Read Online A Rough Wooing by Virginia Henley - Free Book Online

night there was an unspoken bond
between us. Then I betrayed that bond.
    Douglas told herself that she had
justification. I gave myself to him freely, hoping that in
return he would offer to free my brothers. She bent forward and
patted the lovely mare’s neck. “I promise to give you back,” she
whispered.
    Though Langley had four great towers, it was
small compared with the massive fortalice known as Carlisle Castle.
Within its walls were many separate buildings and Douglas vowed to
avoid an encounter with Greystoke if it were possible.
    The king’s entourage clattered through the
high covered arch of the main gateway into the outer bailey.
Douglas rode with her brother’s moss-troopers and in her leather
breeches and jack, she blended in well. At a slower pace, they
passed beneath the internal gatehouse with its L-shaped barbican
and entered the inner bailey that led to the massive three-story
keep.
    “Welcome to Carlisle, Your Gracious Majesty.
I am honored to present you with the keys to the castle, as well as
the ceremonial key to the City of Carlisle.” Sir Thomas Scrope, the
Governor of Carlisle bowed low before King James. “Our castle and
our city are yours to command, Sire.”
    The king was well-pleased with Thomas Scrope
who had carried on a secret correspondence with him for the last
year of Queen Elizabeth of England’s life. “We thank ye fer yer
hospitality, Lord Scrope.”
    ~~~
    It was evening before Douglas was assigned a
chamber with other ladies, and she quickly washed and changed into
her brocade gown so she could meet Jock, who had insisted on
escorting her to the dining hall. She pinned the mirrored pendant
inside her gown for safekeeping, brushed the tangles from her hair,
and waited for her brother.
    Douglas was thankful that she sat between
Jock and Will Elliot at the long, overcrowded trestle table. They
were able to grab food from the great platters, which were emptied
the moment the servers set them down. Her eyes searched the crowded
hall for Lance Greystoke. One glimpse of his dark countenance
and I shall flee from the hall.
    With her attention focused on looking for
Greystoke, she did not notice Alex Hume watching her like a hungry
predator. When she finished eating, she told her brother she was
going up to bed.
    Jock reached into his pocket and handed
Douglas a couple of gold crowns. “I saw at least a dozen Carlisle
merchants arrive earlier. They are setting up their wares in a
chamber off the Great Hall. I think it’s time you had another
dress.”
    Her eyes widened with pleasure. “Oh, Jock,
thank you. You are the best brother in the world. Whatever would I
do without you?”
    Douglas spent the next hour selecting a gown
from the array of feminine attire the merchants had on display.
They had brought the latest fashions, knowing both the Scots and
the English who planned to follow the king to London would spare no
expense on their wardrobes.
    She finally chose a pale green velvet gown
with detachable sleeves. She also bought another pair of sleeves
embroidered with pink English roses and silver Scots thistles that
she could not resist.
    Douglas carried her treasures up to the
chamber she was sharing. When she opened the door she suddenly
found herself propelled into the room from behind. She swung about
to find Alex Hume leering at her.
    “What the devil are you playing at? Please
leave; I am sharing this chamber with four other ladies.”
    “None of whom will be retiring this early.
We’ll have plenty of time for dalliance.”
    “I am not the least bit interested, Alex. I
want you to leave at once.”
    “You’ve led me a merry chase, Douglas. I
tried to woo you when you were at Court in Edinburgh, but all you
did was cocktease and say no.”
    “I did no such thing, sir! You are the reason
I left the Queen’s Court in Edinburgh.”
    Hume grabbed her and brought his mouth down
on hers. He held her imprisoned against him. “You play a
high-stakes game, Douglas, holding