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.
Highland Heart Page 18
