pillows. He smiled at her, the brilliant turquoise of his eyes glinting with light.
“At last, you’ve come,” he said. “I’d begun to think you were a vision.”
Nothing of what she felt reflected itself in her still hands and implacable expression. “You are better today. I’m glad,” she said gravely.
“Are you, lass?” He patted the side of the bed. “Then sit beside me. I’ve never been so bored in all my life.”
Mairi approached the bed, but she did not sit. “You nearly lost your life,” she reminded him. “Sleep will help you regain your strength.”
“I’ve slept enough. What I need now is entertainment. Tell me about yourself. God’s wounds, I’ve heard enough about you, but I never believed it. Why have you never been to court?”
Her lip curled. “An English court is no place for a Scot.”
“You do not approve of England, m’lady?” he asked casually.
She lifted her chin. “Here in Scotland, we prefer independence, m’lord.”
“I see.” His eyes were on her face, noting the defiant tilt of her chin, the winged brows, and the pulse beating erratically in her slender throat. He did not want this woman to disapprove of him. Reaching out, he took her hand and pulled her down so that she sat beside him. “I am English, lass. Surely I’ve given you no cause to despise me.”
“I do not despise the English,” Mairi was quick to assure him, “however, I would prefer that they stay in England and leave the governing of Scotland to us.”
“Margaret of Norway died,” he reminded her.
“Aye, but there is still John Balliol and Robert the Bruce.”
“Both excellent men,” Edward agreed. “But neither has a strong following.”
“Only because the king keeps them in England,” Mairi countered.
Edward grinned. “A clever move on his part, do you not agree?”
She nodded. “Aye. A clever move for a man who seeks to rule both countries.”
He shrugged. She tried to pull her hand away, but he tightened his hold. Laying his palm flat across her own, he threaded his fingers through hers and rubbed the sensitive skin with his thumb. “Perhaps he only seeks to keep the peace.”
Mairi could barely think. “Edward is not a peaceful man,” she managed in a strangled voice.
He looked at her, an arrested expression in his eyes. “What do you know of Edward of England?”
It was her turn to shrug. “Only what I’ve been told. He is forceful in battle, merciful to the conquered, wise in council, but happiest on horseback with his dogs behind and a hawk on his wrist. He is a brave and gallant knight, and his reputation with women is legendary. Besides his wife, he has a slew of mistresses throughout England.” Her forehead wrinkled. “I suppose he is handsome, but I can’t say for sure. David Murray would never notice such a thing.”
Edward watched her carefully as she described his character traits. The light played over her face, illuminating the flawless skin and light, expressive eyes. Below his waist, the tension in his body was tight as the skin of a drum. Her informant had flattered him. For that Edward was grateful. If the truth were told, he was not always wise in council. His temper was inconsistent, and he hated muddle of any kind. He ruled with an impetuous decisiveness that inspired others to do as he commanded. His strengths were his battle strategy and his enviable charm. Without exception, those who disagreed with his decisions eventually came around to his way of thinking. It did not concern him that Mairi of Shiels believed him to be a womanizer. He had no intention of revealing his true identity. What puzzled him was her interest. It was obvious that her curiosity had passed the bounds of idle diversion.
“It sounds as if King Edward is highly regarded by your David Murray.”
Mairi nodded. “David admires him greatly.” A thought occurred to her. “What of yourself, m’lord? Do you admire the king?”
Edward’s skin reddened, and he shifted uncomfortably under her innocent gaze. “He is a man much like any other,” he muttered.
“Surely not like any other?” Mairi teased.
“Aye, he is,” he assured her. “He stands taller than most by half a head, and he is very fair.” He frowned. “There are those who consider him well favored.”
Mairi’s mouth turned up at the corners. “Why, Lord Durbridge. I do believe you are jealous of him.”
Edward’s eyes widened, and the flush in his cheeks moved to include his shoulders and chest. “Indeed I am not,” he protested, shocked that she could conclude such