Read Online The Daring Heart (The Highland Heather and Hearts Scottish Romance Series) by Carmen Caine - Free Book Online

England against the Scottish crown. The Stewart king only survived with the help of the Red Douglases of Angus. Yon earl’s father fought with the Stewarts and drove their own kin, the old Black Douglas and his men into exile in England, where they’ve lived ever since.”
    Liselle lifted a brow at the red-haired earl still speaking with Albany. “Then is it not strange that this Red Douglas also now betrays the Scottish crown and a Stewart king by seeking Yorkist aid?”
    Pascal’s dark eyes glinted dangerously. “Men betray much for power,” he said softly and in an almost jaded tone. “Even their brothers.”
    Liselle shot him a puzzled look.
    “Be careful, bábia ,” he warned, not bothering to explain himself. “Archibald Douglas may appear humble and pleasant, but do not underestimate him. He’s one of the craftiest noblemen of Scotland.”
    Liselle watched him a moment, wondering what secrets he harbored. “And how do you know of these Scottish clans?” she asked softly.
    He didn’t seem bothered by the question in the slightest. Leaning close, he retorted, “Unlike you, bábia , I seek knowledge. You would be wise to do the same.”
    And then with a blasé shrug of the shoulders, he moved off to join Albany and Douglas and proceeded to murmur something that was met by hearty bursts of laughter.
    As they suddenly turned to her as one, Liselle sent her cousin a disapproving look. He’d clearly made a jest at her expense. But she joined them all the same.
    “The Lady Liselle,” Albany introduced her to the red-haired earl. “Nicoletta has fallen ill with the ague. Liselle will be taking her place as a lady-in-waiting to the princess.”
    The Earl of Angus’ beard widened into a smile as he bowed and said politely enough, “’Twill be a pleasure to have ye in Edinburgh, Lady Liselle.”
    But she had scarcely curtsied in reply before he was waving them all to a group of horses waiting nearby.
    “We’ll stay for a wee night’s rest with the monks at Netley Abbey,” Douglas explained, catching his horse’s head and giving the great beast a fond pat. “But we’ll leave at dawn and ride hard for Fotheringhay. King Edward’s own brother, the Duke of Gloucester is waiting ye there, Albany, and his tidings will please ye greatly.”
    “The only tidings to please me would be those of an army,” Albany retorted, mounting his horse. “An army that will make me King of Scotland.”
    “Then be pleased.” Douglas laughed, urging his horse forward.
    As their conversation continued along the same lines, Liselle fell to the back of the party. There was nothing to be learned from them now; they were too busy congratulating each other on having won a war yet to be fought.
    They took a woodland path running along the river through clumps of birches and spreading ancient oaks. And the slight chill in the air made her shiver despite the sun filtering through the canopy of leaves overhead.
    Soon enough, she saw Netley Abbey with its tall tower and painted glass windows perched on a gentle slope rising from the banks of the Southampton waters. There were several buildings south of the abbey’s church, half obscured by ivy and surrounded by green trees and traces of a moat.
    They had scarcely dismounted before an austere, blunt-faced monk came out to greet them at the main gate. Once they were inside the courtyard, he motioned a fellow brother to escort the men to one side of the abbey, as he escorted Liselle to a small one-room guesthouse on the other. And after promising her sustenance, he shut the door and left her alone.
    Taking a deep breath, Liselle stretched and glanced around, grateful for the feel of solid earth beneath her feet. The room was a simple one, comprised only of a bed and a small wooden table with a single candlestick.
    Moving to the window, she let her thoughts wander until a knock on the door revealed another monk bearing a simple meal of mutton stew and brown bread. After placing the meal