An hour later, her hair freshly washed andarranged, and wearing a neatly pressed gown from her trunk, sheentered a small dining alcove below stairs where her father and theothers awaited her.
A fire crackled in the fireplace.The men,goblets in hand, seemed relaxed and cheerful to have their longjourney at an end.
Jamie, who stood beside the fireplace, wasdeep in conversation with Douglas Gordon.The two glanced up asLindsey entered.Douglas excused himself and crossed the room totake his daughter’s hand.Jamie remained at the fireplace, one handresting atop the mantel, the other holding a goblet.At the sightthat greeted him, his hand tightened around the stem.
Lindsey’s gown was emerald satin, with ajeweled bodice that molded her firm young breasts, then fell insoft folds to the tips of her kid slippers.A necklace of emeraldsand diamonds adorned her throat, the gleaming stones catching andreflecting the light of the candles.At her lobes were matchingearrings.Her waist-length hair was held away from her face withjeweled combs.
This was a far cry from the lass who foughtlike a man and who rolled herself into a rough cloak to sleep alongthe forest trails.This woman, Jamie knew, would put the wealthy,titled women at court to shame.And the peacocks who surrounded thequeen would all fight for her attention.
He watched as Ian MacPherson pushed past herbrothers to catch Lindsey’s hand.
“My lady.You light this room with yourradiance.”
Lindsey smiled sweetly at his compliment.Butas he bowed over her hand, she gazed beyond him to where Jamiestood alone.For one long moment their gazes met and held.Heinclined his head slightly.She felt her cheeks redden.
As she crossed the room on her father’s arm,Jamie signaled to a serving wench, who brought him another goblet.When Lindsey approached, he offered it.
“Ale, my lady?”
She flushed as their fingers brushed.Liftingthe goblet to her lips, she drank and felt the warmth slowly heather blood.Or was it the nearness of this man?She could no longerbe certain.
She had never seen him look so handsome.Indeference to the sophistication of the city, he had put away therough garb of the Highlander.His shirt and tunic were tailored tofit his wide shoulders and narrow waist.Fine breeches molded hiships and thighs, and his boots were of the softest leather.Histhick, shaggy hair had been shorn and he was clean shaven,revealing fine, even teeth and a proud, rugged countenance thatheld her gaze even when she wanted to turn away.
“Let us sup,” Murray grumbled.“For too longI have been forced to eat venison and dried biscuits.”He placed ahand on his stomach.“Tonight I desire my fill of ale and mutton,and every manner of sweets.”
“Then you shall have it.”Jamie turned,deferring to Douglas Gordon.“Will you lead the way, sir?”
The older man offered his arm to his daughterand the others followed them to a table covered with fine linen andchina and aglow with candles.
Douglas sat at the head, with Lindsey at hisright.Ian MacPherson snared the seat beside Lindsey.Her brothersand men of their clan scattered themselves around the table.Jamietook the chair across from Lindsey, on Douglas Gordon’s left.As hesat, he saw Ian lean close to whisper in Lindsey’s ear and beratedhimself for the twinge of anger that caught him by surprise.Jealousy?Aye.This time he could not deny the feeling.He wouldnot allow himself to dwell upon it.If the lady favored IanMacPherson, there was nothing to be done about it.
Jamie nodded to the innkeeper, who orderedthe servants to begin.Several serving wenches scurried into theroom, carrying steaming trays of food.
In no time the table and sideboard groanedunder the weight of trays of partridge, pheasant, mutton and wholefish.
As they filled their plates Neal asked Jamie,“Have you been to Edinburgh often, my lord?”
“Often enough to know that I much prefer lifein the Highlands.”
Donald’s head came up.“Father said you areacquainted with the noble men and women at court.”
“Aye.”
A slow smile spread across Donald’s face.“Could you, perhaps, point out one or two ladies who are not spokenfor?”
“Not spoken for?”Robbie scoffed.“Since whenhas it mattered to you whether or not a female is betrothed, oreven wed?”
“Can I help it if women throw themselves atmy feet?”Donald shot back.“How many times have I tried to remindthem of their duties to their husbands?Alas, they seem to forgeteven their solemn vows when in my presence.”
While the others groaned Ian MacPhersonleaned across the table and said in a low voice, “A man after myown heart.Have no fear, lad.I will find you a willing wench.”
The exchange had not been lost on Douglas,who glowered at his son.
Neal glanced at Jamie and spoke haltingly.“’Tis not women I would care to meet, my lord.It is the queen’sstable master.”
“And why is that?”Jamie asked.
The lad stared at the table linen, too shy toexplain.
