Read Online Kill or Be Kilt by Victoria Roberts - Free Book Online Page B

Thames. Ironically, she could relate to the sight before her. She was being swept toward a future that was unclear and unknown.
    When the coach abruptly stopped, she sat up. Ruairi, Fagan, and Ian rode to the front of the carriage, and a wave of apprehension swept through her. She was both thrilled and frightened.
    Finally, she’d arrived at Hampton Court Palace.
    After a few restless moments, the coach rolled forward. They continued through the first courtyard and stopped at the second inner gatehouse. The carriage door opened, and Elizabeth stepped down.
    A large astronomical clock made for Henry VIII hung over the gatehouse. The piece showed the date, time of day, phases of the moon, and the water level at the London Bridge.
    She gave herself a pinch because she couldn’t believe she was standing on the grounds of royal history. King James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the great-grandson of Henry VIII, but now here she was, Lady Elizabeth Walsingham, attending court. She’d soon be walking through the same halls as kings and queens of past and present.
    Ruairi, Fagan, and Ian were talking with two men as she approached, and Ruairi’s voice was irritated. “I suppose we donna have a choice.” When he turned around, Fagan and Ian grabbed their mounts.
    Uncertainty made Elizabeth’s voice harsh and demanding. “What has happened?”
    â€œI’m sorry, lass. There are one thousand people attending court, and the palace only has forty-four bedchambers. There is nae enough room for everyone. Ravenna was able to send word ahead, and even though there is a bedchamber readied for ye, there is nae room for all of us,” said Ruairi. “Lodging has been made for us in the city. We best make haste before darkness falls.”
    When he started to lead his mount away, she called after him. “Where are you going?”
    A puzzled look crossed his face. “I told ye.”
    She closed the distance between them. “But aren’t you going to see me to my chamber before you leave?”
    Ian rubbed his hand over his face. “Lass, ye’re coming with us.”
    â€œI don’t understand.”
    Ruairi placed his hand on her shoulder. “We can nae leave ye unattended.”
    â€œYou’re not leaving me unattended. You’re returning in the morn.”
    â€œIf ye think we’re going to take our leave without ye, ye’re nae thinking verra clearly. Ye can nae stay in the castle alone,” said Ian.
    She folded her arms across her chest and lifted her chin. “I’m not alone. You said there were one thousand people attending court. What could possibly happen between now and the morning?”
    â€œElizabeth, ye are nae staying here alone. ’Twas your decision to suddenly come along. Be thankful ye’re able to attend court. Now get back in the carriage,” said Ruairi in a commanding tone.
    All pleasure left her body, and she tried to keep the whine out of her voice. “I understand.” She didn’t.
    Fagan placed his hand on her shoulder. “I know ye’re disappointed, lass, but ye’ll still be able to dance and mingle with your own kind. We just won’t be sleeping here.”
    â€œThank God for small favors,” said Ian.
    Between the disappointment she’d felt about not being able to stay at the palace, and now Fagan and Ian’s words, Elizabeth’s blood started to boil. “The last I want to do is scold the two of you like children, but I have to say, whether you realize your words or not, I am English. Need I remind you there is nothing I can do to change that?”
    She glowered at Fagan. “Thank you for telling me that I’ll still be able to mingle with my ‘own kind.’” She whipped her head to Ian. “And thank you, Laird Munro, for reminding me how much you despise my countrymen. Although I’ve lived in Scotland for years and have appreciated all