by Olivia Rae
Her heart fluttered. “Send the guard away from my door and then let me be.” She licked her dry lips.
“Unfortunately, I cannae do that. I cannae have a spy stepping freely through my home.” His gaze traveled over her form.
Audrey’s pulse quickened. “I have already told you all. Queen Elizabeth threatened to harm my family. Please, I am just a simple maid of simple means.”
“So you say. But if that were true, how would Queen Elizabeth even know who you are?” He paused, letting his question sink deep into her. “I have no desire to fight or argue with you. I only seek the truth. How long have you been a spy for the queen, and what does she want?”
Audrey rubbed her perspiring hands on her gown, and a shiver skidded down her back. His gaze penetrated her all the way to her soul. She tried to keep her thoughts on his questions and not on his rugged lips. “My father was a successful merchant who lost most of his business because he would not turn from the True Faith.”
“I know you are a papist, and I am beginning to understand why you would work for a Protestant queen. Sometimes we are forced to do things against our wishes,” he said softly.
His sudden calm almost pulled her from her chair. Was his change honest, or did he use it as a ploy to get answers…or something else? She took a hard swallow to wash away her rising desire. “Years ago, when I was young, my brother Asher did everything to keep our family out of debt. After King Edward died, Asher learned some information that helped save Mary Tudor’s life.”
“We all know how this tale goes,” he continued casually. “John Dudley, Lord Northumberland, tried to put his daughter-in-law, Lady Jane Grey, on the throne, all in hopes of keeping control of England. Yet this ruse did not work, and Jane Grey was but a queen for nine days. So I fail to see what any of this has to do with you.” He pushed off the wall and filled his cup again, coming ever closer to her.
A gasp begged for release from her throat. Again, she swallowed. “Asher was the one who alerted Queen Mary that her life was in danger. That Dudley wanted to kidnap her and probably kill her. With Dudley’s plan thwarted, Asher then became one of her favorite agents.”
“And later on you joined him in his sneaky affairs.” Gavin leaned forward, closing the gap between them.
“Nay, not at all,” Audrey whispered, looking away from his towering presence. “That is not how it happened. My father started gambling again, and we wound up in debtors’ prison. Asher gained our freedom, and Queen Mary placed me in her court. I remained there until her death. I then happily went back to my family.”
Gavin reached out and removed a lock of hair from her shoulder. His tantalizing fingers teased her neck. “You mean to your brother the spy?”
Audrey’s breath caught in her throat. His familiar scent of meadow grass and leather overwhelmed her. She closed her eyes briefly to clear her senses. “Nay, Asher left the country with his new wife. I have not seen him for many years.”
His fingers dropped to her bare collarbone. “Are you trying to tell me that suddenly Queen Elizabeth contacted you because your brother used to be a spy for her sister?”
“Aye,” she gasped, lifting her face to his. Wishing he would… “I know you do not believe me.” Her hands itched to grab his fingers and bring them to her lips. She fought to finish her defense. “I think she sent me because I was of the True Faith, and if you were sympathetic to the religion—”
“I might confide in you. Trust you.” His fingers brushed her cheek. “You are very comely. That can loosen a man’s tongue.” His gaze rested heavy on hers.
A rush like lightning coursed through her body. She fought the onslaught with a look of indifference.
“This is all about Thomas. What are her plans for him?”
His words started to make her head ache as her body pulsed with the desire to wrap her arms around his neck. “What do you mean?” she asked breathlessly. “The queen said little about Thomas. Any comments she made of him were afterthoughts.” Audrey wanted to put a gentle kiss on his rough cheek.
He gently bent forward and took her hands, bringing her out of the chair.
His warm touch sent heat from her head to her toes. His gaze held hers for a brief moment before he cleared his throat and stepped away. His shoulders straightened like a soldier ready for battle.
Craving for his touch again, she stepped forward. “If the queen knew you had a son named Thomas and your possible connections to Scottish Catholics, then I would say she already has a spy in your midst.”
“True.” He backed away.
Her heart dropped as she watched the fire drain from his eyes. She turned and took her seat again. “I have told you all I know.”
