“She seems to have that effect on other men,as well.”
Jamie clamped his mouth shut at the queen’sknowing look, and they all fell silent until they finished theirmeal.No one, it seemed, had much appetite for Mistress Macnab’sfine cooking.
“I would retire to the withdrawing room,” thequeen announced.
Taking Lord Darnley’s arm, she led the way,with Jamie and Lindsey following.
In the cozy room, Fergus stoked the fire,then offered goblets of wine before departing.
A moment later Mistress Macnab bowed her wayinto the room.
“Forgive the interruption, Majesty, but Ihave a message for Lord MacDonald.”
Jamie excused himself and followed thehousekeeper from the room.
Mary, resplendent in a scarlet gown, reclinedon a chaise pulled before the fire.Lindsey steeled herself againstthe queen’s anger, which she was certain would spill over at anymoment.
“My lord MacDonald was most solicitous whenyou were wounded, my lady.”Mary’s lips curved up in a hint of asmile.“Mistress Macnab informed me that he was like a wounded bearwhen he arrived at the castle with you in his arms.He shoutedorders to everyone before locking himself away with you in yourchambers.”
Lindsey felt the color rise to her cheeks.“He was very kind to me during my distress.”
“He was much more than kind.He behaved likea man possessed.He would not permit Mistress Macnab or her familyto tend to your needs.”
“But my clothes were...”Lindsey stopped,appalled at the thoughts that leaped to her mind.It was obviousthat she had been stripped of her torn and tattered stable boy’sclothes and dressed in a fine night shift.She had supposed thatMistress Macnab or Sabina had seen to such intimate care.
“Jamie insisted upon doing everythinghimself.And when I visited him in your sleeping chamber...”Marysaw the look of surprise on Lindsey’s face and said coyly, “Aye, Iwanted to see for myself how you were mending.”She fixed Lindseywith a narrow gaze.“Jamie looked to be the one who had engaged inbattle.His eyes were red-rimmed, his chin covered with stubble.Hehad not even bothered to dress himself.His only thought, my lady,was for your well-being.”
Lindsey wondered if the turmoil she felt atthe queen’s words could be seen in her eyes.“I am—grateful, ofcourse, for his concern.”
“Come here, Lindsey.Sit by my side.”
The queen patted the chaise.Lindseyhesitated, then hurried across the room to sit beside her.Maryseemed to be studying her very carefully.
“I have known Jamie MacDonald for many years.There are few men for whom I have such admiration.”Mary’s voicelowered, and she glanced to where Darnley stood, filling histankard.
“Jamie MacDonald is a rare breed.His loyaltyis absolute.His strength is boundless.His word is true.I haveseen many women at court vie for his attention.”
She smiled at the little frown line thatappeared between Lindsey’s brows.So, the lady was not as immune tohis charms as she would pretend.
“But his is not a fickle heart.His interestdoes not lie in silly flirtations or cheap liaisons.I have alwaysknown that once Jamie gave his heart to a woman, it would beforever.”
Lindsey lowered her head and said nothing.But the words the queen had just spoken had her mind awhirl.
She looked up when Jamie returned.Though hewas silent, there was an odd, satisfied look on his face.Lindseysaw him exchange glances with the queen.
A minute later Fergus Macnab entered with abow and announced, “Majesty, your guests have arrived.Shall Iannounce them?”
Guests?Lindsey was mystified.Had they notall gone to great lengths to see that no one knew where they were?Why then would the queen invite guests to Lochleven?
She turned toward the door with a puzzledfrown.
“Majesty,” Fergus said in his mostauthoritative tone, “may I present my lord Douglas Gordon and hissons Murray, Donald, Robert and Neal.And my lord IanMacPherson.”
It took Lindsey a full minute to comprehendwhat Fergus had just announced.As the truth dawned, she got to herfeet and brought her hands to her mouth.Bowing before their queenwere her father and brothers and Ian.All were clad in their finestbreeches and tunics, with their traveling cloaks still tossedrakishly over their shoulders.
They continued to kneel for several momentswhile the queen spoke in whispers to each of them.When at lastMary commanded them to rise, their beaming faces told Lindseyeverything she needed to know.
“Father.”With tears streaming down hercheeks, Lindsey launched herself into her father’s arms.
