Part 19 (1/2)

Instantly his friend was on his feet and moving toward them. Meredith happened to glance over Brice's shoulder toward the place where Holden Mackay was sitting. On his face was a look so dark, so filled with fury, she nearly trembled.

”Dance with the lady,” Brice said, handing her over to the surprised Angus.

Without another word Brice turned away and left the room.

Behind him, Meredith lifted her chin, determined not to watch his retreating back. But against her will her gaze locked on him, following his every move. In silence she endured the dance with Angus Gordon.

Jamie, too, watched as his hero retreated. There was nothing the man did that Jamie did not wish to imitate.

Across the room, the queen saw the way Brice stormed away. She saw also the way Meredith's gaze fastened on him, following him until he was out of sight.

And while the queen watched with avid interest, a slow smile of understanding touched her lips.

By late afternoon the queen and her company prepared to depart.

Before leaving, she sent a servant to fetch Meredith.

The queen received her guest in the cozy library and Meredith was reminded of her earlier embarra.s.sment when she had fallen out of the armoire into Brice's arms.

Her cheeks took on a becoming shade of pink.

”You have decided to take me with you. Majesty?”

The queen shook her head.

”I would not impose my will upon an old friend. Whatever Brice Campbell has in mind, I trust his judgment.”

She saw Meredith's face fall at the news.

”But at the table...”

”At the table, I was having fun at Brice's expense.” To ease Meredith's pain she added softly,

”But know this. Though his quick temper and skill with a broadsword are legend, Brice is a fine and honorable man. Although he bears a grudge against the MacKenzies, he will see that no harm comes to you.”

No harm? What of the feelings he aroused in her? Feelings she had never even known existed within her? She trembled just thinking about the way she had nearly melted into his arms when they danced. And that kiss. It was no more than the brush of a b.u.t.terfly's wings. And yet it had caused her heart to pound so loudly in her chest she had feared the others must surely have heard. G.o.d in heaven; what was to become of her?

Meredith felt a sudden wave of despair. Was she to be left to languish in this prison forever?

”I wish to go home, Majesty.”

”Aye. Home.” Mary Stuart heard the plea with a woman's heart. Did she not still think of France as her home? And did she not yearn to return to the opulence, the gaiety, of the French Court? The grim tone of Scotland since the popularity of John Knox was depressing to a woman like Mary.

”I have no doubt that you will soon be returned to your home, Meredith.

But until Brice makes that decision, I am loath to intervene. Your future lies in his hands.”

Mary stood, effectively dismissing Meredith. And although the young woman yearned to throw herself into the queen's arms and beg for her intercession in this matter, her pride would not allow it. She stood, head held high, spine stiff, as the queen summoned Brice to escort her from the castle.

With her hand upon Brice's arm, the queen swept along the hall and into the courtyard. Behind her trailed the men and women of her hunting party. And behind them Meredith walked between Angus and Jamie.