Highland Heart

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 J an lie 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 Holy rood. 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 hdnd 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 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 in tended to be free of her prison.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Lindsey closed the door to her chambers and leaned wearily against it.

  The queen had kept her up half the night playing the virginal. She had

  played every melody she knew a score of times. And still Mary had not

  heard enough. The queen reluctantly agreed to retire only after

  Lindsey promised to entertain her again on the morrow.

  Tomorrow, Lindsey thought with a little smile, she would be in

  Edinburgh, embracing her father.

  She knew it was wrong to lie to one's monarch, but she felt she had no

  choice. She could not, after all, admit what she planned. Jamie

  MacDonald would see her locked in her room if he knew that she

  entertained such thoughts.

  Jamie. Her heai't skipped a beat. He had wanted to escort her to her

  chamber after he saw the queen to her suite. But Lindsey had foiled

  his attempts by insisting upon retiring immediately. She had seen tho

  look in his eyes when he watched her. If she allowed him to kiss her

  again, there was no telling what might happen. She was afraid of the

  feelings his simple touch unleashed in her.

  She must not
allow herself to think of him. He would be humiliated by

  her escape. Worse, his fury would be a terrible thing to behold. She

  would have to see that she always remained one step ahead of him. She

  dared not face his wrath.

  Rushing to the bed, she retrieved the stable boy's clothing, which she

  had hidden underneath. Within minutes she had removed her gown and

  petticoats and donned the rough breeches, shirt and tunic. Tucking her

  hair beneath the that, she made her way to the door of the chamber and

  listened. Hearing no sound she pulled it open a crack and peered

  out.

  The hall was empty.

  She made her way carefully down the stairs. When she reached the lower

  level she was startled to hear voices. Quickly ducking behind a

  chaise, she watched and listened as Jamie was met by Justin MacLeod.

  "I saw to that little matter, my lord. They were most grateful to have

  their minds set at ease."

  "Good," came Jamie's deep voice.

  "Did you see that you were not followed?"

  "Aye, my lord. I am certain of it."

  "Take your rest now, Justin. You have earned it."

  "Thank you, my lord."

  Lindsey watched as the boatman stepped outside, pulling the door closed

  behind him. Jamie stood for a moment, then turned and climbed the

  stairs to his room.

  When his footsteps faded, Lindsey ran to the front door and let herself

  out.

  The grounds of Lochleven were washed in moonlight. Little tufts of

  mist danced across the dark waters of the loch. Cursing the full moon

  that would make her clearly visible all the way across the loch,

  Lindsey made her way toward the stables. Once inside she found Jamie's

  horse and quickly saddled him. Then she began to lead him toward the

  water that shimmered in the distance.

  A night bird cried, and her heart leaped to her throat. She dropped to

  her knees in the wet grass. As the bird's wings beat the night air

  just above her head she felt a rush of relief. Getting to her feet she

  berated herself for her foolish fears. Why was she being so skittish?

  They were alone on this island. Everyone in their party was asleep in

  the castle. Soon she would be across the loch and on her way to her

  father.

  As she approached the loch she heard the snap of a twig and turned. At

  first she thought she saw the dark outline of a tree. But as the dark

  form moved toward her, she realized it was not a tree. Nor an

  animal.

  It was a man. And in his hand was a sword, which glinted as the blade

  caught and reflected the light of the moon.

  Jamie entered the suite of rooms and glanced toward the door of

  Lindsey's sleeping chamber. No light showed be neath it. It was odd

  that she would retire so quickly, he thought. Especially since she had

  slept for most of the day. She had not seemed particularly sleepy when

  they had been below stairs. In truth, she had seemed brimming with

  energy

  He strode to the door, then hesitated. There was a very good reason to

  keep his distance from the lady. Each touch, each stolen kiss had

  taught him one important fact. He could not go on being near Lindsey

  Gordon, and tempting himself, without taking her. He wanted her as he

  had never wanted any other woman. If it took all his willpower to stay

  away from her in the daylight, how hauch more difficult would it be

  now, with the darkness casting its magic spell?

  He let his hand drop to his side. With great reluctance he stepped

  away from her door and strode to his own sleeping chamber.

  Once inside, he removed his tunic and shirt and crossed the room to

  poke at the ashes and coals that gleamed in the fireplace. Adding

  another log to the embers, he watched as flame leaped along the bark.

  Wiping his hands on his breeches, he paused at the balcony window and

  stared at the glistening water of the loch far below. Clouds scudding

  across the full moon obscured the grounds of Lochleven, and he began to

  turn away. As the moon broke free of the clouds, however, something,

  some movement, caught his eye and he leaned over the balcony, straining

  to see what it was. It appeared to be a man and boy fighting over the

  reins of a horse. Something glinted in the man's hand. In the

  moonlight Jamie recognized the blade of a sword. And then, as the

  figures parted for a moment, he recognized something else. Something

  that sent ice pouring through his veins.

  With a savage oath he raced from his room.

  "What a shame you chose tonight to go for a ride, lad. Now you will

  have to die."

