Lindsey blushed.“Forgive me, Majesty.It isjust that I worry about my father.”
“As, I am certain he worries about you.Butit is no more than any father worries about his daughter.”
“Nay, Majesty.It is much more.You see, mymother died when I was very young.And my father promised her thathe would keep me close.”
“You are no longer a child.”
“But in my father’s eyes I will always bethat hurt child....”
Lindsey’s voice trailed off as she realizedwhat she had just said.And though the queen seemed not to notice,Jamie turned to study her very carefully.She felt his gaze fullyupon her and looked away.
What had she almost said?Jamie mused.Therewas much about herself she was loath to reveal.He suspected it hadsomething to do with the limp that was noticeable only when shebecame overtired.Whatever it was, he would discover it in time.Hewould watch and listen.And one day, he vowed, he would know allthere was to know about this obstinate little female.
“Dinner is ready, Majesty,” Fergus announcedin a clear voice.
Mary stood and waited until Lord Darnleyapproached.Placing her hand on his arm she led the way to therefectory.
“My lady?”Jamie offered his arm.
Lindsey kept her gaze averted as she placedher hand on Jamie’s sleeve and moved along at his side.“You aregood for Mary,” he whispered.
“In what way, my lord?”
“She can talk with you about womanly things.These are not things the queen could share with me, or even withher husband.But with you she is at ease.”
He bent close and his breath feathered thehair at her temple, sending a flurry of tremors along her spine.“Stay close to her, my lady, and be her friend.”
At his words Lindsey felt a pang of guilt.Ifhe but knew what she planned.How unfair it was that she shouldhave to choose between her father and her queen.By the time shetook her place at the table, the spots of color on Lindsey’s cheekshad deepened.
As before, Fergus entered the room carrying adomed silver serving tray.When Mistress Macnab lifted the lid, theroast was presented for the queen’s pleasure.
“Ah, Mistress Macnab.Mutton.It appears tobe roasted to perfection.You may serve us.”
“Thank you, Majesty.”
The roast was carved and served, along withbread still warm from the oven.
Sabina filled their goblets with ale, thenplaced the decanter in front of Lord Darnley’s plate and hastilyretreated.
“It is cold in here, Fergus,” the queen saidpetulantly.Immediately a lap robe was brought for her comfort, andFergus added another log to the already blazing fire.
“I miss my Maries,” the queen said with asigh.“It is lonely here without their laughter.”
“You have me,” Darnley sneered.
“Aye.So I have.”
“There was a time,” Darnley said, taking along draft of ale, “when that would have been more than enough toplease you.”
Mary sensed that he was goading her into anargument.Turning to Jamie she said, “Speak to me of BriceCampbell.Tell me how my barbarian fares.”
Jamie chose his words carefully.“When last Isaw him, Brice was surrounded by his family and those who lovehim.”
“Were his wounds healing?”
“He was so recently wounded, it was difficultto determine, Majesty.”Seeing the quick look of fear that dartedinto her eyes, he added, “But Brice Campbell is the strongest man Iknow.He has been wounded before, and has recovered.”His handclosed around the stem of his goblet as he said sternly, “If lovealone could heal him, he would already be recovered.For I havenever known any man to be so beloved by his family.”
Mary placed a hand below her heart.“Family.It is what I have always prayed for.”For long moments she grewsilent.Then, suddenly looking up, she turned to Lindsey.“Tell meabout your family.I know your father, of course, for he has manytimes served at court.Douglas is a fine man and a favorite of manyat court.”
