Highland Heart

  "When you and Neal went tiding with the queen."

  "Before I" -she swallowed and forced herself to go on "---came to your

  bed."

  "Aye. But it had nothing to do with"

  "And you did not tell me."

  "Lindsey, there was no time .... " "We have been together all night.

  And most of yesterday." Her voice rose to near hysteria.

  "And yet there was no time to tell me that you are sending me away."

  He crossed the room and opened his arms to her.

  "It is not like that.

  I am not sending you away. Your father tides to the Highlands to

  recruit an army for the queen. And I must remain here to see to her

  safety. "

  For a moment Lindsey was tempted to move into the circle of his arms

  where she would be warm and safe. But when she was in his arms she

  could not think. And she needed a clear head.

  "Then I will stay here with you."

  "If only you could." He lifted his hands to her in a pleading gesture

  and she took a tentative step toward his embrace.

  "But we are not formally betrothed. Such a thing would bring shame to

  your family."

  "Shame?" She pushed herself free of his arms.

  "You speak of shame?

  You, who took me from Edinburgh against my will? You, who took me to

  your bed, knowing you were sending me away on the morrow? "

  He caught her by the arm but she shook his hand away and stalked to the

  looking glass, where she crossed her arms beneath her breasts and

  stared at his reflection. Her voice was soft, little more than a

  whisper, as she fought back tears.

  "This is a cruel jest, my lord. But I suppose a man must take his

  pleasure when he can find it. And it is as you said. I am not

  subservient enough to please you. It is just as well this ends

  quickly, without----complications."

  He swore, loudly, savagely.

  "Lindsey, this was no jest. I love you.

  You must believe me. "

  "Aye. Just as I believed that a lass who could not run like other

  lasses would one day wed the leader of a proud clan." Tears shimmered

  in her eyes as she pushed past him and fled to her own sleeping

  chamber.

  "How long do you think it will take to raise up an army, Douglas?"

  The queen presided at the head of the table Douglas Gordon and his four

  sons sat on either side, along with Lord Darnley, whose red-rimmed eyes

  barely focused on his guests, and Ian MacPherson, who seemed extremely

  pleased with himself. Jamie stared at his food without seeing or

  tasting it.

  "I will call a council of Highland chiefs immediately, Majesty. As

  soon as the men can be armed and ready, we will return."

  "It is dangerous to tarry too long," Mary said.

  "My absence gives my enemies time to foment trouble. Already there are

  whispers and rumors, and the good citizens know not what to believe of

  their monarch."

  "When they see you return in triumph, Majesty, they will know that you

  did not desert them."

  "Aye. I pray it is soon."

  Mary looked up as Lindsey entered and noted the lass took her seat

  quickly beside her father. Though Jamie glanced at her, she did not

  look his way.

  "Ah, Lindsey. I regret that there will be no more wagers the queen

  said.

  "A pity I must lose both my riding companion and my young stable

  master?"

  Neal flushed with pleasure.

  "I was up early, Majesty, to see to your mare. She has been groomed

  and fed. Justin MacLeod will see to her care when I am gone."

  "When do we leave?" Lindsey asked her father.

  "As soon as you have eaten, lass."

  She pushed her plate aside.

  "I am not hungry. I would leave now."

  The queen glanced from Lindsey's proudly tilted head to Jamie, whose

  expressionless features could have been carved from stone.

  Standing, Mary waited for her husband to offer his arm. As the queen

  led the way from the room, Lindsey placed her hand on her father's arm.

  The others followed.

  They left the castle and walked to the water's edge. Jus tin MacLeod

  stood beside the boat that would take them across the loch. He bowed

  to the queen, who smiled before turning to Douglas Gordon.

  "God speed, old friend," she said as he kissed her hand. Douglas

  pressed her small hand between both of his.

  "Rest assured that I will succeed at the task you have as signed me,

  Majesty."

  She turned to Murray, Donald, Robbie and Neal.

