"Ale, my lady?"
She flushed as their fingers brushed. Lifting the goblet to her lips,
she drank and felt the warmth slowly heat her blood. Or was it the
nearness of tllis man? She could no longer be certain.
She had never seen him look so handsome, in deference to the
sophistication of the city, he had put away the rough garb of the
Highlander. His shirt and tunic were tailored to fit his wide shoulder
and narrow waist. Fine breeches molded his hips and thighs, and his
boots were of the softest leather. His thick, shaggy hair had been
shorn and he was clean shaven, revealing fine, even teeth and a proud,
rugged countenance that held her gaze even when she wanted to turn
away.
"Let us sup," Murray grumbled.
"For too long I have been forced to eat venison and dried biscuits."
He placed a hand on his stomach.
"Tonight I desire my fill of ale and mutton, and every manner of
sweets."
"Then you shall have it." Jamie turned, deferring to Douglas Gordon.
"Will you lead the way, sir?"
The older man offered his arm to his daughter and the others followed
them to a table covered with fine linen and china and aglow with
candles.
Douglas sat at the head, with Lindsey at his right. Ian MacPherson
snared the seat beside Lindsey. Her brothers and men of their clan
scattered themselves around the table Jamie took the chair across from
Lindsey, on Douglas Gor don's left. As he sat, he saw Ian lean close
to whisper in Lindsey's ear and berated himself for the twinge of anger
that caught him by surprise. Jealousy? Aye. This time he could not
deny the feeling. He would not allow himself to dwell upon it. If the
lady favored Ian MacPherson, there was nothing to be done about it.
Jamie nodded to the innkeeper, who ordered the servants to begin.
Several serving wenches scurried into the room, carrying steaming trays
of food.
In no time the table and sideboard groaned under the weight of trays of
partridge, pheasant, mutton and whole fish.
As they filled their plates Neal asked Jamie, "Have you been to
Edinburgh often, my lord?"
"Often enough to know that I much prefer life in the Highlands."
Donald's head came up.
"Father said you are acquainted with the noble men and women at court."
"Aye."
A slow smile spread across Donald's face.
"Could you, perhaps, point out one or two ladies who are not spoken
for?"
"Not spoken for?" Robbie scoffed.
"Since when has it mattered to you whether or not a female is
betrothed, or even wed?"
"Can I help it if women throw themselves at my feet?" Donald shot
back.
"How many times have I tried to remind them of their duties to their
husbands? Alas, they seem to forget even their solemn vows when in my
presence."
While the others groaned Ian MacPherson leaned across the table and
said in a low voice, "A man after my own heart. Have no fear, lad. I
will find you a willing wench."
The exchange had not been lost on Douglas, who glowered at his son.
Neal glanced at Jamie and spoke haltingly. '"Tis not women I would
care to meet, my lord. It is the queen's stable master."
"And why is that?" Jamie asked.
The lad stared at the table linen, too shy to explain.
"Neal has always loved tending the horses," Lindsey said.
"Ah. I noticed your skill during our journey here. Yours is a natural
gift with animals."
At his unexpected compliment, Neal flushed with pleasure.
"I know Lord Menzies very well," Jamie continued.
"He takes great pride in his duties. It would be his pleasure to show
you around the stables, since you share his love of horses. Perhaps he
would even let you handle the queen's steed."
"I could not," Neal protested quickly.
"But it would be enough just to see Her Majesty's horse."
As Jamie continued I'd eat, he felt a growing kinship with this gentle
lad. Neal had handled himself well on the journey, displaying skill
with both sword and steed.
When they had finished the main courses, the servants brought in trays
of puddings, brandied tarts and heavy, moist confections.
"I have died and gone to heaven," Murray said, polishing off a fourth
sweet.
"Tell me, Jamie, will the food be even better in the queen's own
castle?"
"Some of Scotland's finest cooks reside in Holyrood- house," Jamie said
with a smile.
"If you crave sweets, you will be more than satisfied."
"I cannot wait." Murray emptied his goblet.
"When I return to the Highlands I will be as plump as a monarch."
"Beware," Donald cautioned, "lest some Highland wench mistake you for a
roasted pig and carve you up for her feast."
"That will be your fate, my lad, not mine." Murray and the others
shared a laugh.
One serving wench circled the table filling goblets and tankards as
quickly as they were emptied.
"More ale, my lady?" the servant asked.
"Nay. I have had sufficient."
"More ale here," Ian demanded imperiously.
Lindsey watched as Ian held up his goblet. Already his words were
slurred and his eyes seemed unable to focus. Beside him, her brother
Murray followed suit. The two men murmured together and laughed
uproariously at each other's jokes.
Lindsey swallowed her frown of disapproval. It had indeed been a hard
journey. They deserved to relax. Besides,. they would fall into
their beds after dinner, and by morning would wish they had not
celebrated quite so recently. Especially if the queen took notice of
their discomfort.
