Kill or Be Kilt
Page 18
“Lass, there is nay proof Mildmay was killed.”
“Then we need to find it.”
A chuckle escaped him. “And where would ye think to look, lass?”
“I don’t know, but we can’t let someone get away with murdering my uncle, spy or not. We have to do something. Perhaps when you meet with the king you can talk to him about—or maybe I can speak with the king.”
“Elizabeth, how was the theatre?”
From her brother-in-law’s abrupt redirection and the stern expression he held on his face, he was telling her that this particular conversation was over. “Are you truly going to ask me about the theatre right now?” When he gave her a dismissing look, she added, “Henry VIII was a lovely play. All the actors were superb.”
“Condell?”
“Yes. He was a believable King Henry. I’m going to meet him at noon. He’s going to show me Anne Boleyn’s apartments above the gates.”
Ruairi gave her a measured gaze. “I assume Munro is accompanying ye?”
“Yes.”
“Elizabeth, ye are my sister-by-marriage, and Munro is like my brother. I know he told ye that he loves ye, and he said that ye told him the same.”
“That’s not exactly a secret, Ruairi.”
“I’m pleased that he finally realizes how he feels about ye too, but mayhap ’tis nae the best of ideas to keep Condell close at hand. Both men are trying to woo ye, which can only end in disaster.”
“What do you mean?”
“Ye are the first lass who has ever seen Munro for the man he truly is. He thinks because he is nae fair of face that nay lass would ever desire him.”
She was tired of having the same conversation. “Why does everyone keep saying that he is not fair of face? I think Laird Munro is very handsome.”
“Be that as it may, some may say Condell is nae lacking in looks.”
She laughed to cover her annoyance. “Ruairi, just because Mister Condell has been blessed with a handsome visage does not make him any better of a man than Ian…er, Laird Munro.”
“I’m only saying to be careful with Munro. In truth, I donna want to see either of ye hurt—or Condell.”
* * *
“My only hope is when Elizabeth finds out Ravenna was a spy for the king that she does nae have my wife’s same reaction. Grace was relentless in trying to learn spy craft from Ravenna,” said Fagan.
Ian swallowed what was left of his biscuit. “Aye, we know.”
“Let’s hope Ruairi curtails the lass’s questions until we get back to Scadbury Manor. Ravenna and Grace will need to talk with her.”
“Aye.”
Fagan gave Ian a knowing grin. “Did ye manage to stay awake for the play?”
“’Twas a wee bit difficult, but I managed.”
“And how was everything between ye and Elizabeth?”
“I donna know.”
Fagan placed his cup down on the table. “What do ye mean ye donna know? Ye were there, were ye nae?”
“The lass did nae want to talk about me or Condell. She said she wanted time where naught else came to mind.”
“Dinna fash yourself over that. Even though Elizabeth did nae want to talk, at least she still wanted to be with ye. Grace tells me to leave her the hell alone. God, I miss my wife. ’Tis nice nae to guess what a lass is thinking.”
“Och, aye. Nay one ever has to render a guess with your wife.”
“I do love that about her.”
Elizabeth and Ruairi entered the dining hall, and Ian rose, pulling out the lass’s chair.
“Thank you.” She glanced at him as she sat, giving him a small smile.
“I heard Munro did nae snore too loudly at the play,” said Fagan.
“He did well.” Her eyes met Ian’s, and then she lifted her hand and touched the ends of his cut locks. “This is the first time I’ve seen you with your hair down since you’ve cut it. It looks very becoming on you.”
When her hand rested on his shoulder a moment too long, Ian heard himself swallow. He also realized everyone at the table was dead silent. He cast a quick look at Fagan, who stared at him with widened eyes, and Ruairi sat frozen with a biscuit at his lips. The moment was lost when Elizabeth pulled her hand away.
After everyone broke their fast and Elizabeth dressed for court, Ian managed to steal a private moment with her before she stepped into the waiting carriage. Gray clouds loomed overhead, and when a rumble of thunder echoed through the sky, he knew their moment would be just that.
