“I did not know,” Cicely exclaimed.
“For now James is safe, for he is the male heir in the direct line of descent. We are young, and I am fertile,” the queen said. “You must not worry, Ce-ce.”
“Will there be a war with the lords in the north?” Cicely asked her friend.
“I think, and ’tis only my thoughts, that if by next summer the MacDonald, lord of the isles, and the other northern clans haven’t come to Scone to pledge their fealty, that James may go north to impel them to do just that. He has not been to Inverness yet.”
Cicely nodded. If she gave Kier a son by then he would have to lead his men, and she could lose a second husband. She sighed. Perhaps Scotland had not been such a good place for her to come. Andyet she’d had no way to remain in England without a husband. Certainly one could have been found for her, but that Luciana was so jealous.
Jealous enough to have even attempted to murder Cicely’s father. “I hope there is no war,” Cicely said softly. “I am not of a mind to wed another husband. I was barely used to the first one, and now I have a second.” She smiled wryly, and her companion smiled.
For the next few days the two friends sat in the hall for most of the day while the king and the laird hunted game birds and deer. Finally the king announced one morning that they would be departing for Edinburgh, and from there to Scone. “We have very much enjoyed your hospitality, Ce-ce,” James Stewart said. “Make your farewells, my love,” he told the queen.
“Why didn’t you tell me you would be leaving today?” Cicely asked Joan Beaufort. “I must have Mab prepare something for you to eat along the road. You will probably be staying at a religious house tonight.”
“James is like this,” the queen explained softly. “He makes up his mind on the spur of the moment. He didn’t tell me until we were abed last night. Oh, Ce-ce, please pray for me that this child is a son.” The two young women hugged.
“My liege, you must allow Mab the time to prepare some food for your journey today,” Cicely said. “The queen should not travel in her condition without sustenance. It will not take long. Please!”
“Very well,” the king replied, “but I would go within the hour.”
Cicely ran to the kitchens and explained to Mab their problem.
The old woman grinned. “Men!” she said with a cackle of laughter. “Well, we’re in luck, my lady. I’ve a fat roasted capon in the larder that I did not serve last night. There is fresh bread, cheese, apples, and pears. Quick, Bessie and Flora! Let us get a basket prepared for our king and his bonny wife.”
The two kitchen maids swiftly gathered together the supplies, and wrapped and packed them carefully in a woven willow basket.They covered the basket with a fine linen cloth, handing it to Mab.
“I shall bid the king farewell myself,” the old woman said. “Come, my lady. We do not want to keep Himself waiting. He’s an impatient laddie, and does not easily tolerate foolishness or delay.” Clutching the basket, Mab hobbled up the stone stairs, Cicely coming behind her. Crossing the floor, Mab curtsied, the basket pulling her slightly off balance.
James Stewart caught Glengorm’s cook by the arm, aiding her to regain her equilibrium. “Now, Mistress Mab, have you come to bid me farewell? I’ll not go without a kiss from you,” he teased her gently.
Mab chortled. “Ye’re a wicked laddie, King Jamie Stewart,” she teased back, shaking a finger at him. “I’ve brought our good queen a basket to sustain her today.”
“What?” the king cried. “Is there nothing for me?”
“Hee, hee!” Mab cackled. “If Queen Joan will share the basket with you I would be pleased. There’s a chicken, some fruit, bread, and cheese.”
“Thank you, Mab,” the king responded, and, bending, he kissed her withered cheek. “Your lady has said you are the heart of Glengorm. I have seen over my visit here that it is truth. I am honored to have met you and eaten your fine cooking.” Then, stepping back a pace, the king bowed a most courtly bow to the old woman.
Mab’s eyes filled with tears. “God bless you, King Jamie Stewart,” she said to him. “Our Scotland is the better for your coming home. And God and his Blessed Mother bless your good queen with many sons,” Mab concluded, curtsying to the royal pair.
Joan Beaufort took Mab’s hands in her own. “Thank you,” she said. “Watch over my beloved friend, Mab.” Then, releasing the hands in hers, the queen turned and left the hall, her husband and her hosts walking with her. Her padded cart was before the house. Kier helped the queen into it, then set the basket of food next to her. Reaching out, Joan Beaufort caught the laird’s sleeve. “Treat her well,” she saidquietly. “She will love you in time, I believe.” And the queen smiled at him.
The laird’s face was grave, but his voice was gentle when he replied, “How is it that one so young and fair understands so well?” Kier asked her.
The queen laughed. “You are not really too difficult to comprehend, my lord. You and Ce-ce are very alike in many ways. And remember, she and I grew up together. Be patient. I can see that you are beginning to love her.”
Kier Douglas flushed. “I don’t even like her,” he said stubbornly.
The queen laughed again. “My lord, you are a poor liar. I will pray that both you and Ce-ce gain some sense where your marriage is concerned.” She held out her hand to him and he dutifully kissed it.
Cicely had bidden the king farewell, remembering to thank him for returning her dower to her husband. Then she hurried to the cart where the queen was now settled. “I will miss you,” she said. “It has been so good being with you again. I will write, I promise, Jo. And perhaps you will come into the borders again to visit us.”
“Be good to your man, Ce-ce,” the queen advised her. “Love him, and tell him so. Men need such reassurance more than we do. I never let a day go by that I do not tell Jamie that I care for him.”
“We shall see, Jo,” Cicely said candidly.
Then the royal party rode off from Glengorm, the queen waving from her cart.