Lindsey noted that Jamie ate and drank very little. Throughout most of
the meal he kept his silence unless one of her brothers questioned him
directly. Most of the conversation had been dominated by Ian, who
regaled them with tales of journeys to exotic places. From his boasts,
it would seem that he had traveled the length and breadth of
Scotland.
Throughout their journey, he had managed to keep her brothers
spellbound with his tales. Lately, how ever, the lads seemed far less
impressed by his boastful words.
When Douglas pushed away from the table the others followed.
"Will you stay and lift a tankard or two with us, Father Murray called
from across the room.
"Nay." Douglas gave a wry smile.
"I am more than i grateful for a chance to sleep in a bed this night. I
intend to be well rested before I meet with our queen."
He noticed that the lads were far too excited to go directly to their
beds.
Douglas offered his arm to his daughter and they followed Jamie from
the room. They climbed the stairs and the two men paused outside
Lindsey's door. She kissed her father's cheek and bid an awkward
good-night to the man whose mere presence made her pulse quicken.
Jamie lifted her hand and brushed it with his lips. A quick, intense
jolt burned a trail of fire along her arm and she pra
yed that her
father and Jamie did not see her trembling response.
"Rest well, Lindsey," her father murmured.
"For to morrow you shall have your fondest wish. An introduction to
the queen."
"Aye, Father." With a dreamy smile she entered her room.
As she leaned against the closed "door she heard her father's voice.
"You retire early, Jamie."
Jamie's voice was low, conspiratorial.
"Nay. I will change. to less gentlemanly attire, and repair to a
nearby tavern where I might discern the mood of the people. Perhaps I
will hear something useful."
Lindsey heard the note of regret in her father's tone.
"Ah. If I were a younger lad I would be right there beside you."
As their footsteps faded, Lindsey felt a sudden wave of jealousy. How
unkind the fates that had made her a woman.
How wonderful it would be to experience the freedom men took for
granted. How grand to walk into a tavern and order a tankard of ale.
What bliss to listen to people who had seen the queen ride through
their streets like an ordinary citizen.
As she crossed the room a young servant rose up from the chaise rubbing
her sleepy eyes. Startled, Lindsey drew back.
"I would help you undress, my lady," the tired maid servant said.
"Thank you."
As the girl began to unbutton her gown, the merest hint of a plan began
to form in Lindsey's mind. Never again would she have this opportunity
to visit Edinburgh. For the rest of her life she would live a
sheltered existence in the Highlands, with only her memories of this
happy time. Why should she not, just this once, taste the freedom she
so desired?
"Have you brothers?" Lindsey asked.
"Aye, my lady. Two." The wench made a little face.
"Both younger than I. Mayhap you saw my brother Cedric. He is the
groom here at the inn.
My little brother, Edmund, helps muck the stalls. "
"Cedric." Lindsey recalled the young lad who had taken their horses.
He was only slightly taller than she.
"Could you bring me a pair of his breeches and a shirt?"
"My lady?" The servant paused, her hand on the but tons, and stared at
Lindsey as if she had gone mad.
"I would pay you well." Lindsey dug into her pocket and produced a
gold sovereign.
The coin was enough to feed the servant's family for a year. The lass
considered for only a moment.
"Aye, my lady. When do you need these clothes?" "Immediately."
The girl blinked.
"I will see to it."
The maid hurried from the room and returned a short time later with
the items Lindsey had requested. In addition to breeches and a shirt,
she had a coarse tunic and a that like those worn by workers along the
wharf.
Slipping into the clothes, Lindsey realized the value of the tunic.
Hanging loosely over her shirt, it managed to hide most of her womanly
curves. She struggled to pull her hair into a knot. Even with the
servant's help, it was a difficult task to conceal so much hair. But
with the hood of the tunic pulled up and the that pulled low on her
face, she was satisfied with the results.
"Would you guess my gender?" she asked the servant.
"Nay, my lady. I would not have believed one as beautiful as you could
look like a common street lad."
Hearing the door to Jamie's room open, Lindsey touched a finger to her
lips.
Turning, she pressed the gold sovereign into the servant's hand.
"You must not breathe a word of this."
"Aye, my lady." The girl's fingers curled around the treasure.
"Your secret is safe with me."
Lindsey listened until Jamie's footsteps faded. Then, opening her door
a crack, she peered both ways before starting out.
When she reached the lower floor she could hear the sound of raucous
laughter from the dining alcove. The front door closed behind Jamie.
Slipping quickly past the room where the others still drank, she
hurried out the front door and slipped into the shadows. It was an
easy matter to follow the tall figure as he strode purposefully down
the nearly deserted street.
When Jamie paused at the door to a tavern Lindsey crouched in the
bushes, her heart pounding. A moment later he stepped inside.
Lindsey approached the door of the tavern then paused with her hand on
the door. She had never before been inside such a place. She had no
idea what to expect. Sudden fear gripped her at the boldness of her
deed. She had taken no time to think this through.