  As the stranger lifted his sword to strike, Lindsey pulled her own

  sword from its scabbard and lunged. The man, caught unawares, felt her

  blade slice his arm. With a string of curses he barely managed to

  dodge her second thrust. But when Lindsey moved in for the kill, he

  tossed his weapon aside and caught her hand in a powerful grip. He

  twisted her arm until the sword slipped from her fingers, then, bending

  her arm behind her, he dragged her close.

  "You may be skilled with a weapon, but you cannot match my strength.

  Prepare to meet your maker, lad. " His breath was hot against her

  cheek.

  Lindsey saw the blade of the knife as he pulled if from his

  waistband.

  As they struggled, the that slipped from her head and her hair tumbled

  down her back.

  For a moment the stranger was taken aback. Then a cruel laugh escaped

  his lips.

  "A female. By the gods, a lass in lad's clothing." He grabbed a

  handful of her hair and yanked her head back until she cried out in

  pain.

  "And a beautiful lass, at that. What a pity my mission lies

  elsewhere." He thought a moment, then seemed to come to a decision.

  "I

  will have to take you quickly. Maybe, if you please me, you will not

  have to die after all. "

  As he bent his face to hers she struggled to evade his lips.

  "I would rather die."

  "Then you shall have your wish. It is best to leave no witnesses to

  the deed I have in mind." He laughed, low and deep, sending shivers of

  fear along her spine. He caught her by the front of the tunic and with

  his knife slit the fabric of tunic and shirt from top to bottom. Shame

  washed over her and she tried to hold the remnants of her clothing

  across her breasts. He gave a coarse laugh and twisted her hands

  behind her.

  "There is no need to fight, lass. It matters not to me how often I

  have to hurt you. But know this. I will have you. With or without

  causing you pain."

  "Then you will have to kill me. For I will never submit."

  She sank her teeth into his hand and he gave a cry of rage as the knife

  slipped from his hand and landed at their feet. Blood was dripping

  from his wound. He brought his hand across her face so hard it sent

  her sprawling in the dirt. With a triumphant oath he dropped to his

  knees beside her. Making a last, desperate effort, Lindsey reached for

  the knife, but the stranger was quicker. As they strugg
led, the blade

  sliced her hand, sending blood SlSurting down her arm and across her

  breasts.

  Her attacker lifted the knife high in the air and gave a cruel laugh as

  she struggled to reach it.

  With the knife between his teeth he closed rough, callused hands around

  Lindsey'g throat, cutting off her breath. As she clawed at his hands,

  he tightened his grip until strange lights began to dance in front of

  her eyes.

  "I like a lass with fire," he said with a chilling laugh.

  "I can see that you are going to provide me with much pleasure before

  you die."

  Lindsey struggled for breath. From the way her attacker's

  I image swam in and out of her line of vision, she knew that she was

  fading. Soon there would be no breath left in her, ii and her life

  would slowly ebb. Her nails dug into the earth :? i' and she balled

  both hands into fists. As he levered himself above her and gave an

  evil leer, she tossed dirt in his eyes. He screamed with pain and

  rage. And in the moment of confusion, Lindsey managed to twist free.

  But as she scrambled to her feet, he caught her by the ankle, pulling

  her down. All hope of escape vanished. His hand swung out in a wide

  arc and caught the side of her face, snapping her head to one side. As

  if from a great distance she heard his voice, low with fury.

  "Now lass, you will pay with your life." She saw the blade of his

  knife as he lifted it, preparing to plunge it into her heart.

  And then she heard a wild, primitive sound, unlike anything she had

  ever heard. In her pain-clouded mind, a vicious creature had come to

  rescue her. A terrifying cry broke the silence of the night. A cry

  that was both animal and human.

  Jamie's palms were damp as he threw open the door to the castle and

  raced across the wide expanse of grounds that separated him from the

  banks of the loch. He had never known such fear. As he had watched

  the struggle from his balcony, he had seen the that slip and the spill

  of hair.

  Lindsey. God in heaven. It was Lindsey, engaged in battle with a man

  twice her size.

  The distance between them was too great. He knew, with wrenching

  certainty, that he would never make it in time. Lindsey's struggles

  would only make it worse. Her attacker would be forced to kill her in

  order to subdue her. For the fiery lass would never give up without a

  battle.

  As he sped across the grounds his fury grew until it devoured him. If

  he could not save Lindsey, he would avenge her death. Her attacker

  would never live to harm another.

  /

  He saw the man's hand swing out; saw Lindsey fall to the ground; saw

  the man kneel over her.

  Consumed by blind fury he raced on, his mind no longer able to form

  coherent thoughts. He knew only that the woman he loved was being

  savaged. And he could not save her.

  He saw the man's hand lifted; saw the glint of moonlight on the blade

  of the knife. With a last burst of desperation he gave vent to his

  hopeless rage with a cry of torment. The sound of it filled the night,

  along with another, more savage sound.

  Jamie stared in amazement as the dark form of Wolf leaped through the

  air and landed on the stranger, sending him sprawling. Shrieks of

  anguish rent the silence as man and beast struggled. The primitive

  cries echoed and're echoed on the night air. And then, as suddenly as

  it had all begun, there was only silence.

  Jamie knelt over Lindsey's still form. For one terrible moment his

  heart stopped.

  Lindsey's eyes were closed. Her clothes had been torn from her.

  Blood and dirt smeared her face, her arms, her breasts.