirdre has them well in hand now. I only have to be there in case of disputes.” In truth, the weaving lessons had gone better than she had dreamed possible. The women of the clan had shown an astonishing determination and patience, and Deirdre’s enthusiasm had begun to sweep them along in her wake. Six hours of lessons had become eight, and the housekeeper often stayed late at the weaving cottage with one or the other of the women. Kate had great hopes the enforced intimacy would reap benefits for Deirdre as well as Craighdhu. “It’s time I turned my attention to something else. There’s no reason why we can’t convince the members of the clans on the mainland that they don’t have to go to Ireland to enrich themselves.”
Gavin threw back his head and laughed. “No reason at all.”
He was laughing, but she had only stated her firm belief. She could not understand this male way of thinking that it was necessary to search the world for what could be found at home with a little effort. She supposed it was men’s nature to seize and women’s to nurture and build. But, by God, given the chance, she could build. She could show them all what could be done with Craighdhu.
Craighdhu had taught her much in these last weeks. She had learned to subdue her temper, to listen, to think before she spoke. She found the people of Craighdhu to be honest and blunt, with a dry wit and a belief that no one on earth was better than a Highlander. At first they had treated her only with the respect they would give the wife of a brother, and she’d been forced to earn all else given to her. She found that challenge as exciting as Craighdhu itself, but to continue to meet that challenge she must work harder, learn more, do more. That hunger was growing more intense with every passing day, and her time here was growing shorter. “Then will you get me my sheep?”
“You’ll have to wait a bit or else ask Ian.” Gavin looked down into the depths of the wine in his goblet. “I’m going away tonight.”
“What? Where are you—” She stopped as she realized his purpose. She had been so involved in her own new life, she had almost forgotten Gavin’s determination regarding Malcolm’s daughter. “No, Gavin, please.”
“Jeanie needs me.” He looked up and smiled. “And I need her.”
“It’s clear Robert thinks it’s too hazardous.”
“Less so now that Alec is in Edinburgh. I’ll never have a better chance.” He lifted his glass in a mock toast. “Wish me good fortune, Kate.”
He was not going to be dissuaded, she realized. “How will you do it?”
“I’ve been paying retainers in Malcolm’s house for years to arrange meetings and to send word of Jeanie. Stop looking so frightened,” he said soothingly. “I’m just going reiving. It won’t even be as dangerous as stealing one of Cavendish’s horses.”
“What about her brother, Duncan?”
“Duncan likes me, and he has no fondness for his father. I’d wager he won’t come thundering after us.”
“I hope you??
?re right,” she whispered. “Where do you intend to take her?”
“I think Ireland. I know people there who will hide us.” He paused. “But first I’ll bring her here for a day or two and make my peace with Robert. That’s one of the reasons I’ve waited this long. Robert should be back within a few days, and I’ll be able to see him before we have to leave for Ireland.”
Relief surged through her. She had feared for a moment she would never see him again. She had not realized until this moment how very dear he had become to her. “You believe he’ll be terribly angry.”
Gavin nodded. “He’ll be afraid for Craighdhu, you see. That’s why I waited until he was gone. I feared he would try to stop me … or help me. I’m putting Robert into a dreadful coil. I’m endangering Craighdhu, but I still belong to him. I’m one of his own.” He grimaced as he rose to his feet. “But I can’t worry about him when I have troubles of my own.”
“When can I expect you back?”
“In no more than four days. All I ask is that you have a chamber and a warm welcome prepared for my Jeanie.”
“I’ll have the chamber in readiness, but I can’t promise to take this woman to my heart.” Kate’s lips compressed. “She must be very selfish to endanger you in this fashion.”
He shook his head. “You’ll change your mind when you meet her.” He took her hand and squeezed it gently. “Pray for me?”
“Of course,” she said gruffly. “Though anyone who is so foolish doesn’t deserve it.”
“But it’s the foolish who need prayers most.” He turned and walked out of the hall.
• • •
Edinburgh
He must be careful not to reveal the excitement surging through him, Alec thought as he approached the door of James’s chamber. The king must see no sign that would arouse his suspicions. He must be the dominant taskmaster and then the gentle soother of body and spirit James required. Jesus, it was going to be difficult. Who would have guessed he would have been given this chance? Of course, it was too bad the woman had died—a live witness was always better in these cases—but still he had the confession. It would be enough. He would make it enough.
He was permitted to pass unchallenged by the two guards at the door of James’s apartment. A good sign.
James sat at his desk, writing. He wore a purple-and-gold velvet dressing gown that made his face look sickly pale in contrast. The boy was overfond of purple, Alec thought contemptuously. James thought the brilliant color reinforced his kingly air and made him appear more authoritative. Alec could have told him that such trappings made no difference. It was what a man had inside that gave him the power to rule those about him.
James glanced at him and then looked down at the parchment again. “I’m very angry with you. It’s been two days.”
So angry he had given the guards orders to let him come to him at any time. “The woman was strong. I needed to concentrate on my service to you.”
“It is done?”
“It’s done.”
“And the result?”
He smiled. “The vicar is as mad as you suspected.”
“Then the woman was telling the truth?”
“Not entirely.” He had decided that his lie should be more creative than the one the woman had told James previously. “The girl is the offspring of the marquis of Frandal. He impregnated the daughter of a Catholic tradesman in the village. Our chaste Elizabeth was furious with the young libertine, but she had a fondness for the lad and wished to protect him from the calumny of associating with papists, so she involved herself in the disposition of the child.”
“You’re sure of this?”
“When have I ever failed you? At the last the woman was raving with agony. She could not wait to confess the truth.”
James sighed. “It’s a great relief to me.”