  "You have been blessed with the finest of fathers. I could wish no

  more for my own child."

  Each of them kissed her hand, filled with pride at the praise heaped

  upon their father by their queen.

  Lindsey curtsied, then stood before the queen and lifted her chin.

  She had thought to plead with Mary to allow her to stay. But she had

  dismissed such a thing as childish. She would not beg. Nor would she

  show any emotion at leaving Jamie MacDonald. If it killed her she

  would not let him see what this cost her.

  "It was an honor to be with you in your time of need, Majesty."

  "God go with you, Lindsey. You take the gratitude of your queen with

  you." She leaned close and murmured, "As well as someone's heart."

  Lindsey's eyes widened and she turned for a moment to glance at Jamie,

  who stood a few steps behind the queen. His eyes were hooded, his face

  devoid of all expression.

  She could not speak. The lump in her throat threatened to choke her.

  Turning away, she felt blinded by the mist that blurred her vision.

  She was grateful to the boatman, who caught her hand and helped her

  clamber aboard.

  Ian MacPherson bowed low before the queen.

  "I will not fail you in my mission, Majesty."

  Jamie took a step forward.

  "What mission is this, Majesty

  "Ian has friends who are pledged to my safety. He will ride with the

  Gordons to the Highlands and enlist their aid."

  Jamie felt a sudden chill at her words.

  "I had thought Ian was brought here to bear arms in your cause,

  Majesty."

  "Aye. So he was. But if he can summon others, he is more valuable to

  me in the Highlands than languishing here. Especially since I am in

  your very capable hands. Do you not agree?"

  With every part of his being, Jamie sensed that Ian MacPherson was an

  evil that should not be unleashed. But he knew that it was his word

  against Ian' s. Despite the fact that he had hoped to keep Ian under

  his watchful eye until this thing was over, he held his silence.

  With a feeling of helpless rage, Jamie watched as Ian climbed aboard

  the vessel and took a seat beside Lindsey. Within minutes they were

  being ferried across the loch to where their horses had already been

  assembled.

  As the wind whipped the figures in the boat, Jamie saw Ian's arm close

  around Lindsey's shoulder to keep her cloak from blowing.

  Mary and Lord Darnley turned away and began to make their way to the

  castle. But Jamie could not leave. Even when the distant figures were

  no more than dark spots on the
horizon, he continued to stand by the

  water, his hands clenched, his heart heavy.

  Jamie and the queen returned from a ride through the maze. Mary'

  scheeks were a becoming shade of pink in the warm afternoon sun. As

  Jamie helped her from the saddle, Justin MacLeod leaped from his boat

  and came hurrying toward them.

  "Majesty, two men desire an audience with you."

  A look of alarm flew into the queen's eyes. Jamie's hand went to the

  sword at his side. Both turned to gaze at the figures on the far bank

  of the loch.

  "No one knows I am here. Who are these men?"

  "One of them said to tell you that he is your cousin, Lord Desmond

  Frazer, Majesty."

  "Describe this man."

  "He is tall, Majesty. Almost as tall as Lord Jamie MacDonald. And his

  hair and beard are very white. His voice-thunders, Majesty." Justin

  felt his face grow hot and hoped he had not offended the queen.

  Mary threw back her head and laughed.

  "Aye. You have just described Desmond perfectly. Fetch him to me at

  once."

  Justin bowed humbly, then returned to his boat. On shore, Jamie and

  the queen watched as the boat was ferried to the far side" where the

  two men were helped aboard. The boat then made its slow progress to

  the island.

  Desmond, followed by a stocky, shaggy-haired stranger, hurried to kneel

  before the queen.

  "Majesty," he said, kissing her outstretched hand, "forgive our

  tardiness, but it could not be helped."

  "Tardiness? I do not understand, Desmond," Mary said with a puzzled

  frown.

  "I was not expecting you."

  "Nay. But you were expecting my soldier."

