“So Lindsey, you have decided to join the living.” The queen looked up with pleasure when Lindsey entered the refectory on Jamie’s arm.
“Aye, Majesty. I have been pampered too long.”
Fresh from her bath, Lindsey looked radiant in a gown of emerald satin. Her long hair had been brushed to one side and allowed to fall over her shoulder where it spilled across her breast.
Though her wounded hand was healing nicely, Jamie had insisted that she wear a clean linen dressing on it.
When they reached the table, Jamie held her chair. “Everyone has been so kind,” Lindsey said as she took her seat.
“We were all very concerned.”
Mary signaled the housekeeper, who, having been warned to dispense with the formalities, began to serve their plates as soon as they were all seated. “To think there was a villain hiding out on our island. My lord MacDonald said you fought bravely.” The queen regarded Lindsey closely as she bit into the roast duck.
“I do not know how bravely. I know only that I fought with desperation.”
“You are too modest. It is fortunate that you knew how to fight. I would have been at his mercy,” the queen said thoughtfully.
The others at the table grew silent. That thought had crossed their minds.
“How is it that you chose such a late hour to go riding?” Mary pinned Lindsey with a direct look.
Lindsey swallowed. She had anticipated the question. And she had prepared herself for the queen’s wrath when she answered truthfully.
“I was planning to return to Edinburgh, Majesty.”
“Against my orders?”
“Aye, Majesty.”
“For what purpose?”
“To calm my father’s fears. I knew he would be shattered by my absence.”
“You would risk your queen’s safety by revealing our location?”
“Nay, Majesty. I would die rather than do such a vile thing. It was my intention only to allay my father’s fears. I would not have told him where you were. I would have my tongue cut out before I would place you in harm’s way.”
The queen studied her bowed head for several moments before saying softly, “Your father must have a very tender heart, my lady, that you would risk even the queen’s wrath.”
“Aye, Majesty.” Jamie felt the unexpected need to come to Lindsey’s defense. He knew how the lass must be suffering. “He has a most tender heart where his daughter is concerned.”
“She seems to have that effect on other men, as well.”
Jamie clamped his mouth shut at the queen’s knowing look, and they all fell silent until they finished their meal. No one, it seemed, had much appetite for Mistress Macnab’s fine cooking.
“I would retire to the withdrawing room,” the queen announced.
Taking Lord Darnley’s arm, she led the way, with Jamie and Lindsey following.
In the cozy room, Fergus stoked the fire, then offered goblets of wine before departing.
A moment later Mistress Macnab bowed her way into the room.
“Forgive the interruption, Majesty, but I have a message for Lord MacDonald.”
Jamie excused himself and followed the housekeeper from the room.
Mary, resplendent in a scarlet gown, reclined on a chaise pulled before the fire. Lindsey steeled herself against the queen’s anger, which she was certain would spill over at any moment.
“My lord MacDonald was most solicitous when you were wounded, my lady.” Mary’s lips curved up in a hint of a smile. “Mistress Macnab informed me that he was like a wounded bear when he arrived at the castle with you in his arms. He shouted orders to everyone before locking himself away with you in your chambers.”
Lindsey felt the color rise to her cheeks. “He was very kind to me during my distress.”
“He was much more than kind. He behaved like a man possessed. He would not permit Mistress Macnab or her family to tend to your needs.”
“But my clothes were...” Lindsey stopped, appalled at the thoughts that leaped to her mind. It was obvious that she had been stripped of her torn and tattered stable boy’s clothes and dressed in a fine night shift. She had supposed that Mistress Macnab or Sabina had seen to such intimate care.
“Jamie insisted upon doing everything himself. And when I visited him in your sleeping chamber...” Mary saw the look of surprise on Lindsey’s face and said coyly, “Aye, I wanted to see for myself how you were mending.” She fixed Lindsey with a narrow gaze. “Jamie looked to be the one who had engaged in battle. His eyes were red-rimmed, his chin covered with stubble. He had not even bothered to dress himself. His only thought, my lady, was for your well-being.”
Lindsey wondered if the turmoil she felt at the queen’s words could be seen in her eyes. “I am—grateful, of course, for his concern.”
“Come here, Lindsey. Sit by my side.”
The queen patted the chaise. Lindsey hesitated, then hurried across the room to sit beside her. Mary seemed to be studying her very carefully.
“I have known Jamie MacDonald for many years. There are few men for whom I have such admiration.” Mary’s voice lowered, and she glanced to where Darnley stood, filling his tankard.
“Jamie MacDonald is a rare breed. His loyalty is absolute. His strength is boundless. His word is true. I have seen many women at court vie for his attention.”