What would happen to her if she were found out? Could a woman go to
Tolbooth Prison for such an impertinent act? And even if she were not
imprisoned, what would happen if Jamie saw through her disguise? He
would be furious. Worse, he would drag her back to her father and
brothers and force her to admit her deceit. She would be humiliated.
An inner voice warned her to return to the inn before her little
charade was discovered.
As she stood there pondering her fate, a hand came up behind her and
shoved the door open.
"Come on, lad. Tarry not when there's ale to be had," said a voice
directly behind her.
As the door opened she was pressed into a smoky room that reeked of ale
and unwashed bodies. Clusters of men sat at scarred wooden tables,
talking and laughing among themselves. More men gathered in a corner,
where one in their party was speaking in loud tones.
"bastard. He told his manservant, who told the groom, who passed it on
to the scullery maid."
There was a chorus of shocked exclamations.
Lindsey's eyes went Wide as a man at a table near hers- pulled a tavern
wench onto his lap and began fondling her. Instead of slapping him, as
Lindsey surely would have done, the wench laughed and threw her arms
around his neck.
"Here, now," one of the men in the crowd yelled.
"If you want to do that, laddie, take her to her room."
Amid a chorus of rough laughter, the girl caught his hand and led him
toward a door.
Lindsey's mouth opened in astonishment. So this was why men chose to
drink in a place like this. It was not merely the company of other men
they sought. It was for the favors of the tavern wenches, as well.
She shook off a feeling of revulsion.
"Ale, lad?" A buxom wench sidled up beside Lindsey as she cringed in
her seat in a shadowy corner of the room.
"Aye."
Lindsey's gaze scanned the crowd until she found Jamie. She studied
his broad back as he stood to one side of the room with a group of men.
Within minutes they were talking and laughing with him as if he was an
old friend.
She gave in to the luxury of studying Jamie MacDonald. Even in a room
filled with men, he was a man set apart from the others. It was true
that he was taller than most, but that alone did not distinguish him.
Nor was it the fact that he was clearly the most handsome man in the
room. It was something indefinable. Perhaps the way he carried
himself. He
seemed so self-assured. Or perhaps it was the note of
authority in his voice. It was clear that he was a man accustomed to
giving orders and having them followed without question.
Lindsey tried to study the others in the tavern But her gaze was drawn
once more to Jamie.
When the tavern wench returned with a tankard, Lindsey paid her and
watched as the woman made her way to Jamie's side. The wench whispered
in his ear and he gave her an easy smile before responding As he
followed the tavern wench from the room, Lindsey's heart sank.
Her hand tightened on the handle of the tankard until she felt her
nails bite into the flesh of her palm.
How could she have oeen such a fool? She had believed his lie, that he
was coming here to get a sense of what was happening in the queen's
castle. Damn the man. He had come here to drink and bed a whore. And
for that, he had not wanted to be saddled with her brothers and the
other men. He had thought to keep them all ignorant of his true
intentions.
Tears blurred her vision and she wiped them savagely with the back of
her hand. She would not cry over the Heartless MacDonald. He was not
worthy of her tears. A string of oaths crept unbidden to her mind.
She swallowed them back.
She glanced around, eager to be rid of this place. Just behind her was
a door. She hoped it would lead to fresh air. Blindly she slammed
down her tankard and stumbled from the room.
Outside the door she found herself in a darkened hallway leading to
several rooms. At the far end was a stairway leading to the upper
floors of the tavern
As she passed a closed door she heard a man's voice raised in anger. A
woman's shrill voice responded. She hurried on. But before she could
slip past the next door, Lindsey recognized Jamie's voice and came to a
sudden halt. Against her better judgment Lindsey bent, pressing her
ear to the door.
A woman's voice, soft, muted, was saying, "She cannot remain."
Jamie's words were muffled.
"Tell her I am arrived. She will no longer be alone in this."
Lindsey heard the thread of near hysteria in the woman's tone.
"Nay, my lord. It is too late. She bid me prepare her for a journey
this night. She will tarry no longer."
"Take me to her."
Jamie's voice rose.
"Now." Lindsey heard the scrape of a chair against the floor and
Jamie's voice, stronger, as he added, "I will persuade her of her
folly."
"Oh, my lord. If only you can."
Thinking quickly, Lindsey ducked into a darkened door way as the door
to the room was thrown open, spilling light into the hall. Jamie
strode past, accompanied by a woman dressed in an elegant blue velvet
traveling gown and ermine-lined cloak.
As they passed, Lindsey slipped from the shadows and followed at a
discreet distance, driven by some inner demon to follow.
Though her heart lay heavy in her breast, she could not tear herself
away. She would see this mystery woman who owned Jamie MacDonald's
heart.
Chapter Eleven
Jamie stepped through the back door of the tavern with the woman
clinging to his ann.
As Lindsey slipped outside, Jamie and the woman were just disappearing
beyond a bend in the street. It was an easy matter to follow them.
Lindsey soon realized that they were deliberately keeping to back
streets, where they would not be seen by passing strangers.
They set a brisk pace, and Lindsey had no idea where she was headed.
Highland Heart Page 13
