Highland Barbarian Part 68

"You will excuse me. Brice," she added, "we will talk again on the morrow."

"As you wish." Brice bowed over her hand, then signaled for Angus and the others to follow him. At the doorway Mary called,

"Meredith, you will stay awhile. We have business to attend to."

Meredith kissed her sisters' cheeks, then touched her hand to Brice's.

Instantly she felt the heat and yearned for some time alone with him.

There was so much she needed to tell him. So much she wanted to ask.

She watched as a servant led Brice and the others to a nearby chamber, where their every comfort would be taken care of.

When the door closed, Meredith turned toward the queen, who was issuing orders to her staff.

"For the rest of the morning I shall be indisposed. There will be no exceptions."

The reality of what lay ahead caused Meredith's stomach to churn.

Surely in the light of day the queen would see the folly of her plan. It was unthinkable that Mary would permit herself to be abducted by a n.o.bleman for the sake of a romantic interlude. She must realize the risk to her reputation if her secret was discovered.

Further, could not the queen see how impossible it was for an imposter to a.s.sume the throne? Even for one day?

Meredith's head swam with questions as she turned to watch the flurry of activity. Several servants were busy laying out a gown of regal scarlet velvet, along with a tiara of diamonds and rubies, and a necklace of ornate gold filigree and matching rubies.

Meredith's mouth rounded in an 0 of appreciation.

"Oh, Majesty, it is breathtakingly beautiful. You will look magnificent."

The queen smiled indulgently while her friends giggled like children.

"I will not be wearing it," Mary said without a trace of regret.

"The gown is for you, Meredith."

"Majesty." Meredith drew back.

"I could not. It is too fine."

"But you will be presiding over Court this day. You must look every inch the queen."

Meredith crossed her arms over her middle, feeling her stomach churn.

"Please, Majesty. I beg you. Forget this foolish dream. You must not do this thing you plan."

"But I shall." The queen stood and walked to her, grasping her cold hands and forcing her to meet her steady gaze. "For so long now I have dreamed of being, not the queen, but an ordinary woman. I want to experience what other women have, Meredith. I want to be loved like a woman. And you are going to make this dream possible."

"Majesty," Meredith whispered, forcing the words from a throat that had gone suddenly dry.

"What will become of the people who come to the queen for solace, and find me instead? What of the p.r.o.nouncements I make this day in your name? Are they all to be withdrawn on the morrow?"

"Nay, Meredith. Have no fear." Mary brought her arm about the trembling woman and drew her close.

"When you sit upon the throne this day, you speak for the queen. You are the queen. Whatever you declare, it is law. And whatever you rescind, it is rescinded for all time. Is that clear?"

A violent tremor rocked the young woman's slender frame.

"Oh, Majesty. That makes it even more difficult to bear. I am not worthy to pa.s.s judgment on others. I have not the right."

"I give you the right," the queen said sternly.

"Am I not your queen?"

"Aye, Majesty."

"Then kneel, Meredith, and accept the edict of your queen."

Meredith knelt and the queen touched a hand to her shoulder. In regal tones she p.r.o.nounced,

"I, Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, do declare you, Meredith MacAlpin, the bearer of my name and seal this day. All that you proclaim on this day shall be law. Let no man rescind your orders."

Meredith swallowed down the little knot of fear that rose in her throat. When the queen caught her hands and drew her to her feet, she was startled to see that the Maries were no longer laughing. For the first time they realized what a dangerous scheme had been set in motion.

"Now," the queen said regally, "go to your sisters and the rogue who carries his heart on his sleeve. Confide in no one. And when it is time to dress for Court, you must do so without drawing undue attention to yourself." As Meredith prepared to make further protest, the queen gave her a friendly shove.

"Go. I command you to put aside your fears."

Even though it was a royal command, Meredith knew it was impossible to obey. Her fears for what was to come could not be ignored.

The preparations for Court were a blur of activity. Meredith stood in the queen's chambers, staring at her reflection in a looking gla.s.s, while servants dressed her hair and helped her into her gown and jewels. When the crown of diamonds and rubies was placed upon her head, she felt as if the weight of the entire world had suddenly been thrust upon her.

She turned to where Mary stood, surrounded by her Maries. Wearing a flowing gossamer gown of palest pink, with her hair loose and falling in soft waves to her waist, the queen looked for the first time like the young girl she was. Her cheeks were flushed with the thrill of her adventure. Her eyes sparkled. With a little laugh she crossed the room and took Meredith's cold hands.

"Meredith MacAlpin. You have earned the undying grat.i.tude of your queen."

"Majesty."

As Meredith began to curtsy Mary stopped her.

"You will bow to no one this day. Remember. You are the queen."

As tears misted Meredith's eyes Mary called,

"Flem, take Her Majesty to meet with Lord Aston." To Meredith she said softly,

"He will go over your appointments this day, which have already been scheduled.

If there is time he will ask you to read the list of pet.i.tioners."

So that the others could not hear, Meredith whispered, "Majesty, there is still time to end this charade."