Daylight was fading when Lindsey awoke. Evening shadows stretched across the rolling 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 Murray awoken with a throbbing headache, and vowed, as he had so often before, that he would follow his father’s example 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 fireplace 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 of 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. 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’s smile 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 Lindsey 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 from the oven.
Sabina filled their goblets with ale, then placed the decanter in front of Lord Darnley’s plate and hastily 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 Campbell. 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 determine, Majesty.” Seeing the quick look of fear that darted into her eyes, he added, “But Brice Campbell is the strongest 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 continued. “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 have all those attributes.”
Mary pushed away from the table. Darnley, taken by surprise, lumbered to his feet and offered his arm. As the queen walked by his side she said, “We will retire to the withdrawing room, where it is warmer.” To Fergus, who hovered near the table, she called, “Bring the wine, Fergus. And some sweets.”
“Aye, Majesty.” The old man bowed.
“And Jamie,” Mary called over her shoulder, “bring Lady Lindsey along. I would hear more about her family.”
“Aye, Majesty.”
As Lindsey arose and placed her hand on Jamie’s arm, she fought back the frustration that welled within her. The hour grew late. And she yearned to begin her journey to Edinburgh. But the queen’s wish was truly a command. She had no choice but to comply.
“You seem impatient, my lady. Was there something you wished to do this night?”
Lindsey cast a sideways glance and frowned. “Nay, my lord. What would I possibly be planning in this lonely place?”
“What indeed?” Placing his hand over Lindsey’s, he followed the queen and her husband from the refectory.
On a chaise positioned in front of the fire, the queen settled herself comfortably beneath a lap robe. Fergus poured wine and placed a tray of sweets on a low table beside the queen’s chaise.
“Now, Lindsey,” the queen said, nibbling a confection, “tell me about the rest of your family.”
Jamie leaned back, allowing himself to relax for the moment. As long as Lindsey entertained the queen, he need not worry. If only he could keep them talking all night.
“There is Robbie,” Lindsey said softly. “His hair is fair, as is his nature. He is our dreamer and poet.”
“A poet.” Mary clapped her hands. “Oh, if only he were here to recite his pretty words.”
“He would be honored, Majesty.” Lindsey gave a dreamy smile. “All his life our Rob has loved books and letters. He busies himself with my father’s ledgers, keeping accounts of all in the clan. And when his work is done, he paints beautiful pictures with his words.”
The queen ran a hand lovingly over her swollen body and murmured, “I would wish that gift for my son.” She looked up suddenly. “Is there not one more brother?”
“Aye. Neal.” Lindsey’s features softened. “He is the youngest. He is already as tall as Donald, but soon will be even taller. Each day I see him leaving more of his childhood behind as he slips on the mantle of manhood.” She paused for a moment, seeing her youngest brother as clearly as if he was standing before her. “Neal has mastered most weapons, although his strongest skill is with the longbow. He is shy and sweet, more comfortable around animals than people. He loves caring for the horses, and had hoped to meet your stable master, Majesty, when we reached Holyrood. His disappointment must have been great when he found his plans thwarted.”
The queen turned to study the lass who had suddenly gone silent.
“I can see why you miss them.”
“Aye.” Lindsey blinked back a tear and struggled with overwhelming feelings of loneliness.
“Your family has been much blessed,” Mary said softly. “I would wish all of those qualities you describe for my own son.”
Jamie smiled gently. “He would have to be godlike to possess all the qualities Lady Lindsey has just described in all her brothers.”
Lindsey’s sadness lifted as she broke into a smile. “Aye, Majesty. And you must remember that I am seeing my brothers from a distance. When I am with them, I yearn for the chance to be rid of them.”
They shared a laugh.
Mary turned to Jamie. “You have met Douglas Gordon’s sons, my friend. What say you? Has the lady described them honestly?”
“Aye, Majesty. ’Twas an accurate description. But she failed to mention the chorus of voices. When the entire Gordon clan discourses, it can become a bit overwhelming.”
“Is this so?”
Lindsey joined in his laughter. “Aye, Majesty. It is true. We never speak if we can shout. And if three or more can shout at one time, we are even happier.”
The queen placed her hand below her heart. “This I do not wish for my son.”
They all burst into gales of laughter.
From his position beside the fireplace, Jamie watched the queen with a feeling of relief. He had never seen her so relaxed. Or so radiant.
“Are there any musicians in your family?” Mary asked.
“Robbie plays the lute. I was forced to learn the virginal.”
“How wonderful.” The queen clapped her hands. “You must play for us.” She pointed to the small, rectangular instrument that rested atop a table in the corner of the room. “Jamie, bring the virginal to Lindsey.”
As he placed the instrument across Lindsey’s lap, she cautioned, “I much preferred learning the use of weapons to playing music. But my father insisted that I must learn to play this as well as my mother once did.”
Positioning her fingers on the keyboard Lindsey began to play a hauntingly beautiful melody.
The queen was enthralled. Jamie was pleasantly surprised. Even the musicians at court had not played as well. As the last notes of the music faded, the queen clapped her hands and demanded another song.
Jamie glanced at the chair where Lord Darnley was seated. His head had fallen back against the upholstery. His mouth had gone slack. The empty tankard lay beside his elbow.
Jamie gave a sigh of relief. There would be one less to worry about this night. Darnley would sleep until morning.
Now there would be only Lindsey to watch and he had no intention of letting her out of his sight.
The woman who dominated his thoughts was busy making plans of her own. Before this night was over, she intended to be free of her prison.