Free Stuart, Elizabeth by Without Honor

breathed. "Whether we succeed
or not, I'll never forget your help!"
    His
eyes held hers. "No, Jonet," he murmured. "I don't imagine you
ever will."
    He
left her then, but was back a short time later, a bundle of clothing tucked
under one arm. "Here," he remarked, pitching it toward her. "A
shirt and some breeches I borrowed off a kitchen lad." He grinned.
"You're in luck. Yesterday was wash day."
    She
caught the clothes but looked at him uncomprehendingly.
    "We'll
need to see how they fit. I'll step out while you change, but be quick about
it."
    Jonet
glanced incredulously from Alexander to the pile of rough clothing in her arms.
"You don't expect me to... to wear this? 'Twould cause a dreadful
scandal!"
    His
expressive eyebrows rose. "What's another scandal, more or less?"
    "But,
Alex, it's not proper! Robert will be furious."
    "If
he lives to find out," Alexander responded impatiently. "Look, Jonet,
was setting out across Scotland with two men proper? Was entertaining me alone
in this bedchamber half the night proper? Face it, lass, innocent as it was, if
word of any of this leaks out, your reputation is ruined. Why not be ruined in
France with Mure rather than here where Murdoch Douglas can use it to his
advantage if he chooses?"
    Jonet
fingered the rough cloth of the shirt. "I... I suppose I hadn't thought
about it like that. I'm being ridiculous again, aren't I?"
    Alexander
moved toward her. Firm fingers caught her chin, tilting her face toward his.
"Listen to me, lass. You're new to this kind of thinking, but I've lived
by my wits since I was ten years old. In times of trouble you'd best have only
one real goal if you hope to be successful."
    His
fingers tightened until she felt the pain through her jaw. His eyes held hers.
"What is your goal, Jonet?"
    She
didn't hesitate. "To reach my uncle."
    His
grip eased. "Then you'll do whatever you must to achieve it and nothing
else matters. I'll not go one step further until I know you're committed to
this, that you'll do whatever I say without question." His hand fell away.
"I don't care a damn about Mure personally, but I'd hate to see you fall
into Douglas hands."
    They
stared at each other in silence, then he grinned, unexpectedly at his most
charming again. "And there is a little matter of my own future at stake.
If the warden catches me transporting you across Scotland, I'll have to be more
persuasive than an angel to save my skin."
    Jonet
took a long, deep breath, like one she would take before plunging headlong from
a cliff. "I understand the risk you're taking, Alex, and I'll be forever
grateful. And I am committed. I promise I'll do whatever you tell me."
    "Very
well." He smiled briefly. "Get dressed."
    He
turned then and was gone. Jonet stared at the clothing. Alexander was right.
She had to reach Robert. Nothing else was important.
    ***
    Alexander
stepped out of his chamber just as Grant was entering the anteroom. "Good
news, Alex. Will Simon has one of the men you were wanting. No sign of the
other, though the lads are still looking."
    "Damn,
I wanted them both!" Alex frowned, then shrugged resignedly. "Well,
one's better than none, I suppose. The other's probably ridden on to Mure. We'd
have heard if he'd been taken. If he's smart he'll get his lordship out of the
country, though I'm gambling they'll wait a few days in hopes of finding the
girl."
    He
looked up. "Tell the men the other's probably long gone, but to keep an
eye out just the same. I want this one drugged before he's brought here. He's
not to know who's holding him."
    Grant's
expressionless face didn't change. "Aye."
    A
hesitant knock sounded against the door, along with a softly voiced,
"Alex, I'm ready."
    He
glanced toward the door and then back to Grant. "And tell the men we'll be
leaving. Tonight," he added quietly.
    Grant
shot him an inquiring glance. "She's agreed?"
    Alex
nodded.
    Grant
turned toward the outer door with a frown. "If only all our enemies were
women, we'd be in Holyrood House