“How are ye feeling this morn?”
“Weary, especially since I didn’t sleep much after our talk.”
He gave her a tender smile. “I want to make certain that ye know nae to ask questions at court about anything we’ve discussed, lass. Ye donna want your words falling on the wrong ears, and I donna want to see ye hurt.”
“Yes, Ruairi lectured me about the same. Unlike Grace, I can keep my mouth closed.” She looked up at the sky. “We probably want to make haste before the rain is upon us.”
He brushed his thumb against her cheek, and she leaned her head against his hand. “Mayhap ye will give me the honor of a dance this eve.”
“But you don’t dance. I believe your exact words were ‘not even under the threat of death.’”
“Aye, but I ne’er had the chance to have ye as my partner.”
* * *
Elizabeth waited for Mister Condell at the gatehouse as she’d promised. The intermittent drizzle of rain was heavy enough to spoil outside activities. As Ian leaned against the wall with his arms folded over his chest, she knew this was the last place he’d rather be, especially with Mister Condell.
“Would you look at that?” she asked. Ian walked over to her, and she gestured to the ceiling of the gatehouse.
“What am I looking at, lass?”
She grabbed his arm to turn him around and pointed with her finger. “There. Do you see it? Anne Boleyn’s falcon badge is fashioned on a diamond-shaped carving. The letter of her name is entwined with King Henry’s in lovers’ knots. Can you see the ‘A’ for Anne and the ‘H’ for Henry?”
“Aye. I see it now.”
“King Henry loved Anne, adored her even. I’ve heard the apartments that he’d built for her were very close to his private chambers. At one point in time, they couldn’t bear to be separated from each other. I cannot understand how one moment two people can be so madly in love and then hating each other the next. It’s rather sad.”
“Lass, she was infamous for playing dangerous games at court and caught the attention of the king. Her fall from grace was inevitable.”
“Perhaps, but that doesn’t make their tale any less exciting.”
“I couldn’t agree more, Lady Elizabeth.”
Elizabeth turned, and Mister Condell greeted her with a smile. “Mister Condell, it’s a pleasure to see you again.”
He gave her a slight bow. “Lady Elizabeth.” He briefly tipped his head to Ian. “Laird Munro.”
“Condell.”
“The guard is coming to unlock the doors for us. Shall we proceed?”
When he extended his arm, Elizabeth hesitated, remembering Ruairi’s words. Although she understood his concern about Mister Condell, she didn’t want to be rude to the man. She placed her hand on his arm and turned to Ian. “Laird Munro, are you ready?”
He didn’t look at her but glared at Mister Condell. “Aye.” The way Ian answered her question made her think that he was ready all right—to do something to Mister Condell.
They made their way to the apartments as a guard unlocked the door. Mister Condell gestured Elizabeth and Ian inside.
“We are not permitted to touch anything, but you can look wherever you’d like.”
Elizabeth couldn’t believe she was standing in the same place where Anne Boleyn ha
d lived. She wondered how many times King Henry had crossed that threshold to see his beloved—well, until the wind changed direction and he had her beheaded.
As she walked through Anne Boleyn’s apartments, she noted the two sitting areas and a large stone fireplace, and again, the letters “A” and “H” carved into the mantel. She could only imagine the lavishness of these rooms during King Henry’s reign.
“This area has not been touched for years,” said Mister Condell. As if on cue, Ian let out a loud sneeze.
“Sutherland told me that I could find ye here,” said Laird Fraser, walking into the room. He made no attempt to mask the look of disgust that crossed his face. “I did nae think the damn guard was ever going to let me pass. God’s teeth! Ye’d think I was a vagrant trying to steal the precious wares. I’ve come to share good news. The MacLeod was granted his audience. It will nae be long now before we all are called before the king.”
“Would you like to see the other rooms?” asked Mister Condell.
“Yes. That would be lovely.” Elizabeth glanced at Ian, and he gave her an easy smile.