  The queen's frown grew as she turned to study the man who stood behind

  her cousin. He wore the garb of a High lander, with saffron shirt and

  rough tunic. On his feet were brogues.

  His legs were bare. The man's arms and legs were corded with

  muscles.

  The scars of hundreds of skirmishes marked his face, his neck, his arms

  and legs. He was not a man against whom a sword would be lightly

  lifted. In his eyes gleamed the fire of a warrior.

  "You make no sense, Desmond. Pray tell me the name of this soldier I

  was expecting."

  Desmond, too, looked puzzled.

  "I thought you would be angry with me, Majesty, for making you wait so

  long for the services of my most trusted soldier. May I present Ian

  MacPherson."

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  As the warrior knelt before his queen, Mary's mouth dropped open in

  stunned surprise. Beside her, Jamie's heart plummeted.

  "You are Ian MacPherson?"

  "Aye, Majesty," the man said.

  "I was on my way here when I was attacked by a band of highwaymen. The

  scum left me for dead. If it were not for the kindness of a traveler

  who came upon me lying in my own blood, I would not hax/e survived."

  The queen turned to Jamie.

  "Then the man who possessed that scroll"

  "Was one of the band of highwaymen," Jamie finished.

  "And he is leading Douglas Gordon and his family into a trap." Jamie's

  mouth was a grim tight line as he shouted to Justin, "See that my horse

  is saddled and ready at once."

  Turning to the queen's cousin, he said, "Lord Desmond, you and Ian

  MacPherson must stay beside the queen at all times until I return." He

  pressed a hand to Mary's sleeve.

  "Even when you sleep, Majesty, one of these men must be outside your

  door."

  He saw the fear that she struggled to hide.

  "Is that really necessary,

  "Aye, Majesty. Promise me you will not risk your safety."

  She gave a reluctant nod of her head.

  He lifted her hand to his lips, then drew her close. Against his cheek

  she murmured, "I pray that you are not too late, Jamie. For I fear

  that the Gordons are in grave peril."

  She saw the look of grim determination in his eyes as he turned and

  strode to the boat that awaited him at the water's edge.

  "You have been very quiet on this journey, my lady." Ian brought his

  horse close to Lindsey's as they entered the forest.

  "Are you reluctant to leave the glittering life of royalty behind and

  return to the Highlands?"

  "Nay. I am just--weary," she said as her gaze scanned the heavily

  forested area. They were very near the place where they had

  encountered the highwaymen. She felt as nervous and skittish as a colt

  newly put to saddle.

  "No matter. Your journey is almost over." He saw her stiffen and

  asked, "What is wrong?"

  "I thought I saw someone, or something, just beyond those trees."

  "I will investigate," Ian said, leaving Lindsey alone on the trail.

  She turned in the saddle to call out to her father, who rode a short

  distance behind. A few minutes later her brothers caught up with

  them.

  They milled around, impatiently awaiting Ian's return.

  At last Douglas said, "Murray and Donald. Go and see what is keeping

  Ian."

  The two rode off while Lindsey and her father slid from the saddle.

  Douglas watched as Lindsey knelt to pluck a wildflower and lowered her

  face to breathe in its fragrance. It brought a smile to his lips.

  "Jamie MacDonald told me that you are like a wildflower," he said.

  Lindsey felt the pain, hot and sharp, around her heart and wondered

  when it would end.

  "Jamie spoke to you of me?"

  "Aye." Douglas watched his daughter and wondered how much he should

  reveal. But she seemed so unhappy. And he had always been willing to

  do anything to see her smile.

  "He told me that I had a very special daughter." Douglas smiled.

  "And I told him that I was already aware of that."

  She walked to him and kissed his cheek, then lay her head on his

  shoulder.

  "Father, did you always know, even in the beginning, that you loved

  Mother?"

  "Aye," he said without hesitation.

  "From the moment I met her I knew she was the lass for me."

  "Would you have ever sent her away from you?" Douglas heard the pain

  in her tone and prayed he could find the words to comfort her.

