Free The Heart Queen by PATRICIA POTTER Page B

to Braemoor. He kept entirely to himself, but was as reliable as the sun appearing in the sky each day. He had started as a coachman but soon moved into the house when the former butler had become ill. He soon became indispensable, but never said anything of his past life or even memories of the last family he served. When Neil asked about the past, he mumbled that it was too many years ago, that time had jumbled his mind....
    Torquil appeared with his meal. “I will prepare some clothes for ye,” Torquil said. “What will ye need?”
    Neil paused. He would go to Edinburgh first. His Grace, the Duke of Cumberland, was there, currently in residence at
Holyrood house. He would make it clear that the countess was under his protection, then he would pay a visit to Lochaene.
    “I am going to try to see Cumberland,” he said.
    “Your best clothes, then?”
    Neil nodded. He had purchased some clothing after inheriting Braemoor, knowing that on occasion he would need it. But he still didn’t feel comfortable in the silks and satin. He far preferred the outlawed kilt. Still, he had a pair of dark blue satin breeches and a light blue doublet, and dark waistcoat. It was fine enough material for Cumberland’s presence.
    As soon as he finished eating quickly, he shaved as Torquil prepared his better clothes for travel, then pulled on his riding clothes: plain buckskin breeches, plain woolen shirt and jacket. ‘Twas somber wear, especially with the boots he preferred, but it suited his taste.
    Within the hour, he went to the stable where Jamie had already saddled two horses, one for the young lad and the other for himself. They mounted and trotted out of the courtyard.
    He hated taking time to stop at Jock’s but the man knew he had gone to inspect the new lands. Trust was still a fragile thing for both of them, and he could not disappear for days, perhaps a week, without an explanation.
    Jock was not at his cottage, and Neil took another two hours to find him. When he did, Neil tossed Jock a leather purse full of coins and told him to get what was needed to build the cottages on the new property. He drew a map, indicating where he believed the best locations were.
    “Should I no‘ wait for yer return?”
    “Nay, I donna know how long I will be gone, and we made promises.”
    Jock just looked puzzled.
    “Someone I... know might be in trouble.”
    A small smile tugged at Jock’s mouth. “You be taking care of ‘em, then. I will see to things here.”
    “I know you will,” Neil said. And he meant it.

    Cumberland eyed Neil with haughty amusement. “I see you have none of your cousin’s taste in clothing.”
    Neil had stopped at an inn to change clothes before requesting an audience with Cumberland. Internally, though, he squirmed with discomfort. His personal contacts with Cumberland had been minimal. Rory had manipulated him, but Neil had none of Rory’s talents for subterfuge. He only knew how to state his case bluntly and he felt much like a ruffian in the princely surroundings that was Holyroodhouse. The thought was too close to reality for comfort.
    “Nay, my lord,” he said simply.
    “You asked to see me?” Cumberland said impatiently.
    “Aye, Your Grace. I am here on behalf of the Countess of Lochaene.”
    “Ah, the newly bereaved widow,” Cumberland said. “And what is your connection with her?”
    “My uncle and her father were friends.”
    “Her father was a Jacobite,” Cumberland said coldly.
    “And my uncle and I fought beside you,” Neil reminded him. He knew he was stepping on shaky ground but he steeled himself for whatever was coming.
    “You have never married,” Cumberland said thoughtfully.
    Neil went still. He had not known what Cumberland was going to say, or do, when he’d approached his adjutant for an audience. Now he wondered what to say. If Cumberland knew about the madness in his family, would he continue to support Neil’s claim of Braemoor?
    “I’ve been in no position to