Chapter 59
Elspet Balfour
WHERE THE WIDE GREY EXPANSE of the Moray Firth meets the lift on the horizon, there’s a line of shadow below a line of light, stretching across the whole panorama. Elspet traces the thin lines from south to north with her eyes, thinking of her home, the islands across the sea.
She’s standing at the window of Lady Jean’s sitting room in Dunrobin Castle.
Soon she’ll travel even further north. The sea will take her to Orkneyjar, home to Gillie and Broden.
She thanks God for bringing her through this impossible adventure and savours the prospect of reunion, a delicious excitement welling at the thought of holding them once more.
She turns to look at Queen Anna, who sits next to the roaring fire, feeding her daughter from her breast. The Queen gazes at her bairn’s plump pink face with unbridled adoration, and Elspet allows herself a moment of pleasure looking at them, a moment of believing things will be well.
The memory of Kitty’s death is still fresh. She kens it will never leave her, and neither should it.
But her son lives on as Prince Henry, safe in Stirling.
Whether they’ve done the right thing or not, Elspet can’t say.
Who knows what role the bairn will play – whether he’ll show the fire and determination of his mother or the charm and ruthless cunning of his father.
Maybe neither, maybe he’ll be shaped by the fear and suspicion of the King of Scotland.
Queen Anna smiles as Elspet takes the chair next to them, the taffeta of Lady Alvah’s gown rustling. ‘How do you feel, Your Majesty?’
‘Well, Mistress Balfour, very well indeed.’
Elspet takes a deep breath. ‘I am keen to return to my homeland, if you would grant me your permission, and your protection.’
‘Of course,’ Queen Anna says, tearing her gaze from her daughter to meet Elspet’s. ‘I didn’t understand what I asked of you before, you know. But I see now, it was unforgiveable to take you from your own children. You must go to them.’
Tears swim in Elspet’s eyes as the Queen goes on.
‘Now the King has granted me some powers in Orkney, I can influence the Earl. I have written to him saying I consider you to be under my personal protection – and I will send two of my most loyal men to accompany you home. Their task is to see you safely delivered to your family and stay as long as necessary to be assured of your security.’
‘Thank you.’
‘You mustn’t thank me,’ the Queen says. ‘My debt to you is so great, I will never be able to repay it. But I will try.’
Behind them, the door opens and a commanding voice echoes around the room. ‘So you managed it, then? Of course, I never doubted you would.’
Elspet rises from her chair and rushes forward. Before she’s had time to wonder if it’s the right thing to do, she’s embracing Lady Jean Gordon and feeling the warmth of her greeting returned.
‘Sorry I wasn’t here for your arrival,’ Jean says. ‘I came from Crackaig as soon as I heard. It is good to see you – my ward.’ She holds Elspet at arm’s length and looks into her face. ‘You have done well.’
‘Indeed she has,’ the Queen says from her chair.
Lady Jean turns to her. ‘And this must be the Queen of Scotland herself. Welcome to Dunrobin.’
‘Thank you,’ Queen Anna says, ‘for everything you have done to help me and my ladies. I am grateful.’
Lady Jean waves away the Queen’s thanks. ‘It’s been the best sport I’ve had for years.’
‘Forgive me for staying seated,’ the Queen says. ‘This baby is so hungry, I fear she’d feed all day.’
Lady Jean steps forward to get a better look at the bairn. ‘What a bonny baby. What have you decided to name the child?’
‘Sophia,’ the Queen says quickly. ‘After my mother. But she also has a middle name.’
‘Oh?’ Jean asks.
‘Kitty,’ Queen Anna says. ‘Her name is Sophia Kitty.’
Elspet looks at the lass’s pink cheeks and feels her eyes filling with tears.
‘A nice thought,’ Jean says, ‘if a little sentimental.’ Then she turns to Elspet with a frown. ‘And I understand from Beatrix you discovered it was Bothwell who’s been menacing the kirkyards of Sutherland with these gatherings, that he was the dreadful Jamie Bogge.’
‘He was,’ Elspet says. ‘When he was imprisoned for witchcraft and became an outlaw, he needed funds and support from the people. He was known as a witch, so he believed he had no choice but to become one. It was exactly as you said – the more we hear of the powers witches wield over ordinary men and women, the greater the fascination with them becomes.’
Jean looks at her. ‘Well, I’m glad you discovered my husband was not responsible, in the end.’
‘What?’ Elspet says, her eyes flying to the countess’s face. ‘You knew of our suspicions?’
‘Of course I knew,’ Jean says. ‘You and Beatrix sneaking around my castle at night – not that I blame you really. My husband is a troubled man, as you’ve seen.’
‘I’m so sorry,’ Elspet says. ‘May I ask what happened to him?’
‘He had a terrible childhood,’ Jean says sadly. ‘I believe that’s where it all stems from. He witnessed his father and stepmother poisoned, you know, and he was supposed to die that day too. He relives it over and over again. Sometimes the only way to bring him peace is to drug him into sleep.’
‘But the poppets?’ Elspet says. ‘The strange figures on his bed?’
‘They bring him comfort.’ Jean shrugs. ‘Who are we to judge?’
Elspet takes this in. They had suspected the Earl of Sutherland of the most appalling things. ‘I feel terrible, after everything you did to help me.’
Jean looks at her. ‘I see I could have trusted you with the truth. Perhaps you could even help in his treatment?’
Elspet considers this. ‘I saw some goatsbeard down by the river, that makes an excellent tea, and perhaps some catslove – I think you have some in the garden, small pink and white flowers, sweetly scented?’
‘You will show me where this afternoon.’
Elspet smiles. ‘I do have one last thing to ask of you, Lady Jean.’
‘Your demands are never-ending,’ Jean says, the twinkle in her eye again.
‘There is a man who would very much like to see your gardens – learn more about the properties of the plants you grow here,’ Elspet says. ‘I wondered if you might invite him to come and stay.’
The Queen smiles. ‘Oh yes, Martin Schoner.’
‘The King’s physician?’ Jean says sceptically. ‘I heard he was a pompous oaf.’
‘He’s my physician now,’ the Queen says, ‘and he may be a pompous oaf, but I’ve grown fond of him.’
‘Well, then, we must have him to stay for the hunts next year,’ Jean says before turning to the Queen.
‘Now, you and Sophia Kitty may stay here at Dunrobin for as long as you require with my full protection. I understand I may be losing a ward shortly, so it’s time I had a new one.
Lady Sophia Gordon has a lovely ring to it.
There will be times you’re needed at court, and I’d be happy to care for the wee one here, away from any prying eyes. ’
‘You are kind,’ Queen Anna says, reaching out a hand to Jean, who takes it briefly before settling down in her own chair and getting out her pipe. The Queen looks so shocked, Elspet fears she might change her mind and insist they leave at once, but then her shock turns to a laugh.
‘There is one important question,’ Lady Jean says, looking at the Queen, ‘if you’re going to be spending so much time here at Dunrobin.’
‘What’s that?’ Queen Anna asks.
Lady Jean fixes the Queen with a look of great seriousness. ‘How are you at pruning cherry trees?’