Very deliberately Jamie took a step back,then another.The need for her still pulsed.The desire to take herstill tugged at him.
“Consider this a warning, my lady.It wouldseem I have found the ideal way to silence your taunts.”
“It is as I already knew, Jamie MacDonald.”She turned away and prayed she would not stumble.“You haverevealed yourself as the bully I thought you to be.”
On trembling legs she made her way to camp.As she rolled herself into her cloak, she struggled with a rush oftroubling feelings.How had she gone from battle to surrender inthe blink of an eye?What magic did this man use?
Under the cover of darkness Jamie pulled onhis shirt and tunic and thought about what had happened.Damn thewoman.How was he going to continue avoiding her, when the need forher was becoming an obsession?
Chapter Ten
The sun was barelyup when Jamie signaled that they should break camp for another day.This morning he seemed even more abrupt than usual.He carefullyavoided Lindsey and he spoke only when necessary as he went abouthis chores.When he saw Ian helping Lindsey into her saddle, heturned away so quickly he nearly jostled Douglas Gordon, who wasstanding beside him.
The older man watched as Jamie pulled himselfinto the saddle and set out at a fast clip.He did not know whathad transpired between Jamie MacDonald and his daughter last night,but he had seen the fire in her eyes as she had exited the circleof firelight.
Douglas smiled to himself.He had oftensampled his daughter’s temper through the years.She could lay aman flat with but a few well-chosen words.Still, he wondered ifeven Lindsey could get the better of Jamie MacDonald.The man hadfire enough for a dozen men.And his temper had been building formany miles.
As he mounted, Douglas swallowed a chuckle.He would have enjoyed seeing his daughter spar with the HeartlessMacDonald.Aye.He would have enjoyed it immensely.The two wereevenly matched.Still, there seemed something more than angerbetween them.He had seen it several times in the way the ladwatched her when she talked and laughed with her brothers; in theway she studied Jamie when she thought no one was looking.Lindsey’s gaze followed Jamie’s mount as it disappeared into theforest mist, her eyes narrowed in thought.There was a softnessaround her mouth.Aye.There was indeed something more than angerbetween them.
With a few sharp words, the old man senttheir company racing to catch up with the fast pace set by theirleader.In a weary gesture he pressed a hand to his back.He wouldbe grateful when they reached their goal.The years were beginningto take their toll.
* * *
It was nearly dusk when their weary partyrode through the spotless streets of Edinburgh.Lindsey and herbrothers swiveled their heads, craning their necks to drink in allthe strange new sights and sounds.So many people and animalscrowded together on the streets.So many lovely buildings, toweringone above the other.
Vendors in wagons and carts clattered alongthe wide, clean streets, on their way home from Lawnmarket.InMarket Cross the crowds were thinner, as men and women hurried hometo prepare their supper.The crowds were dressed somberly,befitting the mood of the city since the advent of the austerechurchman, John Knox.Some said he held more power with the peoplethan the queen.It was no secret that Knox despised the woman whowore the crown, branding her a harlot.
Their silent party rode past the grand housesand gardens of Canongate.Towering above the rooftops of the greatstone houses were the towers and battlements of Holyroodhouse, thestone fortress that was home to the queen.
Lindsey glanced at her youngest brother,Neal.He fairly twitched with anticipation.As did Robbie, whoseface was wreathed with smiles.Murray looked stunned by the assaultof sound and color, Donald bemused by the sight of dozens of youngwomen in every manner of dress.Lindsey shared the emotions of allher brothers.This world was so new and wonderful.And soon theywould be in the presence of the queen.
Jamie drew to a halt before a comfortable innand handed his reins to a waiting groom.
“It is too late this night to presentourselves at Holyrood,” he said wearily.“I will secure rooms forus here until the morrow.”
Lindsey felt a wave of regret.She had waitedso long.Another night would seem like an eternity.
Following the innkeeper, she watched as herfather and brothers were given a large suite of rooms on the secondfloor.Across the hall a cluster of rooms was assigned to the menwho accompanied them.Lindsey’s feeling of regret deepened.Beingthe only woman in their party, she would most probably be assignedto an upper floor, sequestered from the others for her ownprotection.
From his position beside her, Jamie swallowedhis smile.Lindsey’s every mood was easy to read.The lass’semotions were evident on her face.It was clear that she wasexpecting nothing more than a cheerless room with a hard bed and apitcher of cold water.
Wearily Lindsey followed Jamie and theinnkeeper down a long hall and halted in front of another suite ofrooms.Once inside, her regret turned to pleasure.In the sleepingchamber, the large feather bed was ringed by sheer curtains.Through the balcony windows drifted the muted sounds of the city.In the adjoining sitting chamber, an inviting chaise was drawn upbefore a roaring fire, and set up before the fireplace was a tub ofsteaming water.Beside the tub was a young maidservant waiting toassist her guest.
“Is this acceptable, my lord?”the innkeeperasked Jamie.
Jamie turned to Lindsey.“Does it meet withyour approval, my lady?”
“Oh.Aye.”Her smile grew as she realizedthat Jamie had thoughtfully made these arrangements.
How could he know what it meant to her tolook her best for her first meeting with Queen Mary?Because ofJamie’s kindness, she would have a chance to wash away the grime oftheir long journey.And in the morning, rested and renewed, shewould finally be presented to the queen, wearing her finestgown.
“When you have had a chance to refreshyourself,” the innkeeper said, “there will be a meal awaiting youbelow stairs, my lady.”
“Thank you.”Lindsey’s gaze moved beyond theinnkeeper to where Jamie stood watching her.“Thank you very much.You are most kind.”
With a nod, Jamie turned and left, followedby the innkeeper.
With a sigh of pleasure Lindsey gave herselfover to the servant, who assisted her in removing her clothes.Shesank into the perfumed water and luxuriated in the maid’sministrations.