“I need your help. I need you to write a quick letter to the mysterious Mistress Pittman.” His words were spoken like a commander giving out an order.
Audrey’s insides began to burn again, this time with anger. Deceiving Queen Elizabeth was a reckless move and could get them and her family killed. “I do not think that is wise.”
He ignored her pleas and extracted a piece of blank parchment from his shirt. “Tell Mistress Pittman that she was right about me. I am working with Mary de Guise. The French will be heading to our shores, and they will join a large Scottish army here.”
Audrey gulped. Her heart bumped off her ribs. “Are you mad? She will come with her army. She’ll kill us all.”
His granite gaze held her fast. “Perhaps or perhaps not.” He placed the sheet on the table and held out the quill. “But she will send someone.”
Audrey’s stomach roiled; she grabbed the quill and quickly wrote the words. When finished, she lifted her gaze. “Please think before you send this.”
He took the parchment and rolled it up. “I am always thinking. I am leaving for a few days, but have no fear, I shall leave you and Thomas in capable hands.”
“Capable hands?” She watched his strong back ripple as he headed for the door. “Like Clyde?”
At the threshold, he paused. “Nay. All my moss-troopers will be on alert. You shall be safe.”
“I want you to know I am not your enemy. I care what happens to you and your family.”
His back stiffened momentarily before he looked down at the missive in his hand. “I know,” he whispered, his voice deep and sultry. He took a deep breath, and his hot gaze ripped through her. “All the more reason to keep you safe. Fraser is in the hall and will be your companion while I am gone.”
“Fraser! Why him? He does not care for me. It would be better to have Jaxon, at least he is pleasant.” She reached out. “Gavin, please.”
He turned toward her, and she wondered if he might take her in his arms…but he didn’t. Instead, his words came out like a slap. “Nay, you would have him dancing your deeds before I even crossed Liddel Water. You may come and go as you please as long as Fraser is at your side. I have said so, and this is done.”
She folded her arms across her chest, fighting not to throttle him or kiss him. “This is absurd. I won’t have it.”
A tender but serious smile grew on his lips. “You will, or would you prefer spending a few days in the cells?”
The cells! Did he mean the dark, dank ones down below? As if reading her thoughts, he nodded.
“You wouldn’t.”
“Aye. I would. No one would gainsay me. After all, where else would you put a spy?”
And she was actually starting to care for him. Callous cretin.
He bowed and headed for the door. “Good day to you, mistress.”
The merriment in his voice drove her to madness. But what truly drove her insane was the desire to kiss his smug face.
Chapter Twenty
The next morn, Audrey stomped down the tower stairs with Fraser a few steps behind her. At least she was no longer restricted to her chamber, but when she entered the hall, the vision that greeted her was less satisfying than the ogre who guarded her back. “Ewart! What is he doing here?”
“He and a few of his
men, who are in the courtyard, are to be guests until Gavin returns,” Fraser answered. He then handed her a familiar dagger. “Gavin wanted me to give this to ye while he was gone.”
The gift stunned Audrey. Gavin Armstrong was more than a puzzlement. He locked her up, and then when released, he gave her a weapon. Nothing made sense around here anymore. Audrey tapped the blade against her fingers. “I could use this to get rid of you.”
Fraser snorted and folded his arms over his chest. “Aye, ye can try if ye like.”
She hid the blade in her skirt. “Nay, there are others here who would be more deserving of seeing my skill.” Her attention settled on Ewart. “Why would Laird Armstrong allow such a beast entry to his home once again?”
Fraser remained silent, though the deep scowl on his face reflected his agreement.
With a quick scan around the hall, Audrey breathed a sigh of relief. Blair hung close to the scullery, while Duncan poured Ewart a healthy mug of beer. But neither Thomas nor Lady Francis were present. Where were they?
Fraser touched her arm. “Gavin’s children are with their nurse, and a guard is at their door.”
“Ah, mistress,” Ewart called, waving his mug in the air, “come join me. I do so enjoy yer spiritedness.”