  "The agony of separation would have been worse than death." He

  paused.

  "But if her safety depended upon it, I would have been strong enough to

  send her away. There were times I was grateful that she was safe in my

  fortress while I was doing battle. But always I feared for her. When

  you love someone, you cannot help worrying. It is the price we pay for

  loving, lass." He tipped up her chin and stared into her eyes.

  "Love is not a smooth, easy path through a meadow, Lindsey. More often

  it is a treacherous course, beset with mountains and valleys that would

  test the faith of a saint."

  She felt the sting of tears and blinked them away quickly.

  "Is it worth the pain?"

  His lips split into a wide smile.

  "Oh, aye, Lindsey. It is more than worth the pain." He kissed her

  hard and quick,

  then turned toward her horse.

  "Now, let us find your brothers and be on our way."
<
br />   As they mounted, Douglas gave a little frown.

  "They should have returned by now. Draw your weapons. Something is

  amiss."

  They moved out slowly, with Douglas in the lead. As they crested a

  hill, they came upon a small clearing just below them. And the sight

  that greeted them brought a torrent of oaths to the old man's lips.

  Murray and Donald lay bloodied and motionless.

  "God in heaven." Douglas Gordon's heart stopped and he urged his horse

  into the clearing. Before the horse had even come to a halt he had

  leaped from the saddle and was kneeling beside his eldest son.

  The others gathered around anxiously as he felt for a pulse.

  "He lives. Praise God, he lives." He rushed to Donald and examined

  him.

  "He is also alive. But he has lost much blood. Here, lass. He needs

  your help."

  Lindsey slid from the saddle and began tearing her petticoat into

  strips while Neal rushed to a nearby stream and returned with water.

  As she bathed their wounds and stemmed the flow of blood, Murray's lips

  moved, though no words could be heard.

  "He tries to speak," Lindsey called to her father. Instantly the old

  man was on his knees beside his son.

  "What is it, Murray? Can you speak, lad? Who did this terrible

  thing?"

  "He is about to say the name Ian MacPherson, old man," came a voice

  from behind them. They whirled to see Ian holding a sword, followed by

  a dozen armed men.

  "But that would be a lie. You see," he said with a chilling laugh, "I

  am not really Ian MacPherson. Nor am I really interested in protecting

  the queen. As a matter of fact, it was one of my band who almost

  succeeded in getting to the queen at Lochleven. We were offered a

  handsome're ward by Lord Ruthven if we got to the queen before her army

  of protectors. Unfortunately, he was thwarted by the lass." He shot

  Lindsey a hate-filled look.

  "I am one of this band of highwaymen. And we are here to seek

  vengeance." To his men he shouted, "Tie them. And see they do not

  escape. I have waited a lifetime for this. I intend to savor every

  minute of it."

  Jamie rode hard through villages and hamlets, across flower-strewn

  meadows, over narrow streams and wide rivers and into the dense forest.

  It was an easy matter to follow seven people who had not attempted to

  hide themselves. But once in the forest, he noted, the trail faded.

  No matter. He knew where they were headed.

  If his instinct about the man who claimed to be Ian MacPherson was

  correct, they would be sequestered in his evil domain deep in the

  forest.

  His hand tightened on the reins. He had to reach them in time. If he

  did not, he would be forced to live with the pain of loss for the rest

  of his life. For all time he would know that he had sent the woman he

  loved to her death, rather than risk her dishonor.

  What terrible irony for one who valued honor above all things. Yet

  even honor paled beside the loss of Lindsey's life.

  It was fury that drove him. A raging fury that built with every

  mile.

  Lindsey felt her heart stop when she saw Argus. The hideously ugly man

  who "had held her captive in the forest bent to tie her hands. His

  single dark eye blinked furiously.

  "So, my fine and fancy lady, we meet again. It would seem the fates

  keep throwing us together so that I may finally get a chance to sample

  your charms."

  "If you are human, at least let me take care of my wounded brothers,"