Part 14 (1/2)
Meredith braced herself for what was to come. Whatever punishment was meted out by the queen, she had certainly earned it. How could she have been so foolish as to express herself in such forceful language?
”Rise, Meredith MacAlpin, and face your queen as you learn the consequences of your actions.”
Meredith stood on trembling legs. She glanced at Brice's face but could read nothing in his hooded gaze.
”I will give you a choice,” Queen Mary said.
”A public flogging or...” She bit back the smile that twitched at the corners of her lips.
”An opportunity to entertain your queen. You must relate to me and my ladies-in-waiting every detail of your--encounter with this rogue, Brice Campbell. From the first moment you saw him.”
The queen burst into laughter at the look of astonishment on Meredith's face. Even Brice could not contain his laughter.
”That is all that you require. Majesty? A simple narrative?”
”Not simple,” the queen corrected.
”Every little detail must be included. I want to know everything.” She turned to Brice.
”And you, scoundrel, must leave us alone for at least an hour. This is woman's talk, you understand. And when she has finished, your servants can provide us with a banquet before we return to Falkland.”
The queen clapped her hands, summoning the women of her hunting party.
”Oh, Brice, this will be better entertainment than any poet or musician. I am greatly in need of such excitement. My life has been so drab since returning from the gaiety of France.”
Brice lifted the queen's hand to his lips before departing the room.
”Your loyal subjects are most happy to oblige.” He shot Meredith a warning look.
”Beware what you say in the presence of your queen. The next time you might not fare as well.”
Within minutes Meredith found herself surrounded by five women named Mary. The young monarch introduced her four closest friends, Mary Beaton, Mary Fleming, Mary Seton and Mary Livingstone. The four Maries had been with the queen since early childhood. And like all best friends, they shared everything, even their most intimate secrets.
While servants poured tea and pa.s.sed around biscuits, the women arranged themselves in chairs and settles in front of the fireplace.
When the servants left the room, the queen commanded Meredith to begin her story.
While the others listened in awe, Meredith detailed her father's tragic murder and her agreement to marry Desmond MacKenzie in order to a.s.sure protection for her people.
”Those of us who live on the Border know the danger of invasion by the English.”
”My beloved cousin, Elizabeth of England,” Mary said through clenched teeth, ”a.s.sures us that she is doing all she can to protect our land and people. And while she sends us messages of a.s.surance, her soldiers continue to plunder.”
Meredith was surprised at the queen's outburst. Was the young monarch always so outspoken? Was she not aware that even in the presence of her friends her words would not be kept secret? A queen, more than any other, must guard her thoughts carefully.
”Go on with your story,” the queen commanded.
”Did you love Desmond MacKenzie?” Mary Fleming interrupted.
”What nonsense, Flem,” the queen interjected.