She smiled at the little frown line that appeared between Lindsey’s brows. So, the lady was not as immune to his charms as she would pretend.
“But his is not a fickle heart. His interest does not lie in silly flirtations or cheap liaisons. I have always known that once Jamie gave his heart to a woman, it would be forever.”
Lindsey lowered her head and said nothing. But the words the queen had just spoken had her mind awhirl.
She looked up when Jamie returned. Though he was silent, there was an odd, satisfied look on his face. Lindsey saw him exchange glances with the queen.
A minute later Fergus Macnab entered with a bow and announced, “Majesty, your guests have arrived. Shall I announce them?”
Guests? Lindsey was mystified. Had they not all gone to great lengths to see that no one knew where they were? Why then would the queen invite guests to Lochleven?
She turned toward the door with a puzzled frown.
“Majesty,” Fergus said in his most authoritative tone, “may I present my lord Douglas Gordon and his sons Murray, Donald, Robert and Neal. And my lord Ian MacPherson.”
It took Lindsey a full minute to comprehend what Fergus had just announced. As the truth dawned, she got to her feet and brought her hands to her mouth. Bowing before their queen were her father and brothers and Ian. All were clad in their finest breeches and tunics, with their traveling cloaks still tossed rakishly over their shoulders.
They continued to kneel for several moments while the queen spoke in whispers to each of them. When at last Mary commanded them to rise, their beaming faces told Lindsey everything she needed to know.
“Father.” With tears streaming down her cheeks, Lindsey launched herself into her father’s arms.
His eyes were moist as he drew her close and kissed the top of her head.
“So, lass. Another adventure?” he murmured as he held her a little away and studied her face.
“Aye. But it is so much better now that you are here to share it.”
He caught her bandaged hand and brought it to his lips. “You are wounded.”
“Nay. A small cut. It is nothing.” She snatched it away and, eager to distract him, turned toward her brothers. “Murray.”
The eldest wrapped her in his big arms and nearly smothered her in his warm embrace. Then, embarrassed by his show of affection, he quickly released her.
Donald lifted her high in the air and swung her around until she laughingly ordered him to put her down.
“I missed you,” he shouted.
“And I missed you. You must tell me later all about your adventures with the lasses in Edinburgh.”
“Aye.” His voice lowered to a whisper. “If you will tell me about yours with the Heartless MacDonald.”
Lindsey was shocked. “You are mistaken. I am here at the command of the queen.”
“Aye, Lindsey. And the fact that Jamie MacDonald is here has nothing at all to do with it.”
Ignoring his taunts, Lindsey turned to Robbie’s outstretched arms. The golden-haired lad drew her close and kissed her cheek.
“You had us half-crazed with worry,” he whispered.
“Forgive me. But you can see that I am fine.”
“Aye.” Robbie stared deeply into her eyes until she felt her cheeks grow hot. “I can see that you are more than fine. You look... you look more a woman than the lass who left the Highlands for a wee journey to Edinburgh.”
She flushed and turned away from his scrutiny to her youngest brother. “Neal. I have missed you so.”
He gave her an awkward embrace. “I missed you, too, Lindsey.” He patted her shoulder in a clumsy gesture of affection and gave her a quick, hard kiss, then drew away, embarrassed at the film that misted his eyes.
The queen watched their warm reunion with great interest. This love and easy affection was something she was determined to give the babe she carried.
From across the room Jamie watched as Ian separated himself from the others and caught Lindsey’s hand. He gave her a long, lingering look before lifting her hand to his lips. “So, my lady. It seems we are fated to be together again.”
Lindsey gave him a warm smile. “So it would seem.”
Ian continued to hold her hand. Jamie’s frown deepened.
“We all grieved your unexpected departure, my lady. And I, for one, was prepared to ride to the ends of the earth to find you.”
“I am grateful for your concern, Ian.” She withdrew her hand and turned to include her family. “And I deeply regret the unhappiness I caused all of you.”
“We are together now,” Douglas said, opening his arms to his daughter. “And Jamie’s message that you were safe with him allayed all our fears.”
“Message?”
“Aye. He dispatched Justin MacLeod to tell us that you were in the queen’s company.”
Lindsey glanced at Jamie with a look of astonishment. This was one more kindness of which she had been unaware, and his gesture of concern touched her deeply.
“Mistress Macnab,” the queen called. “Bring refreshments for our guests. Theirs has been a long and arduous journey, as we well know.”
“Aye, Majesty.”
The housekeeper hurried away. Within a short time, the sideboard was groaning under the weight of silver trays bearing cold duck and mutton, hot crusty breads and tankards of hot mulled wine.
