“He is standing right behind you, Lara. I would not want to celebrate or gloat until he leaves.”
She turned slowly and jumped when she discovered the man was truly a few feet from where she stood. Once more she lifted her hand to her brow to bless herself, until she recognized what she was doing.
“My lady, I know the news will not engender any sense of loss to you, but I fear that my men and I must be about the king’s business,” the Douglas announced.
“Now, James?” She tried to keep the joy from her voice. If she spoke the truth, she would be much more comfortable once the Black Douglas was gone from here. And gone far away.
“Now, my lady.” He stepped closer and lifted her hand to his lips. “May I give your regards to the king when I see him next?” She noticed he did not release her hand.
“I have no doubt that you shall regale him with the story of our meeting, sir.”
“Just so, my lady. For now, until we meet again,enchanté.” He kissed her hand and then let it go.
“Merci, monsieur,”she answered…in the same courtly French. The same language the men had spoken in the hall when discussing their plans for taking the last remaining keeps holding out against the Bruce. Was this a trap?
“You see, Sebastien. Your lady is infinitely talented. She speaks the language of the court, in addition to Gaelic and,” he paused and looked at her directly when asking in that tongue, “English as well?”
“Yes, I speak all three and a smattering of Latin, although I do read it better than I speak or write it.”
Sebastien stepped closer to her. “It comes as no surprise to me, James. I have known for some time of her talents.”
Now she looked at him, for this seemed to be turning into a battle of words between the two men.
“Even before I met her, I knew of her vast education. She was, after all, the Maid of Lorne.” He smiled at her. “As the one who carries such a title, languages, writing and reading, and even the duties of chatelaine, were expected of her.”
“Well, Sebastien, now that we have established that your wife is a gifted woman, I must take my leave. The king and his business await.”
She answered his bow with a curtsy and waited while Sebastien escorted him to the gates. A few minutes later, her husband was back. She shivered from the uneasiness James caused in her.
“Is that a chill? The weather is exceptional today, but here now, let me help you with your cloak if you are cold.”
“I do not like that man,” she stated, shaking off his attempt to do so.
“I confess I have never heard him baiting someone as he did you. He’s used to having people simper around him.” Sebastien held out his arm and she laid hers on it, allowing him to guide her steps. “James is a simple man, truly. Only those who are a threat to Robert need fear him. Since he pledged himself to the Bruce, that is the overriding law of his life.”
Saying nothing would be better than attempting anything meaningful, so she nodded and followed his path.
“Are you not going to ask where we go?” Sebastien spoke in that deep and tempting tone that made her breathless.
“And would you tell me if I asked?” she asked.
“Nay, ’tis a surprise I’ve planned for us.”
“Then, my lord, lead on.”
The surprise was an afternoon away from the castle. Sebastien had two horses ready and they rode around the shoreline of the firth, exploring the beaches and even the caves where she’d played as a child and where Malcolm played more recently.
It was the first time since Sebastien’s arrival that she’d been permitted to ride, and she enjoyed every moment of it. They returned to the castle in time for the evening meal and it was one of the most pleasant she’d had in such a long time. With James gone, the tension was much diminished for her and, it would seem, for everyone in Dunstaffnage. Even Catriona was permitted to join them, and for a short time, Lara could forget her cares and worries.
Sebastien made love to her gently and silently that night and then simply held her within his embrace until they slept. It was at that moment when sleep came to claim her that she realized what was wrong with this perfect day.
It was the fifth day since her last visit with Eachann, and she had not gone to the church to meet him. She’d overheard the most significant information to give him since the day of Brander Pass, and she simply could not bring herself to do it.
How did you willingly betray someone you were falling in love with?
Chapter Fourteen
The next three days were just as exceptional, and everyone in Dunstaffnage scurried about trying to ready the castle, the keep and the outbuildings for the onslaught of the coming winter. Lara could also feel the growing tension within the soldiers, for they knew, as she did, that any battles would need to be fought before winter closed in. She simply was waiting for Sebastien to tell her that he was leaving soon to know that the plans were under way.