“I thought it would be. Shall I tell you of the interrogation?”
“No.”
“Perhaps later.” He took off his short cape and threw it on the chair beside the door. “I have had my fill of dungeons and such. Sometime I will make you come with me to one of these little sessions.”
“No, please, I would not like it.”
He meant what he said. James had no stomach for torture itself, but the thought of Alec performing it gave him a secret excitement he would not admit even to himself. Alec had whipped a servant once in front of James, and when it was done, the king had taken his hand and looked at it, testing it for power, stroking it. “We will talk of it later.” Alec sat down in the chair and stretched his legs before him. “That color becomes you. I have never seen you look so well.”
“Indeed?” James flushed with pleasure. He reached up to stroke the velvet of the robe’s lapel. “I’m glad it pleases you. I will wear it more often.”
“See that you do.” Alec leaned back in the chair. “It’s good to have that pesky business out of the way. Of course, I will have to remove the vicar. We mustn’t let his ravings disturb the nobles at court at this delicate time.”
“What of the Merkert woman?”
“Dead. I thought that would be your wish in case Elizabeth took umbrage at your treatment of one of her subjects.”
“You’ve thought of everything.”
“Isn’t that why you sent for me? My affection is such that all you need to do is call and I’m here to do your bidding.” He paused. “But now you must do my bidding. Remove my boots.”
As usual, James hesitated, but Alec could see the flicker of excitement in his expression. The king rose slowly to his feet and came toward him. He tried to sound offhand. “I suppose you deserve a reward.” He turned his back and tugged at Alec’s boot. “How long will you stay with me?”
He wanted to leave this minute, tomorrow at the latest. The excitement and anticipation within him was growing with every passing second. It was the opportunity he had waited for all these years and now he was forced to pamper the desires of this weakling.
“Alec?” James drew off the boot and started on the other one.
But he must not let his impatience cause him to make any false steps. Every move now must be planned and executed with utmost cleverness and surety. James must be petted and made to feel secure.
It should not be too onerous a task with a throne beckoning as a reward.
“I will stay a week.” With a faint, cruel smile, he added, “If you’re very, very good and obey my every wish.”
The knock was loud. “Kate! Open the door.”
Gavin, she recognized sleepily, and he sounded—
Gavin!
She bolted upright, jumped out of bed, and flew across the bedchamber.
She threw open the door. “Gavin, are you safe? It’s been only two days. What happened?”
“Of course I’m safe.” He was smiling jubilantly, his freckled face alight with eagerness in the halo of light cast by the candle in his hand. “I’m sorry to wake you in the middle of the night, but we’ve just arrived.” He turned and held out his hand to someone behind him. “This is my Jeanie.”
Kate stiffened as her gaze followed Gavin’s.
Jean Malcolm drifted gracefully out of the shadows until she stood at Gavin’s side. “You are very kind to have me,” she whispered with a tentative smile. “I pray I’ll be no bother to you.”
Looking at her, Kate experienced a sinking sensation in the pit of her stomach. She had hoped after Gavin had seen his Jeanie again that he would realize no woman was worth the danger he was taking, but she could now see why Gavin had been willing to risk so much. The woman was exquisite. Under a matching cloak she wore a velvet gown with wide panniers as fashionable as those of the ladies Kate had sometimes seen passing through the village on their way to London. The deep blue of the velvet offered a lovely complement to her violet eyes and shining flaxen hair. She was of medium height but so fine-boned and tinywaisted, she appeared smaller, almost childlike, an impression enhanced by her gentle, timid air.
“Welcome to Craighdhu,?
?? Kate said formally.
“There, you see, I told you there would be no trouble.” Gavin smiled down at Jean. “How could anyone resist you, love?”
How indeed? Kate wondered in despair. Jean Malcolm was a figure from a troubadour’s tale, the helpless princess every man wished to rescue. “Have you eaten?”
Gavin shook his head. “I wanted to make sure she was safe first. I have no time to eat. I must leave at once and go back to the mainland to fetch the dominie for the wedding.” He waved a hand excitedly. “You should have seen me, Kate. I slipped into the castle like a ghost, seized Jeanie and was out of there in a—”
“He was magnificent,” Jean Malcolm interrupted with a glowing smile. “A true knight.” She gave Gavin a pleading look. “But I believe I’m more weary than I thought. I feel quite weak. Could I rest here while you fetch some fruit or cheese?”
“I’ll wake up Deirdre and tell her to—”
“No.” She swayed. “Please. Could you go to the scullery yourself? I don’t want to face any more strangers right now. Could you …?” She trailed off and smiled sweetly at him.
Kate could see Gavin melt like the last ice of winter before that smile.
“Care for her, Kate.” Gavin lifted Jean’s small hand to his lips. “I’ll be right back.” He turned and moved swiftly down the hall.
“Would you care to come in?” Kate asked, standing to one side. “May I get you a cup of water or wine?”
“No, thank you.” The girl floated into the chamber and sat down in the chair by the door, watching as Kate lit a candle in the silver holder. “We don’t have much time. Gavin will be back soon, and we must reach an understanding before he comes.” She slipped back the hood of her cloak, met Kate’s gaze with bold directness, and said crisply, “You need not worry about him. I’ll keep him safe.”
The words were as shocking as the girl’s change in demeanor. It was as if the woman had taken off a glittering, bejeweled mask. “You’ll keep him safe?”
Jean Malcolm made an impatient gesture. “Of course, we both know Gavin needs someone to look after him. You were bristling like a porcupine when you first saw me and thought I might be a danger to him.” She frowned. “He talked a good deal about you on the way here. It troubled me at first. I thought you might have a passion for Gavin yourself, but I believe you are only friends.”