Audrey was tempted to turn around and hike back up the steps she had just descended, but being stuck in her chamber another day was insufferable. Besides, she did have Fraser to defend her dignity if things worked out poorly. She strolled to the table and took a seat a good fifteen hands away from Ewart. “I have no desire to indulge in strong drink this early in the day.” Waving, she called for Duncan. “Bring me an oatcake and some goat’s milk.”
The lad took off on his swift feet and returned before Ewart finished off the contents of his mug. “Fill it again,” he growled at Duncan.
Things would not bode well if Ewart kept up his drinking. He might very well be the only man who had ever gotten drunk drinking small beer. Fraser sighed and leaned against a nearby wall.
A loud belch burst through the air followed by a grotesque laugh. Ewart’s stale breath drifted toward Audrey. She worked hard to keep from gagging.
“So, Warrin’ has left his dug of a cousin to watch over ye. That willnae change the outcome. Soon my da will own all this, and he has promised to give Warrin’ Tower to me.”
Fraser pushed off the wall and lifted his fist. “Shut yer mouth. No Maxwell will ever own Armstrong land. Not without a fight.”
Ewart took another slurp from his mug and then scratched his skinny protruding belly. “Believe what you want.” He sat back in his seat and leered at Audrey. “When that happens, this lovely mistress will be my wife. Drinkin’ always gives me the best ideas.”
Audrey’s insides crawled. Death would be a preferable option than to be wed to this fool. Without a word, she focused on her oatcake.
“I cannae wait.” Ewart smacked his lips and inched closer to her. “What happens in Perth will decide the outcome.”
The drink must already be addling the fool’s brain. Still, one had to wonder what he meant.
“Yer daft.” Fraser came closer to the table and put his one foot on a bench. “I think ye can wait for Gavin’s return out in the courtyard. Yer not welcomed in here.”
“My father and Ualan willnae be back for a few days, and I refuse to sleep in a stable or in the filthy courtyard.”
“Well, we dinnae want yer stinkin’ hide in here.” Fraser flew behind Ewart and grabbed him by the back of the neck and raised him to his feet. “Now get yer arse out of here.”
“Hold,” Lady Francis shouted, walking into the hall. “Let him be. He is a guest in our home and should be treated as such.”
Fraser dumped Ewart on the floor. “Fine, then, but dinnae be cryin’ when the buffoon spills his guts all over yer clean rushes. He’s been drinkin’ all morn.”
Lady Francis rushed across the hall and helped Ewart to his seat. “I promised my son I would entertain Master Ewart while he is with us.” She motioned to Duncan. “Bring us some cheese and more cakes.”
“And beer,” Ewart shouted.
Mumbling under his breath, Fraser lumbered back to the wall.
“Now then,” Lady Francis said, raising a cautionary glance to Audrey and Fraser. “Perchance you can enlighten me, just why would my son be going to Perth with your father and Ualan?”
Audrey admonished herself. Why had she not come up with such a tactic? Kindness and smooth smiles always disarmed an enemy more than a strong fist.
Ewart adjusted his tunic and glared at Fraser. “Ye’ll find out soon enough when my da returns.”
“But we are all friends here.” Lady Francis filled Ewart’s mug and motioned to Audrey to take a seat next to him.
Audrey’s insides curled, but better to know what your adversary planned than not. Besides, she did have the dagger. She gritted her teeth and moved toward him. Immediately he flopped his hand on her thigh. Fraser took a step forward, then paused when Lady Francis glared at him.
“Will be even friendlier in a little while.” Ewart winked, adding a pinch that burned like a flash of fire.
Before she could react, Fraser stormed across the floor and launched his fist into Ewart’s jaw.
“What have you done?” Lady Francis jumped to feet and came to Ewart’s aid. “Are you all right?”
Bleary-eyed, Ewart’s head wobbled. “My da will be comin’ for ye next, Fraser Armstrong. Just as soon as he is finished with Warrin’.”
“Always chirpin’ about yer da. Ye act like a sniveling lad. When ye goin’ to act like a man?” Frasier flexed his fist.
“What nonsense.” Lady Francis dabbed at the mark forming on Ewart’s cheek. “My son and your father are on good terms.” She then cast a healthy glare at Fraser. “No one is going to finish anyone off.”
