Highland Heart

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