Chapter 14 #2
Campbell. Tell me how my barbarian fares.”
Jamie chose his words carefully. “When last I
saw him, Brice was surrounded by his family and those who love
him.”
“Were his wounds healing?”
“He was so recently wounded, it was difficult
to determine, Majesty.” Seeing the quick look of fear that darted
into her eyes, he added, “But Brice Campbell is the strongest man I
know. He has been wounded before, and has recovered.” His hand
closed around the stem of his goblet as he said sternly, “If love
alone could heal him, he would already be recovered. For I have
never 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 grew
silent. Then, suddenly looking up, she turned to Lindsey. “Tell me
about your family. I know your father, of course, for he has many
times served at court. Douglas is a fine man and a favorite of many
at court.”
Lindsey beamed at the queen’s compliment.
“But his sons never accompanied him,” Mary
continued. “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, I
suppose, the most like Father. He is the first to take up his sword
in any battle, and the last to lay it down. He sees himself as the
protector of the clan. He is quick-tempered and tends to hold a
grudge longer than the rest. But though he is a fierce warrior,
there is also a gentle side to Murray. I know that he would lay
down his life for us.”
“Those are the qualities I would wish for my
son,” 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 me
about the others.”
“After Murray, there is Donald.” Lindsey’s
eyes danced—with merriment. “Donald is the tallest of my brothers.
His hair is darker, as is his mood at times. Especially if he has
not found a lass to challenge him in many a day.”
Lord Darnley looked up from his ale. “He
loves the lasses, does he?”
“Aye.” Lindsey dimpled. “And the lasses love
him. It seems no matter where he goes, a female falls for his
charm.” She sobered. “But there is more to Donald than his looks.
He converses well with men. He is a natural leader. And he is
skilled with weapons, especially the sword.”
Mary touched a hand to her stomach and
murmured, “I wish these things also for my son.”
She looked up to find Darnley glowering at
her. “The child is mine as well as yours, madame. I assure you, he
will have all those attributes.”
Mary pushed away from the table. Darnley,
taken by surprise, lumbered to his feet and offered his arm. As the
queen walked by his side she said, “We will retire to the
withdrawing room, where it is warmer.” To Fergus, who hovered near
the table, she called, “Bring the wine, Fergus. And some
sweets.”
“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 on
Jamie’s arm, she fought back the frustration that welled within
her. The hour grew late. And she yearned to begin her journey to
Edinburgh. But the queen’s wish was truly a command. She had no
choice but to comply.
“You seem impatient, my lady. Was there
something you wished to do this night?”
Lindsey cast a sideways glance and frowned.
“Nay, my lord. What would I possibly be planning in this lonely
place?”
“What indeed?” Placing his hand over
Lindsey’s, he followed the queen and her husband from the
refectory.
On a chaise positioned in front of the fire,
the queen settled herself comfortably beneath a lap robe. Fergus
poured wine and placed a tray of sweets on a low table beside the
queen’s chaise.
“Now, Lindsey,” the queen said, nibbling a
confection, “tell me about the rest of your family.”
Jamie leaned back, allowing himself to relax
for the moment. As long as Lindsey entertained the queen, he need
not worry. If only he could keep them talking all night.
“There is Robbie,” Lindsey said softly. “His
hair is fair, as is his nature. He is our dreamer and poet.”
“A poet.” Mary clapped her hands. “Oh, if
only he were here to recite his pretty words.”
“He would be honored, Majesty.” Lindsey gave
a dreamy smile. “All his life our Rob has loved books and letters.
He busies himself with my father’s ledgers, keeping accounts of all
in the clan. And when his work is done, he paints beautiful
pictures with his words.”
The queen ran a hand lovingly over her
swollen body and murmured, “I would wish that gift for my son.” She
looked up suddenly. “Is there not one more brother?”
“Aye. Neal.” Lindsey’s features softened. “He
is the youngest. He is already as tall as Donald, but soon will be
even taller. Each day I see him leaving more of his childhood
behind as he slips on the mantle of manhood.” She paused for a
moment, seeing her youngest brother as clearly as if he was
standing before her. “Neal has mastered most weapons, although his
strongest skill is with the longbow. He is shy and sweet, more
comfortable around animals than people. He loves caring for the
horses, and had hoped to meet your stable master, Majesty, when we
reached Holyrood. His disappointment must have been great when he
found his plans thwarted.”
The queen turned to study the lass who had
suddenly gone silent.
“I can see why you miss them.”
“Aye.” Lindsey blinked back a tear and
struggled with overwhelming feelings of loneliness.
“Your family has been much blessed,” Mary
said softly. “I would wish all of those qualities you describe for
my own son.”
Jamie smiled gently. “He would have to be
godlike to possess all the qualities Lady Lindsey has just
described in all her brothers.”
Lindsey’s sadness lifted as she broke into a
smile. “Aye, Majesty. And you must remember that I am seeing my
brothers from a distance. When I am with them, I yearn for the
chance to be rid of them.”
They shared a laugh.
Mary turned to Jamie. “You have met Douglas
Gordon’s sons, my friend. What say you? Has the lady described them
honestly?”
“Aye, Majesty. ’Twas an accurate description.
But she failed to mention the chorus of voices. When the entire
Gordon clan discourses, it can become a bit overwhelming.”
“Is this so?”
Lindsey joined in his laughter. “Aye,
Majesty. It is true. We never speak if we can shout. And if three
or more can shout at one time, we are even happier.”
The queen placed her hand below her heart.
“This I do not wish for my son.”
They all burst into gales of laughter.
From his position beside the fireplace, Jamie
watched the queen with a feeling of relief. He had never seen her
so relaxed. Or so radiant.
“Are there any musicians in your family?”
Mary asked.
“Robbie plays the lute. I was forced to learn
the virginal.”
“How wonderful.” The queen clapped her hands.
“You must play for us.” She pointed to the small, rectangular
instrument that rested atop a table in the corner of the room.
“Jamie, bring the virginal to Lindsey.”
As he placed the instrument across Lindsey’s
lap, she cautioned, “I much preferred learning the use of weapons
to playing music. But my father insisted that I must learn to play
this as well as my mother once did.”
Positioning her fingers on the keyboard
Lindsey began to play a hauntingly beautiful melody.
The queen was enthralled. Jamie was
pleasantly surprised. Even the musicians at court had not played as
well. As the last notes of the music faded, the queen clapped her
hands and demanded another song.
Jamie glanced at the chair where Lord Darnley
was seated. His head had fallen back against the upholstery. His
mouth had gone slack. The empty tankard lay beside his elbow.
Jamie gave a sigh of relief. There would be
one less to worry about this night. Darnley would sleep until
morning.
Now there would be only Lindsey to watch and
he had no intention of letting her out of his sight.
The woman who dominated his thoughts was busy
making plans of her own. Before this night was over, she intended
to be free of her prison.