Lindsey beamed at the queen’s compliment.
“But his sons never accompanied him,” Marycontinued.“Do they favor Douglas, or their mother?”
“They are all so different,” Lindsey said,seeing her brothers in her mind’s eye.“Murray is the eldest and, Isuppose, the most like Father.He is the first to take up his swordin any battle, and the last to lay it down.He sees himself as theprotector of the clan.He is quick-tempered and tends to hold agrudge longer than the rest.But though he is a fierce warrior,there is also a gentle side to Murray.I know that he would laydown his life for us.”
“Those are the qualities I would wish for myson,” Mary said softly.The queen finished her meal in silence,then signaled Mistress Macnab to bring the tray of sweets.
As she bit into a tart she said, “Tell meabout the others.”
“After Murray, there is Donald.”Lindsey’seyes danced—with merriment.“Donald is the tallest of my brothers.His hair is darker, as is his mood at times.Especially if he hasnot found a lass to challenge him in many a day.”
Lord Darnley looked up from his ale.“Heloves the lasses, does he?”
“Aye.”Lindsey dimpled.“And the lasses lovehim.It seems no matter where he goes, a female falls for hischarm.”She sobered.“But there is more to Donald than his looks.He converses well with men.He is a natural leader.And he isskilled with weapons, especially the sword.”
Mary touched a hand to her stomach andmurmured, “I wish these things also for my son.”
She looked up to find Darnley glowering ather.“The child is mine as well as yours, madame.I assure you, hewill have all those attributes.”
Mary pushed away from the table.Darnley,taken by surprise, lumbered to his feet and offered his arm.As thequeen walked by his side she said, “We will retire to thewithdrawing room, where it is warmer.”To Fergus, who hovered nearthe table, she called, “Bring the wine, Fergus.And somesweets.”
“Aye, Majesty.”The old man bowed.
“And Jamie,” Mary called over her shoulder,“bring Lady Lindsey along.I would hear more about her family.”
“Aye, Majesty.”
As Lindsey arose and placed her hand onJamie’s arm, she fought back the frustration that welled withinher.The hour grew late.And she yearned to begin her journey toEdinburgh.But the queen’s wish was truly a command.She had nochoice but to comply.
“You seem impatient, my lady.Was theresomething you wished to do this night?”
Lindsey cast a sideways glance and frowned.“Nay, my lord.What would I possibly be planning in this lonelyplace?”
“What indeed?”Placing his hand overLindsey’s, he followed the queen and her husband from therefectory.
On a chaise positioned in front of the fire,the queen settled herself comfortably beneath a lap robe.Ferguspoured wine and placed a tray of sweets on a low table beside thequeen’s chaise.
“Now, Lindsey,” the queen said, nibbling aconfection, “tell me about the rest of your family.”
Jamie leaned back, allowing himself to relaxfor the moment.As long as Lindsey entertained the queen, he neednot worry.If only he could keep them talking all night.
“There is Robbie,” Lindsey said softly.“Hishair is fair, as is his nature.He is our dreamer and poet.”
“A poet.”Mary clapped her hands.“Oh, ifonly he were here to recite his pretty words.”
“He would be honored, Majesty.”Lindsey gavea dreamy smile.“All his life our Rob has loved books and letters.He busies himself with my father’s ledgers, keeping accounts of allin the clan.And when his work is done, he paints beautifulpictures with his words.”
The queen ran a hand lovingly over herswollen body and murmured, “I would wish that gift for my son.”Shelooked up suddenly.“Is there not one more brother?”
“Aye.Neal.”Lindsey’s features softened.“Heis the youngest.He is already as tall as Donald, but soon will beeven taller.Each day I see him leaving more of his childhoodbehind as he slips on the mantle of manhood.”She paused for amoment, seeing her youngest brother as clearly as if he wasstanding before her.“Neal has mastered most weapons, although hisstrongest skill is with the longbow.He is shy and sweet, morecomfortable around animals than people.He loves caring for thehorses, and had hoped to meet your stable master, Majesty, when wereached Holyrood.His disappointment must have been great when hefound his plans thwarted.”
The queen turned to study the lass who hadsuddenly gone silent.
“I can see why you miss them.”
“Aye.”Lindsey blinked back a tear andstruggled with overwhelming feelings of loneliness.
“Your family has been much blessed,” Marysaid softly.“I would wish all of those qualities you describe formy own son.”
