Lindsey merely shook her head and pretendedto eat.It pleased her that she and Jamie shared a secret from theothers.She could not bear to share it with anyone else.She pushedher plate aside.For some strange reason, she had lost herappetite.
When they had broken their fast, the queensmiled at Neal.
“When my—stable master has my mount ready, Iwill ride.”
“Aye, Majesty.”Neal was on his feet at once.“I shall come to fetch you as soon as I have your horse groomed andsaddled.”
“I should like Lindsey to join us,” the queencalled.
Lindsey could not hide her pleasure.But shewas startled when Ian said, “Would I be too bold if I were to askto join you as well, Majesty?”
Mary turned.Seeing Ian’s boyish look ofeagerness, she could not resist.But when she caught sight ofJamie’s frown of displeasure, she nearly laughed aloud.So, thesetwo young stallions wanted the same mare.What fun it would be towatch them vie for the lady’s attention.Oh, she would enjoy thisday immensely.Life had become far more interesting since theirsmall band had grown larger.
“Aye, you are indeed bold, Ian MacPherson.”Mary’s haughty tones gave way to delighted laughter.“But I like aman who knows how to slip past protocol at times.Aye.You mayaccompany me on my ride.”
“I am most grateful, Majesty.”He made agrand bow and kept his head lowered until the queen swept pasthim.
“I will be in the withdrawing room.Come,Douglas,” Mary said, placing her hand on his arm.“I would speakwith you about several matters.”
“Aye, Majesty.”
Lindsey watched as her father and the queenexited the refectory.When she glanced at Lord Darnley, she saw hisbarely concealed look of fury at being excluded from his wife’scompany.
* * *
Lindsey descended the stairs wearing a ridinggown of emerald velvet and a matching green cloak lined withermine, which Mistress Macnab had found for her among thetrunks.
As he watched her, Jamie thought he had neverseen anyone so lovely.Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm for theride.On her lips was a smile of pure pleasure.
“Why do you not join us?”she askedJamie.
“I regret I cannot.Your father wishes tospeak to me about—several matters.”
“It is a pity that you must always attend tosuch dull matters when I,” she said with a laugh, “have everyintention of playing.”
It cheered him to see her so happy.But hissmile suddenly faded when Ian MacPherson appeared, wearing blackbreeches and a crimson cape flung rakishly over his shoulder.Ianheld the door for Lindsey, then bent to whisper something in herear.The sound of her laughter was like a knife twisting in Jamie’sheart.
He stood at the window and watched as thequeen and her party took off at an easy trot.Then he reluctantlyturned and went in search of Douglas Gordon, who awaited him in thelibrary.
* * *
The queen was in high spirits.She had beensequestered far too long.Now suddenly, she was free to ride thebeautifully manicured paths of Lochleven.And when she tired of thesafe trails, she could always venture into the surroundingwoods.
“Are you a skilled rider, Lindsey?”
“A fair one, Majesty.”
“Would you care to race me?”
Lindsey’s eyes crinkled.“Aye, Majesty.”
The queen pointed to the maze of hedges andformal plantings that surrounded the castle.“The first one throughthe maze wins.I will take Neal with me as a guide, and you willtake Ian.”
Lindsey nodded, her blood already heating atthe thought of a race.
“Beware Lindsey,” the queen said with asmile.“There are many paths in the maze, but only one leads backto the beginning.Your guide must make decisions in the blink of aneye.And, to make it more interesting, I think we should make awager.”
“Aye, Majesty.Name your price.”
