“She is a clever lass, her plea showed that,” Elizabeth murmured. “God knows, her mother was most intelligent, and FitzGerald is sly as a fox.”
Cecil spoke up. “I advise we leave her be. I, too, think she is innocent. And if not, then let her work her business of treasonifthat is the case. FitzGerald is but a prisoner, Your Majesty, and as such, can do little harm. If she is guilty, the girl will lead us to any hornet’s nest that exists.” Cecil hardly blinked. He was counting on O’Neillto be far too clever to be caught just yet at the deadly game he now played.
Ormond groaned. Leicester stared at Cecil, unspeaking, and Cecil calmly met his gaze. Although Cecil did not care for Leicester, this time he knew they understood one another and were allied. Leicester for self-serving reasons, as he despised Ormond. Cecil because he wished to protect his country and his queen.
“You could,” Leicester said casually, “marry her to someone close to you, someone loyal, someone who would be able to spy upon her—and control her or use her if need be.”
Elizabeth twisted to stare directly at him. She did not smile. “If I had but two of you, Robin, I could marry her off to one of you.” Her gaze was diamond hard.
He smiled, white teeth flashing against his swarthy skin. “As I am but one man, ’twould break my heart, Elizabeth, were you to give me any bride.”
Elizabeth’s gaze was sharp upon his features. Finally she softened. “We have decided,” she announced. “We will combine all of the ideas aired here. The girl will remain unwed for now, for if we do decide to marry her off, it must be with great thought. She shall remain with Us here at court.” Elizabeth smiled. “As one of Our privy ladies. And We will give her some degree of freedom, allow her to visit her father, in the hope that We can uncover this hornet’s nest. And to make sure that We do not miss a single trick, We will give her a tiring woman of her own—who will spy upon her every movement and report back to Us each day.”
Everyone smiled. It was agreed. Katherine would become the queen’s lady-in-waiting in the hope that she would lead them to a nest of conspiracy and treason.
14
Liam was summoned to the queen, not at midnight, as he had been summoned before, but the following morning well before the noon meal. He had not expected a nocturnal audience. Not after seeing Leicester leaving the queen’s bedchamber after what had obviously been a private—and friendly—interview. Leicester was clearly back in the queen’s favor.
Liam was relieved.
Elizabeth greeted him in her withdrawing room, magnificently dressed, two of her ladies in attendance. The ladies were both married noblewomen, nevertheless, they simpered and smiled at Liam, blushing prettily, trying to hold his eye. He ignored their flirtacious efforts and Elizabeth shooed them away, scowling. She closed the door firmly and they were alone.
She smiled at him, but it was restrained. “’Twas most generous of you, Liam, to escort poor Katherine back to Londontown,” she said, withdrawing a sealed letter from her sleeve. “How distraught she must have been after such a fiasco with Hugh Barry.” Her gaze swept over him, more than thoroughly.
He smiled at her briefly, then sobered. “Katherine was not pleased.”
“But she is a strong woman, and much like Joan. Already moving forward, hoping that I will be generously disposed toward her and make her a good marriage.”
Liam tensed. “And will you be generous toward her, Bess?”
Elizabeth held his gaze. “Mayhap. You appear somewhat disturbed by the thought.”
He shrugged, unable to find a retort.
The queen stared. “Is she still unblemished—or have you lived up to your pirate’s reputation?”
“She is yet undamaged, Bess.”
Elizabeth arched her brow. “So your reputation is but a tall tale?”
His smile reappeared. And with it, the faintest of dimples. “The tallest of tales.”
Elizabeth understood. “Rogue!” Elizabeth’s own bantering ceased. “If she is yet a virgin, I imagine ’tis not through lack of effort on your part.”
“Did you not warn me to keep my lust in hand?”
“Yes, I did. But since when do you listen to me, Liam?”
“You are my queen. I am your ever-humble and obedient servant.” He inclined his head.
Elizabeth snorted. “Undoubtedly the girl resisted you, having far more common sense than I had thought her capable of. But then, as her plea did show, she is unusually intelligent. I was quite moved by her eloquence.”
“So you will honor her plea?”
“I have yet to decide what to do with her, but she is not for the likes of you in any case. You cannot have her, Liam.” Elizabeth stared at him unwaveringly.
He regarded her back as steadily. But within his chest, his heart sank. Her jealousy was hardly hidden, and it seethed about her, snakelike and venomous. He would have to find a way to bring Elizabeth to his cause.