“Ye donna have to wait for me while I speak with the Fraser.” He drew his attention to Mister Condell, and his expression darkened like a summer storm. As if the man’s presence wasn’t daunting enough, Ian placed his hand on the hilt of his sword in subtle warning. “The rooms are nae that large. I can come if I’m called.”
Elizabeth coughed. “Yes, well, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that, shall we?”
She followed Mister Condell into another small sitting area, and the room opened into a bedchamber. Although the bed was covered in dust, the coverlet had hundreds of botanically accurate embroidered flowers. How fitting the petals were used to symbolize the love between Henry and Anne.
“I can’t thank you enough for showing me these apartments, especially since not many men and women are granted access to such history.”
Mister Condell gave her a roguish grin. “I cannot lie about my intentions, my lady. I’d show you anything you’d like to see just to have a chance to be with you again.”
“Mister Condell, although I appreciate your words of kindness, I don’t think it wise to accept more of your generosity.”
He closed what little distance was left between them and lifted her chin with his fingers. As she stared at his handsome face, she felt nothing. Her heart belonged to only one man. She pulled away, giving Mister Condell an uneasy smile. Heaven help her. If she called for Ian, there would be a murder in Anne Boleyn’s bedchamber.
“Lady Elizabeth, I’m willing to give you far more than words of kindness or my generosity. I give you me—my heart, my soul, and my love.”
She cleared her throat. “Mister Condell, I—”
“Will. My name is Will. Please call me by my given name.”
“Mister Condell, I cannot—”
Elizabeth’s words were smothered by his lips in Anne Boleyn’s chamber. His grip tightened, and she couldn’t move. She could barely breathe to call out to Ian. When she finally managed to push him away, ready to give him a firm scolding, he glanced at the bedchamber door with a wicked smile.
Ian…
Seventeen
Elizabeth stood within Mister Condell’s embrace knowing she’d never forget the expression on Ian’s face as long as she lived and breathed. Her first feeling was fear for Mister Condell because Ian could’ve easily torn the man apart. She was shaking with trepidation but soon realized her assumptions were incorrect. That was not anger she saw in Ian’s eyes—it was anguish.
She had opened her mouth to speak when Ian silenced her with his dark, angry expression. He whipped around, and his broad back thundered away.
Mister Condell chuckled. “That’s one way to rid ourselves of your chaperone.”
“Your kiss was not welcome.”
A mischievous look came into his eyes. “Your body did not deny me.”
“You held me so tightly that I couldn’t even breathe, let alone deny you anything,” she said vehemently.
“My apologies, Lady Elizabeth, but I must say that I’m quite taken aback by your words.” He stepped around her. “This is a first for me. I’ve never known any woman to deter my favors.”
“I’m sure not many women have,” she said dryly, turning to face him. “Mister Condell, I enjoy talking with you about the history of King Henry, and I thoroughly loved the play, but there is nothing between us.”
“And why is that, I wonder? We both love history. You’re beautiful and intelligent. Very rarely does a man find both qualities in a woman.”
“I’m afraid my heart belongs to another. It always has.”
There was a heavy silence.
“Then he is a very lucky man, my lady.” He gave her a slight bow. “Again, please accept my apologies. Let me make it up to you.”
“I assure you. That’s not necessary.”
An apologetic look crossed his face. “Oh, but it is, my lady. In three days, I’ll be giving my last performance as King Henry for the season before returning to Spain. There will even be a few surprises in the final act. Rumors are circulating there will be cannon fire. I’m sworn to secrecy, but you’ll have to come and see for yourself.”
“Mister Condell, I—”
“And I will only accept ‘yes’ as your answer. I’ve enjoyed your company, Lady Elizabeth. I do not want to part on unfavorable terms. Let me make amends.” He gave her an easy smile. “I cannot return to Spain knowing I’ve tried to take something that was not offered. Come to the play and enjoy yourself one last time. That’s the least I can do for my abhorrent behavior.”
