A Highlander In Peril (Gunn Guardsman) (20 page)

The king nodded firmly. “I didn’t expect it to be so soon, Lord William’s death. He alluded to it, but didn’t say outright that he was ill the last time I saw him.”

“I barely made it to his keep. He died within days. I’m his nephew and he bid me to—”

The king cut in, “Aye, I know what happened betwixt
he and his sister. My father was verily upset with him over it too, because he adored your mother. She was a beloved friend of my mother’s. I deem that might be the reason she returned long ago, because my father bid her to, but she refused to stay.”

Sean raised a brow. “I didn’t know she knew your father or that he was the reason for her visit. I was
wee then and only have a slight remembrance of it. Nevertheless, Lord William wanted me to take over his lands and told me about the treaties and of supporting you in the endeavor.”

Alexander held his chin, fingering his full beard. “He petitioned me to grant you succession. Of course I would. I owe the
Gunns a tremendous debt. The fact that Grey is wedded to my stepsister gives me pause, but you all have aided me one way or another.”

Sean nodded. If his laird could hear such words from Alexander, mayhap there wouldn’t be as much strife between the two of them.

“I hope you don’t mind that I brought my wife for she’s been threatened and I would not leave her at home.”

“I don’t mind, look at them.” He inclined his head toward the women. “I haven’t seen Joan so jovial since my return. Who would threaten such a lovely lass? And when in hell did ye wed? I heard no such news.”

Sean took the seat offered to him by the king and they sat near the hearth where he was able warm his damp body. James stood on the other side of the room, content to await them. He stood next to the doorway, leaning against the wall with his arms at his side.

Sean took the poker and stoked the fire a little. After greeting Alexander, he would hope to be taken to chambers so he could change into drier garments. Frances didn’t seem to mind as she was still linked to the queen and they spoke quietly across the chamber. Every so often, he’d hear their laughter.

“Lord William betrothed me.”

Alexander laughed boisterously. “Aye, he did? He said nothing about it that wily devil. I never thought you would wed. Didn’t you vow you were only meant to protect and serve? What a
clanker. I vow Grey must be laughing his arse off.”

“I haven’t told him yet.”

And more laughter came from the king. The ladies glanced at them before turning back to their conversation. He caught Frances’ eyes and she smiled.

“Who has threatened your lady?” The king’s question was asked softly, and Sean barely heard him.

“I know not. It is a mystery, but I aim to protect her at all cost. She’s received messages of ill repute and gruesome gifts. You would not believe were I to tell you. Someone is out to hurt her. And then her friend went missing and we found her murdered. Another lass from our village disappeared. I suspect the lass is dead too. I fear we have a knave on the loose.”

“The hell you say. I received no word of a murder or disappearance. I will call Sir John forth from his travels for he will know what is going on.” Alexander motioned to his serving lad to bring drinks.

A goblet was handed to him and Sean noticed it contained wine. He wasn’t one for such a drink but wouldn’t object. No one said nay to the king’s hospitality.

“I’ve spoken with him and Sir John knows nothing. I suspect the man of foul. I deem he verily might be the one we seek.”

Alexander’s brows furrowed. “I’ve known the man for some time and he’s even aided my wife when she was younger. He’s friend to the crown, Sean. This is distressing news. But if you say you suspect him tell me why.”

“Sire, he was betrothed to the dead woman, but didn’t give enough bride price and was ridiculed at the betrothal feast. He swore vengeance.”

“That does not bode well. Shall I seek him out and question him? Have him imprisoned until he confesses?” Alexander took a quick swig of his wine. “I will, just speak the word.”

“Nay, I’ve called my clansmen, the
Gunns, to come and aid me search for the wrongdoer. They’ll be able to tell me if he’s the murderer. I only suspect him and have no proof yet. I would that you keep this to yourself until we can make progress on our search.” Sean hoped the king wouldn’t interfere.

“Of course, Sean.
I trust your judgment and will leave it to you then. You’ll let me know if you need my assistance. Now about the charter …”

* * *

Frances had been bathed and indulged by the queen’s attendants, and dressed in a warmer, dry gown. Joan had such exquisite garments and she twirled a little, letting the skirts flow around her. The exquisitely adorned, crimson gown was somewhat tight on her and a wee bit short, but she felt like princess. Her hair was combed until her scalp tingled. She relaxed in the chair, and felt much better than the last time she’d been in the castle.

Seeing Joan again did brighten her sprits. Joan was lively and young, and had much vigor. Mayhap too much for Frances to keep up with her. She’d forgotten how exhausting the young queen was. Joan continued to ply her with all the gossip she’d missed since she’d left and Frances kept nodding, pretending to listen.

Sean left earlier and attended a meeting with the king and other lords. He’d told her he’d return afterward and set a guard outside the chamber door. That relieved her for she knew whoever was sending the missives could verily get inside the castle. That’s where it all began, and she tried to think who she’d had contact with then, but couldn’t recall.

Frances sat next to Joan in her private solar, where some of the lesser lords took up entertainments with the ladies attending the queen. Several draughts boards had been set up and groups of players were well into their game. She enjoyed the solitude of the smaller antechamber than the larger hall, where there was always a crush of people.

“I still cannot believe poor Winifred was murdered. I shall speak to Sir John of it when next I see him. He is away currently and I am not sure when he will return.”

“I do wish you wouldn’t say anything to him. Sean doesn’t want to involve the sheriff as he hasn’t been of much help.”

Joan pouted. “These are matters of men and we shall leave them to it then. Still, I wish to help if I can. After all I knew the lady and she’d been here often when I first arrived. Winifred was a godsend to me and assisted me in making this my home. I shall forever be indebted to her.”

“She spoke highly of you too, Your Majesty, and was a dear friend. I shall miss her.”