“Dinnae listen to him, my lady. The man is short in the noggin.” Fraser brushed his bruised knuckles under his chin.
“Warrin’ is a dead man,” Ewart seethed. “He thinks he is in Perth to retrieve a message, but in truth, he is never comin’ back. He is goin’ to see James Stewart and John Knox. The pair has been meetin’ in secret. Warrin’s been sent to kill them. He just doesnae know it yet. Ualan will make sure the deed is done and then…” Ewart sliced a finger under his neck.
“Oh Lord.” Blood drained from Lady Francis’s face. She wobbled and pushed Ewart away. “What is this? You ambush my son?”
Audrey’s breath caught and hung like a wet cloth in her throat. Gavin may be a boar and a brute, but he did not deserve to die. A memory of their archery lesson and his warm kiss floated through her mind. Truly, Warring Tower without him would be a dismal and dark place. She inwardly shook her head to dispel such a troubling thought.
Ewart struggled to his feet. “Ye will see. He will be swingin’ in a tree soon for the murder of those two filthy Reformers.”
Lady Francis gasped, placing a hand on her throat.
“Warrin’ is walking into a trap,” Fraser said.
“He has to be warned.” Audrey lifted her pleading eyes to Fraser.
Taking a deep breath, Fraser gave her a stony look. “Gavin asked me to watch ye, nothin’ more. I care nae what happens to a bunch of wayward Reformers. In case ye have forgotten, I am of the True Faith. Gavin can take care of himself.”
At one time Gavin and Fraser were close, but something or someone had driven a wedge between the cousins. Surely a spark of that bond still existed? Audrey squared her shoulders. “You know he would come to your aid if you were in danger.”
The tight skin around Fraser’s eyes softened, and briefly a memory of friendship seemed to linger in his eyes. “He’s a half day’s ride ahead of us, and there are at least five of Maxwell’s men outside.”
Audrey grabbed his arm. “There has to be a way.”
Ewart struggled to get up. Lady Francis quickly called for him to be bound and moved to the cells below. After the hall cleared, she whispered to Fraser and Audrey, �
��I think I have the answer. Follow me.” She led them to the chapel, and once inside, she ordered Fraser to give the altar a heavy push, revealing a set of downward stairs. “This will lead you outside the tower walls, but you will not get far on foot.”
“Aye, if I have to search out another mount, I will lose even more time.” Fraser slammed his fist on the altar. “I am sorry, my lady. Perchance Gavin will uncover the plot.”
“And if he doesn’t? My son is as good as dead.” Horror rippled through Lady Francis’s eyes.
Dead. Nay, not while she drew breath. Audrey’s hand slid to her dagger. She boldly stepped forward. “Perhaps not. I shall see if I can persuade one of Ewart’s men to take me out for a ride on the marches.”
Lady Francis deeply inhaled her breath. “’Tis too dangerous. You could be harmed.”
“Getting away might be treacherous. A pretty lass always sets men to brawlin’.” Fraser shook his head. “Gavin would skin me where I stand if I let anythin’ happen to ye.”
“Worry not about that. Remember, I have a dagger. Just meet me outside the gate.”
Doubt briefly flickered across Fraser’s face. “Even if we manage to carry out this plan, I fear Maxwell will send others to kill Gavin’s lads.”
“I will send swift Duncan to your father,” Lady Francis added. “Surely, he will come to our aid. Hew Armstrong may not care for me and my son, but he hates Maxwell more.”
Fraser slowly nodded. “Then, my lady, get me a rope and a cloth, for we have a plan to carry out.”
In no time, Lady Francis returned with the items Fraser wanted. He threw the rope over his shoulder and stuffed the cloth into his jack before descending the stairs under the altar.
“I wish there was another way.” Lady Francis touched Audrey’s arm.
A mixture of grief, guilt, and gratitude emanated from that simple touch. The years had left a heavy mark on the woman. Audrey clasped Lady Francis’s hand. “We both know this is the only way to save your son. If we don’t warn him, he will be murdered by Maxwell’s scheme.”