Lindsey watched with affection as her father and brothers ate great quantities of food and downed more than a few tankards of wine. At last, refreshed, they were content to pull their chairs in a circle around the queen and bask in the warmth of her presence.
“You spoke of a missive from me,” Mary said to Ian.
“Aye, Majesty.” With a smug look Ian turned to glance at Jamie. Pulling the rolled parchment from his tunic, he bowed and presented it to Mary.
She read it quickly, then looked up to study the handsome young man who knelt before her.
“So you are Ian MacPherson. You were highly recommended to me by my cousin, Lord Desmond Frazer, who told me that you served him well. You are welcome here at Lochleven,” Mary said. “Your skill with a sword as well as your love and loyalty are sorely needed. Your presence here should greatly relieve the burden of my good friend Jamie MacDonald who has been seeing to my safety.”
Ian turned and gave Jamie a measured look. Jamie, who stood alone beside the fireplace, scowled into his tankard. But moments later, while the others were talking, Ian sidled up to Jamie and said, “I believe you owe me an apology.”
“And you shall have it.” Ian smiled, but the smile quickly turned to a scowl when Jamie concluded, “When I am convinced of your loyalty to the queen.”
“That is heresy. Since when do you place yourself above the queen?”
Jamie’s voice was low, controlled. “Beware, Ian MacPherson. I do not play the fool.”
“Nor do I. I will have your apology.” Ian emptied his tankard and turned away. “Or your blood upon my sword.”
Jamie moved not a muscle as the arrogant youth stalked away.
Unaware of the tensions, the queen turned to the handsome, white-haired leader of his clan, who sat surrounded by his family. “Tell me, Douglas, what are they saying in Edinburgh about my absence from Holyrood?”
“There are many rumors, Majesty.” The older man placed his hands on his knees and leaned forward. “There are those who say you have fled to England, and are now under the protection of your cousin, Elizabeth.”
At that the queen laughed. “So they think I have fled to England? What else do they say?”
“Some say yours is a difficult confinement, Majesty, and that you reside with a physician in attendance at Stirling Castle.”
“Ah. Stirling.” Mary threw back her head and laughed. “Aye, and well they should think that. It is where I was crowned Queen of Scots when just an infant.”
“Aye, Majesty. It is natural that you should want to return to those happier places to await the birth of your child.”
Mary placed her hand over Douglas Gordon’s. “Do you think anyone suspects that I am here?”
“I heard no such rumors, Majesty.”
“Then I am safe, praise heaven.”
Douglas glanced over the queen’s bowed head to meet Jamie’s gaze. He shook his head slightly. His gesture was not lost on Lindsey. She felt a tremor of fear for her queen.
In a much lighter mood, Mary turned to the handsome young men who surrounded their father. “Lindsey has told me much about you. I feel as if I already know you. Let me see...” She studied the four, then turned to Murray. “You are the eldest, Murray. Is that not so?”
“Aye, Majesty.” Murray flushed with pleasure.
“You are the most like your father. And you,” Mary said turning to Donald, “are the one who makes all the lasses’ hearts flutter.”
Donald was not the least insulted by his image as a wencher. But he was surprised that the queen should know such a thing about him. “Aye, Majesty. I am fond of women.”
“You, Robert, are the poet.”
“Aye,” Robbie said. “And I know that, having met my queen, I will be moved to write many inspiring verses to your beauty.”
Mary’s smile grew. “I cannot wait to hear your poetry.” She turned to the shy lad who ducked his head when she looked at him. “You are Neal,” the queen said. “Your sister tells me that you love caring for horses.”
“Aye, Majesty.” His cheeks were as bright as the queen’s gown.
“I have put off riding here at Lochleven, because my stable master did not accompany me. But while we are here, you shall be my stable master.”
“Majesty.” Neal fell to his knees before her and, overcome with emotion, caught her hand and kissed it.
Mary was touched by his devotion.
She turned to his father. “Ah, Douglas. Would that life could always be this simple. And yet, though I long yearned for some time away from the pressure of ruling my people, I find I miss the pomp and ceremony at court.” She brightened. “Do you remember the time you helped me greet the Emperor of Spain?”
“Aye, Majesty. You ordered me to match him drink for drink. Little did you know how much wine he could hold.”
Mary laughed until she wiped tears from her eyes. “Or how little you could hold, Douglas. As I recall, you had to be helped to your chambers.”
Lindsey glanced from her father to the queen, then back again. In her father’s eyes was a light of laughter that had long been missing.