Part of this situation was her fault, and she felt guilty. Elizabeth blamed herself for not deterring his affections all along, which encouraged him to pursue her. As a result, the man had stolen a kiss. The way he was staring at her made her realize he wasn’t going to relent until she accepted his peace offering. Besides, she could bring Ian along, and she needed to make haste to find him now.
“Very well.”
His eyes lit up. “I will reserve the same seats for you, my lady.”
She spun on her heel and walked with hurried purpose through the apartments. Even though she was leaving years of history behind, she didn’t even take a second glance around. The past didn’t matter. Henry and Anne’s love had died, but there wasn’t anything in the world that would stand in the way of the love she had for Ian. Nothing was more important than the present.
As soon as she made her way out the door, Elizabeth stopped dead in her tracks. The only man waiting was the guard.
“Have you seen Laird Munro?”
“The Highlander took his leave from the castle.”
Her eyes widened. “What do you mean he took his leave? How do you know?”
The guard gestured behind her into the apartments. “I saw him leave the gates through the window.”
Elizabeth wondered if poor Anne had felt the same way about Henry when the king turned his back on her.
* * *
Ian dismounted on a grassy knoll by the River Thames. At least the drizzle had stopped. He tied off his mount and stood at the water’s edge, needing to be alone with his unpleasant thoughts. Although Elizabeth had spoken words of love, it didn’t take her long before she threw herself into the arms of the bonny Condell.
How he’d wanted to believe with every fiber of his being that she was different from the rest of the lasses who avoided him like the plague. But now? His misery was like a steel weight. Why would he have ever taken the advice of Ruairi and Fagan?
He closed his eyes, his heart aching with pain. A flash of loneliness stabbed at him, and torment was eating him from the inside. He took deep breaths until he was strong enough to lift his head. The flowing river didn’t even calm him. When thundering hoofbeats approached from behind, he didn’t bother to turn around.
“Can ye nae even let a man brood alone in peace?”
Fagan tethered his mount. “I saw ye ride out the gates like the hounds of hell—or the bloody English—were nipping at your heels. Ruairi found Elizabeth alone, and I rode after ye. What happened?”
“I caught Elizabeth in the arms of Condell.”
Fagan let out a heavy sigh and briefly closed his eyes. “Munro, the lass loves ye. There’s probably a logical reason why ye thought ye saw what ye did.”
“Och, aye, but I donna think there’s any excuse the lass could give for her lips being locked with that bastard’s the moment I turn my back!”
“They kissed?” Fagan paused, a puzzled expression crossing his face. “I can nae say for certain what happened, but I know well enough to recognize that Elizabeth did nae play a part in this. She loves ye, ye daft fool. Condell probably kissed her. Did she nae tell ye that? What did she say?”
“I donna know. I did nae ask her.”
Fagan’s tongue was heavy with sarcasm. “Munro, God knows ye are dangerous on the battlefield, but naught compares to ye being in love.”
“Na dean sin.” Don’t do that. “I am in nay mood to hear any more of your riddles.”
“Then let me make my words clear. Ye’re being an arse.” When Ian’s eyes darkened, Fagan took a step back. “I told Ruairi when he was being daft with Ravenna, and now I’m telling ye that ye’re being an idiot with Elizabeth. Why are ye so quick to judge something ye know naught about? Get on your damn horse, ride back to court, and talk to the lass to find out what happened. Ye’re going to look even more the fool when she tells ye Condell’s actions were nae welcome. And let’s nae mention the fact that ye took your leave. Ye left the lass in the arms of the actor believing the worst. Ye had nay faith or trust in Elizabeth. And because of your lack of self-assurance, ye turned your back on a man who was taking advantage of the woman ye love. What if Condell would’ve had his way with her?”
Fagan shook his head in disgust, and his voice was raised. “I pity ye, Munro. Because ye think nay lass would want ye because of your looks, that foolishness has blinded ye. Let me say this in a way ye’ll understand. ’Tis nae your face, ye arse…’tis ye. Ye’re losing the lass without even knowing it. I hope to hell ’tis nae too late to fix what ye’ve done. To be truthful, I donna know if Elizabeth will be so forgiving this time.”