Beyond a Doubt - By Felicia Rogers Page 0,39
Because of King Henry II of France’s ties with Scotland through the young Mary, only child of James V, word often seeped over borders and across the lips of Scottish nobles. When the ale flowed, so did the words of conspiracy.
The coded messages were placed on common objects which Lucy carried from Scotland to England upon her person. The simple process had held little to no complications until now.
“What about yer companion?” Bryce asked.
When they had first met, Lucy had spoken of a traveling companion who’d stolen her goods. With all the lies told, Bryce couldn’t help but wonder if this had been a fabrication as well.
“Ah, Charles, the shyster. He offered to ride along with me for company, but at the first opportunity he left with my trunk. Took everything I owned in one fell swoop. Mostly he took my clothing. He took nothing that would lead anyone to believe I was anything other than a lady on holiday.”
“Was he searching for the message?”
“I don’t know. It is possible. However, I don’t know how he could have guessed my identity. I assure you, I practice the utmost discretion. No one has ever looked at me in suspicion. Trust me when I say I have seen others under a certain scrutiny which I assure you I have yet to suffer.”
Bryce would never forget her face, so he found it hard to believe that others could. Perhaps Charles had been watching her for some time and she was unaware. If she was always at certain places, it would be fairly easy to realize her involvement. If plots continued to be thwarted after her visits to Scotland, wouldn’t someone begin to suspect her?
“Nevertheless, you do see my predicament.”
Bryce nodded.
“Do you have any suggestions?”
The expectant look on her face urged him to please her. He paced the living area. The study had recently been abandoned for more comfortable quarters. Thoughts flew through his mind. “We might need to search the rest of the house, or—“ he interrupted himself, tapping his finger to his forehead.
“What are you thinking?” she asked, her eyes widening.
“Ye said ye have an itinerary for a full week?”
“Aye, I do.”
“Ye can’t be the only one. If ye follow the rest of Joshua’s schedule, maybe ye will run into his replacement.”
Lucy lunged from her position. She placed her hands on either side of his face as she leaned up and kissed him. “Sheer genius! Why didn’t I think of this?”
Bryce felt heat rush to his cheeks. The compliment took him off guard. Lucy didn’t notice his reaction as she flitted around the room. She spun on one heel. Her expression changed to one of worry and she said, “Oh, no. What did I do with my pouch? I know I laid it upon the couch. Where could it have disappeared to?”
Bryce lifted the dainty drawstrings in the air and handed the purse over. She sighed.
Her eyelids fluttered, and she twisted her hands. “Bryce, thank you. I know you didn’t have to stay here. I know you have a home you want to get back to but maybe, would you consider staying on just a while longer? I mean, just a few more days until the message is delivered.” She paused before adding, “I could use someone watching out for me.”
“Aye,” slipped from his mouth without a moment’s hesitation.
Lucy smiled. She placed the silk pouch to her chest as she walked backward from the room.
****
That night in her bedroom, Lucy dropped to her knees in prayer. Thanks rolled in succession from her tongue. Praise be to God Bryce had fallen into that river; otherwise she wouldn’t be making it through this. The man was a rock in a sea of storms. She suddenly realized how much she’d come to depend on him.
Falling back against the pillows, Lucy realized that she didn’t want to separate from Bryce, now, or ever. Could she convince him to stay? Or would she be willing to leave everything behind to go with him?
Sleep that night was fitful. Several times she woke stifling a scream. The sky lit with lightning, and the shadow of a man appeared. It was Bryce. He stepped forward and rubbed her forehead, whispering soothing words until she drifted back to sleep.
When morning came, Lucy was alone. She stretched across the comfortable fabric, feeling more tired than when she’d lain down the night before. Exhaustion and worry for her future gnawed at her.
Nothing said she had to continue with this mission. It could be