The queen patted her hand. “I know you will and I’m sorry for your loss. I am envious of you, Frances, for you’ve married such a handsome man. If my Alexander wasn’t as well made I’d be stinging with the slight.”

She laughed at the queen’s quip. “Verily, Sean is very handsome. At first I was intimidated by him, but he has grown on me.”

Joan giggled. “My dear Alexander told me some of his dealings with the
Gunns, and I dare say, they are indeed formidable. Yet I find them exciting. I imagine the nights are something akin to heaven?”

Frances smirked for the queen hinted at knowing what happened between a husband and wife in the bedchamber. Mayhap they’d finally consummated their marriage. The king seemed enamored with Joan and verily she was relieved by her friend’s contentment. As much as she wanted to ask, Frances refrained from doing so.

“Well aye, I admit it, they are. Can you imagine if I’d gone through with your plan to betroth me to Adam Armstrong?”

The queen snorted. “Your man needs no fine garments to make him appear fetching. Adam needs as many fine garments as there are made, for he could never compare.” Joan tapped her forearm. “Lest we speak his name and he appears.”

Frances looked toward the entrance and saw Adam Armstrong standing next to the doorway speaking with another young lord. The two of them were in deep discussion and Joan cleared her throat to get their attention. Those within the small chamber quieted and Adam cut off in mid-sentence his speech.

She couldn’t hear what he’d been saying, but didn’t really care since he rarely spoke of anything of interest.

Adam made his way to where Joan sat and bowed. “My lady, I bid you greetings.”

“Master Armstrong. You remember Lady Frances?”

“Of course, I do. I ah, haven’t seen you since your hasty return home. I trust Lord William is well.” He bowed at them both and then stood before them.

Frances kept her expression serene. “You have not heard?”

“Pray tell? Heard what?” Adam untied the string at the top of his tunic and appeared to be flustered. He continued to finger the strings and averted his eyes.

She thought he was acting strange.

“That Lord William died? That’s why I was called home. He passed soon after I arrived home.”

He pressed a hand against his forehead. “I am sorry to learn that, Lady Frances. I know how fond you were of him. Are you alone?”

Joan answered for her, “Oh nay, she is not. She’s come with her new husband, Lord Hume, Sean Gunn. He was nephew to Lord William. Where have ye been, Adam, not to have heard of Lord William’s death?”

“I’ve been around, my lady, but no one mentioned it. You’re newly wed, Lady Frances?” Adam smiled politely and gazed at her with a look of affability.

Now that she was speaking to Adam, Frances couldn’t fathom how she’d ever thought him handsome. He sorely lacked attraction and of the traits she’d come to appreciate in a man. She had to act respectfully though at court and nodded.

“Aye—”

“He’s quite a fearsome man from the north. And he’s well-liked by my Alexander.” Joan wouldn’t let her get a word in.

Adam leaned a hand on the butt of his sword, sheathed at his side and seemed to rebound from whatever had been bothering him. “I offer my congratulations then, my lady. I look forward to meeting him.”

“Indeed you shall at this evening’s supper. We’re to have a feast in celebration of Alexander’s return from England.” Joan’s light eyebrows furrowed. “Were you not told of the event?”

“I completely forgot, Your Majesty, but certainly I will be present. I look forward to it. Lady Frances, it is always a pleasure to see you.” He leaned close and took her hand. His body loomed a bit too close for comfort.

Frances yanked her hand back and scowled at his affront. “Master Armstrong.”

“
Your Majesty, until this eve.” Adam bowed to them and turned on his heel and left.

Frances was happy to see the back of him. She and Joan spent the rest of the afternoon discussing the details of the feast and Frances was happy to help the queen with the preparations. Although Joan really just dictated what she wanted done and a group of servants hastened to do her bidding.

Noise from the great hall rose as the meeting of the lords ended and most of the men disbursed, except for those invited to the king’s feast. Frances waited patiently for Sean to find her. She stood by the glass panes of the window casement hoping for some warmth, but as the sun never showed itself this day, she felt chilled.

Sean approached and noticed her look of distress. “Are ye well, Frances?”

“I am, and I’m happy to see you. Your meeting lasted a long time. Has there been a resolution?”

He took her hand and pulled her to a more private corner in the small antechamber.
“Aye, somewhat. You look cold.” Sean pulled a tartan from around his waist and wrapped it around her shoulders. “I always wear an extra when it’s cold.”

“Must we really attend the king’s feast? I am tired from the journey and long day, and besides, all I really want is you.”

Sean leaned toward her and eyed the room before he gave her a sensuous kiss on her neck. “All I really want is you, but we must attend. Alexander expects me to be there, and the last time we tested the king’s temper we barely escaped with our heads intact.”

She gasped. “I want to hear this tale.”

“It is a tale for another time and not to be told here.” Sean grinned.

They stood together and several others around the room were in private discussions as well. But Frances only had eyes for Sean and didn’t care who was about. He looked splendid in his white tunic, covered with his tartan. She’d thought he might be out of place, but there were a few others who wore their clan colors as well.

He moved to her side and gazed about the chamber. “Ah there is Adam Armstrong.”

“You know him?” Frances asked.

“I met him at the last meeting. Ah, another of your suitors.” Sean laughed at his jest, but when he noticed her expression; he ceased and pulled her toward him.

“He said he hadn’t met you. Do not jest about that, Sean. The queen was wont to betroth me to him and suggested it before I returned home. Joan was going to speak to the king about it.”

He bellowed in laugher. “Did the man know about the queen’s diabolical plan?”

“Nay, we discussed it privately, and to be honest, I only appeased the queen by agreeing with her. I didn’t wish for the betrothal. I was happy to be called home except … except for Lord William’s illness. I grew weary here with all the deceit.”