While the fire blazed and the goblets were filled, Mary regaled them with stories about life at court, often asking Jamie or Douglas to interject their comments. Lindsey and her brothers found themselves laughing often. None of them had realized just how dear a friend their father was to the queen.
Stifling a yawn, the queen got slowly to her feet. “I must retire for the night,” she said. “I find that I tire easily these days.”
Immediately everyone stood at attention. The men bowed. Lindsey curtsied.
“But on the morrow, Neal, you and I will ride the grounds of Lochleven.”
“Aye, Majesty.” The lad’s eyes were bright with pleasure. “It will be my honor.”
The queen shot a glance at her husband, who reluctantly set down his tankard and crossed the room to offer his arm. Everyone remained standing until the door closed behind them.
As soon as they were alone, Murray clapped a hand on his father’s shoulder and said “You old dog. You never told us that you and the queen were such close friends.”
Douglas gave a negligent shrug of his shoulders and emptied his tankard. But though his words were humble, there was a twinkle in his eye as he said absently, “I thought you knew. In my younger days I spent much time at court. But like Jamie MacDonald, my heart lay in the Highlands.”
“But you were never boastful of your close friendship. Most men would have used their relationship with the queen to acquire favors or power.”
Douglas dropped an arm around his eldest son’s shoulders. “My son, I need neither favors nor power. That is why my friendship with Mary is an easy one. I value my queen for who she is, not for what she can give me.”
The housekeeper, looking flushed and untidy, entered and bowed before Douglas Gordon.
“My lord, I have prepared rooms for you and your sons, and my Lord MacPherson. If you would follow me, I will offer them for your approval.”
Lindsey’s heart went out to the little woman and her daughter, who had probably worked themselves into a frenzy seeing that enough rooms were prepared for so many unexpected guests. With no servants to assist them, they must be nearly exhausted by the additional work.
Ian, seeing the way Jamie was watching Lindsey, gave a smug smile and caught Lindsey’s hand. “Would you care to join us on a tour of our rooms, my lady?”
She felt weary beyond belief. But this was, after all, her father’s first night at Lochleven. With the queen retired for the night, it was her duty to act as hostess.
“Aye. I would be happy to join you.”
Before Lindsey could move to her father’s side, Ian placed her hand on his arm and closed his hand firmly over it. Lindsey was forced to move along at his side.
Turning to Jamie, Douglas extended his hand. “Thank you for keeping my daughter safe.”
The two men shook hands solemnly, and Lindsey’s brothers followed suit, before following the housekeeper up the stairs.
Ian flashed Jamie a triumphant smile before leaning close to Lindsey and whispering loudly, “When we have inspected our rooms, my lady, I will see you to your room.” When he began to lead her past Jamie, Lindsey paused. “Good night, my lord.”
Jamie inclined his head slightly. “Good night, my lady.”
Together, Lindsey and Ian climbed the stairs. But as they followed Mistress Macnab toward the far end of the hall, where the rooms had been prepared, Lindsey suddenly realized she had forgotten something very important.
“My lord, I must see the queen.”
“Now?” Ian gave her a startled look. “She has retired for the night.”
“Aye. But this cannot wait. I must see her now.”
Ian accompanied Lindsey along the hall until they reached the queen’s chambers. His knock was answered by the queen’s voice from within.
“Who is there?”
“Lindsey Gordon, Majesty.”
“Enter.”
Ian opened the door and stood aside to allow Lindsey to enter. When she stepped inside, she barred his way.
“Good night, my lord.”
“Good night, my lady.” He lifted her hand to his lips and allowed the kiss to linger until she withdrew her hand and pulled away.
Ian gave a sigh of regret. His plans to get Lindsey alone had been thwarted. But there would be other chances.
The sitting chamber and dining room of the queen’s suite were in darkness. But beyond, in the queen’s sleeping chamber, Lindsey could see the flickering light of candles. When she reached the doorway, she paused. The queen, with Sabina’s help, had changed to an ornate lace sleeping gown. Over it she wore a crimson robe of cut velvet.
Mary was seated before a looking glass. Sabina stood behind her, brushing her long red hair.
“What did you wish, Lindsey?”
Lindsey felt suddenly shy in front of her queen. With her head bowed she said, “I was so overjoyed to see my family, Majesty, that I neglected to thank you properly. You must know what their presence here means to me. How can I ever thank you for your kindness?”
“You thank the wrong person.” The queen met her gaze in the looking glass. With a gentle smile she said, “I thought you knew, my lady. It was not I who sent for your father and brothers, though, of course, I gave my approval.”
The other woman saw the questioning look that came into Lindsey’s eyes, and her smile grew.
“Aye, Lindsey. It is Jamie MacDonald you must thank.”