from the satchel. “And to Her Majesty. And this one was to be sent to her brother, although she wasn’t sure where you might be.”
Helena took the letter, staring at its wax seal. It was such a simple ending to weeks of waiting. Her lips trembled but she smiled a genuine smile of relief and thanksgiving.
“Go on, Lady Hurst, and read yer letter.”
The king’s voice startled her. Helena snapped her attention back to him, her cheeks burning with a blush. But James Stuart smiled at her and waved her off. It was her husband who curled his fingers around her arm to keep her beside him.
“Relax, McQuade, yer retainers are here as well, but I was wanting to see Ronchford’s true reaction to this news, so I had them kept out of sight when ye entered.”
The king gestured to the grooms standing silently at attention near the doors. They opened them without a sound from their polished shoe heels. Farrell stood there with Keir’s men all at attention. He inclined his head before looking straight at Keir.
“I’ll be happy to see to the lady, my laird.” Farrell’s tone implied that he had not forgotten his frustration at being outwitted at the Tower.
Keir smiled at Helena. A sinking feeling hit her belly but she lifted her chin in the face of it. With a quick curtsy to the king and queen, she left. Keir’s men closed around her the moment her foot touched the hallway outside the receiving chamber. But today she enjoyed the feeling. They were McQuades, and so was Keir. Instead of trapped, she simply felt secure.
Sitting down in an alcove, Helena broke the letter’s seal.
Dearest friend,
Be most assured that I do not harbor any contempt in my heart for your blood. Your husband’s father was a horrible man and yet I discover myself admiring his youngest son. Keir McQuade is a fyne man and I hope you are happy in your marriage.
I pray that we shall forever be friends for it is a rare thing to discover so true a heart in another.
Raelin McKorey
Tears stung her eyes, but they were joyful ones. Helena read the letter twice before folding it and tucking it into her sleeve. She looked up to find Farrell’s eyes on her.
“Did you find her?”
The burly Scot tilted his head while a grin split his lips. “After all the trouble ye went to in order to send me on my way? It was a point of honor to discover the lass. You were correct, my lady—those English never would have found her.”
“Careful, Farrell, my wife is English and she told me that you called her clever.” Keir sounded amused. He looked at his second in command. “Clever enough to slip out of yer grasp.”
“Och well, that simply means she’s going to be a fine mistress for Red Stone.”
Keir held out a hand, palm facing up. “I couldn’t agree more.”
Helena placed her hand in his, watching as his fingers closed around her own. It was so simple and yet so perfect. She raised her gaze to his, feeling that little jolt of sensation that looking into his dark eyes always sent through her.
“Are you going to take me home?”
Keir pulled her close. “Aye lass, I am.”
Spring spread its warmth over the land, the last of the cold winter weather melting under its power. Farmers returned to their fields and English and Scot alike emerged from their homes to bask in the warm sun.
Keir and his men were anxious to return home. Helena hid her smile as they tried not to look impatient to begin the journey. Keir checked the saddle on her mare with his own hand. The courtyard in front of their town home bustled with activity. The servants helped to tie bundles to horses that would serve as baggage carriers. Helena watched it, smiling with joy, the tension of the last month finally leaving her. She had slept deeply, groaning when her husband woke her at first light in his eagerness to be on his way out of London.
Not that she could blame him for that. She wouldn’t be looking over her shoulder, either. The cook came hurrying from the kitchen with a bundle of freshly baked bread. She had tied it up in a cloth, but the scent still filled the air. It filled Helena’s senses and a moment later her belly cramped with nausea. The urge to retch was overwhelming and stronger than her will to maintain her dignity.
Poise deserted her completely.