Stuart, Elizabeth by Without Honor

Author:Without Honor
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 2012-03-18T18:47:27+00:00

NINETEEN

The earls of Arran and Worrell to see Mistress Maxwell."

Murdoch didn't look up. "Refuse the door."

The servant ducked his head nervously. "I beg pardon, my lord, but the gentlemen are downstairs. I was hard-pressed to keep them from coming up."

Murdoch jerked to his feet. "Fool! You should have asked first."

"I... I didn't have the chance! They're big men, my lord. I couldn't keep them out."

Murdoch glanced across the room at Jonet. She lifted her head, her heartbeat quickening. Patrick Galbraith, Earl of Worrell was an old friend of Robert's and known to be at odds with the Douglases, while Arran favored whichever faction was uppermost at the time. She wondered why they were here to see her.

"This is the result of that damned appearance at court," Murdoch growled. "I knew no good would come of it, but Angus insisted. Said it would quiet the gossip if people actually saw you were safe."

So there had been talk. Jonet smiled. She and Robert hadn't been forgotten.

"You may wipe that smile from your face, Mistress." Murdoch turned to the servant. "Give us five minutes, then show the men up."

The man nodded and hurried out.

Murdoch moved across the floor toward her. "Listen carefully, Jonet, for your well-being and that of your uncle depend on these next few minutes. You are well treated and enjoying your visit to Edinburgh. You are pleased with my son and looking forward to your wedding. Anything more and you will be sorry."

Jonet put down her embroidery with deliberate calm. "And do you think they will believe that?"

"It doesn't matter what they believe. It only matters what you say."

"Oh? And what will happen if I say differently?"

"Before God, I swear I'll have Mure put to the rack! I can wring a confession of anything I wish."

Jonet stared at him, thinking of two small boys who'd been murdered. "How do I know that you haven't already? Or that you won't even if I do what you say?"

"I'm a man of my word, Mistress, and I tell you Mure hasn't been touched. Regardless of what you may think, I don't enjoy cruelty for its own sake." Murdoch smiled. "On the other hand, I don't mind using it as a tool if need be."

Jonet sent him a smile that was equally humorless. "For once I've no trouble believing you."

Footsteps sounded outside. Murdoch sent her a warning frown. And then Jonet was curtsying to the earls.

"Mistress Maxwell."

"My lords."

Murdoch stepped forward. "What may we have the pleasure of doing for you gentlemen?"

"Why nothing, Douglas, I've come to renew an old acquaintance with Lady Jonet." Worrell smiled. He was a tall man with kind eyes, but they were intent now and searching. "I've not seen you in a year or two, lass. I must say you've changed a great deal."

They sat down, Jonet and Worrell talking polite commonplaces for a moment. Then the earl leaned forward. "I was sorry to learn of that charge against your uncle, lass. I've always admired Robert."

"It was a mistake, as all who know Robert will swear.

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