“It would appear so.Or mayhap he knew of thequeen’s plans and has been waiting for an opportunity to attack.See to the body, Justin.”
“Aye, my lord.And the animal?”
“He has comported himself admirably, Justin.He saved the lady’s life.See that a good portion of game is leftin a clearing for him each day.”
“Aye, my lord.”Justin smiled.“It will bedone.”
With great tenderness Jamie lifted Lindsey inhis arms and carried her to the castle.As he did, the houndwatched from his position beside the body of the stranger.When thecastle doors closed behind them, Wolf stood, then slowly walkedaway toward the safe cover of the forest.
* * *
Inside the castle, Genevieve and FergusMacnab cowered behind closed doors.The primitive shrieks that hadawakened them had filled them with terror.Now, as Jamie approachedcarrying his burden, Fergus threw wide the doors to admit him.
“My lord.”Mistress Macnab’s voice trembled.“What has happened?’’
“Lady Lindsey has been hurt.Bring hot waterto bathe her wounds and clean linen to bind them.”
“Aye, my lord.”
As Jamie climbed the stairs, the twoscrambled to prepare the necessary items.A few minutes later, whenthey entered Lindsey’s sleeping chamber, they found her lying inher bed, with Jamie kneeling beside her.
“Shall I bathe her wounds, my lord?”
“Nay.”Jamie took the basin of water fromMistress Macnab’s hands and bent to the task.
When the two continued to stand and watch,Jamie said abruptly, “Place the linens on the table, mistress, andleave us.”
The old woman was about to protest when herhusband placed a hand on her arm and shook his head.He had seenthe look in Jamie MacDonald’s eyes.It would not be wise to arguewith him while he was consumed with such blazing passion.
Without a word the two servants crept fromthe room.Jamie was not even aware that they had taken their leave.He was aware of but one thing.Lindsey was alive.And if he had totie her to her bed, he would keep her safe from further harm.
ChapterSixteen
“Mistress Macnabjust told me the news.”With a look of concern the queen rushedinto Lindsey’s sleeping chamber, followed by her dour husband, whofor once seemed as animated as his wife.“Has she awakenedyet?”
“Aye.”In deference to his monarch, Jamiescrambled from the chair beside Lindsey’s bed and got to hisfeet.
“Sit, my friend.”Mary came around the bedand touched a hand to his shoulder.Taking a long look at him sheadded, “You look more like the victim of an attack than thelass.”
At that Jamie managed to grin.“It is thatbad?”
“Aye.”
He ran a hand over the stubble on his chin.His eyes felt as if sand had been rubbed into them.“She put in afearful night.”
“Does she know where she is?”
“At times.At other times she fights herdemons.”
“Mistress Macnab complains that you will notallow her to aid you.”
“She is needed elsewhere.Lindsey is myresponsibility.”
Mary turned her gaze fully upon him.Her tonewas so low it seemed almost reverent.“So that is the way ofit?”
“Aye.”He stared at the figure lying so stillin the bed.A look of tenderness softened all his features.“And Ihad to nearly lose her before I would admit it.”
“I hope she is worthy of such feelings.”Thequeen squeezed his hand before turning toward the door.“I willinstruct Mistress Macnab to see that all your meals are brought toyou here.”
