Free Stuart, Elizabeth by Without Honor Page B

seen." One finger traced alongside her cheek. "The color of the
sea in winter sunlight," he continued. "An intriguing color for a
lass... a damned intriguing color."
    The
earth seemed to be shifting unsteadily. Alexander's gaze held hers and she felt
warm and weightless suddenly, as if her whole body had gone boneless.
"You're quite good at this, aren't you?" she managed. "You could
almost do this for your bed and board... or perhaps you do."
    He
grinned and something like respect dawned in his eyes. "Aye, but sometimes
I tell the truth. Like today."
    He
changed the subject abruptly then by jerking his head toward the bed.
"Take a nap now if you're able. Madge will clean this up and bring you an
early supper."
    "But
I'm not tired," she protested. "I haven't had a bit of dizziness or a
headache since yesterday. I'm well, truly I am."
    He
moved toward the door without looking back. "I'm glad to hear that, Jonet.
For it's tonight we ride out."

SIX
    The
brilliant orange sun slipped below the horizon far too fast. Jonet stood at the
window watching the hills shade from green to blue-tinged silvers that
gradually faded into twilight. She was just beginning to wonder if she
shouldn't light a lamp when a stranger appeared in the doorway. She hadn't
heard him approach, but all at once, he was there.
    "You
must be the new lad Alex mentioned. John, isn't it?"
    Jonet
stared at him, too surprised even to speak.
    "Come
along then if you're riding with us." He turned. "The men are ready
to leave."
    Jonet
swallowed hard and grabbed up her cap, then hurried after his disappearing
figure. She caught up with him in the hallway. "Your name, sir?"
    "Grant."
    She
hastened along beside him. "Is Lord Hepburn coming? He didn't tell me when
we'd be leaving or anything about—"
    "The
master is finishing some business in the hall," Grant interrupted.
"He sent me to tell you we're leaving."
    "Oh."
    Grant
shoved open a heavy oak door, and they strode down a series of stone steps into
a shadowy courtyard. Overhead the sky still blushed with the lavender-rose of
sunset, but here within the high walls of Durnam darkness already ruled.
    A
half dozen men stood talking desultorily, holding the reins of impatient,
stamping horses. A boy moved about with a torch of flaring pitch, the
flickering orange light picking out rough clothing and hard, bearded faces that
could have belonged to any outlaw band.
    Jonet
swallowed hard. Surely Alexander didn't expect her to ride out with these men.
They looked more like border ruffians bent on mischief than soldiers of a
Scottish laird. She drew the heavy, padded doublet protectively about her body.
Alexander still hadn't appeared and she was becoming more anxious by the
moment.
    Then
a ripple of movement went through the group. Men sprang into their saddles
without a word, and Jonet was left staring in surprise as Alexander Hepburn,
striding a big, skittish gray, rode through the cluster of men on his way to
the open gateway of Durnam.
    Belatedly
Jonet realized he wasn't going to acknowledge her. He didn't even look back.
She caught her reins tightly. Putting her toe in the stirrup, she hauled
herself up, praying desperately the horse wouldn't shy.
    The
mare slid forward eagerly, and Jonet settled into the saddle. She caught up
with the others and breathed a sigh of relief. No one was paying her any
attention. Maybe the men did think her a lad. In any event, Alexander was here.
That fact alone brought her comfort.
    They
moved through the shadowy archway and over the drawbridge into the night. Jonet
felt a shiver of excitement run through her as the evening wind brushed her
face, toying with her curls in a way reminiscent of Alexander's caress.
    They
rode for an hour without speaking. Some wild, secret part of her came alive to
the night and the wind and the freedom of cantering over the rough hills, of
splashing through frothing burns that cut like jagged slashes of silver across
the darkened landscape. The stars came out,