Border Lord Read Online Free PDF Page A

in my journal. There's still my owl feathers."
    She rose. "Then forgive me for detaining you, my lord. We do, after all, have plenty of time to chat."
    Duncan stopped so fast he almost tripped on his own feet. "I don't understand."
    "You will, I assure you."
    Shocked, Duncan realized that he'd woefully underestimated his adversary. Sinclair had applied to the queen, and she'd sent her prized settler of international squabbles. The clever red-haired wench had managed to dismiss her guard and entrench herself in his household—indefinitely. "What about the cavalry? You can't wander about without an escort."
    "Don't trouble yourself about my safety. 'Tis all arranged, I assure you. You have owl feathers to clean, and I—well, I shan't bore you with my affairs."
    When he didn't move, she held out her arm. "We can walk up together and you can show me my room."
    He took her arm when he wanted to wring her neck. Surely in all of Christendom there couldn't be a more wily, tenacious female than the incorruptible Miriam MacDonald. Why couldn't she have been open to bribery like the other emissaries? Duncan Kerr would have to deal with her, but tonight his schedule was full. The Border Lord had a pressing engagement with revenge.

    Once in her chamber, Miriam leaned against the heavy oaken door. Iron studs and metal bands pressed into her back, yet she was keenly aware of the shuffling footfalls as the earl retreated to his own room.
    Conversing for an hour with him had drained her, as if she'd spent an evening mediating an argument between a Jew and a Christian on the validity of Jesus Christ.
    "Leave it be for the night, Miriam, else you'll never get to sleep." Alexis had donned her gown and robe. Her dark hair lay in a thick plait over her shoulder. She shook the wrinkles from Miriam's night rail, then laid it over the bed. "Come, I'll help you undress."
    After a fortnight of primitive camps and poorly furnished inns, the bed looked inviting. Miriam couldn't resist touching the plump feather mattress or sighing with relief at the thought of sleeping in comfort. "You're right, of course."
    She removed her hat, jacket, and blouse. Alexis stepped behind her and started to work on the lacings of her stays.
    "Where are the twins?" Miriam asked, pulling the pins from her hair.
    "Beyond my room." She pointed to an opened door. "Which is through there."
    To the left of the portal stood an enormous vanity in Jacobean mahogany, a lighted, twelve-hour candle on top; to the right of the door, next to the hearth, stood a spotless cheval glass and a native basket overflowing with fragrant dried heather and gorse.
    Two massive wardrobes and a washstand, complete with fancy soap and thick towels, filled the opposite wall. A bank of velvet draped windows lined the outside wall. An assortment of nubby woolen rugs, each bearing a blazing sun, the symbol of the Kerr clan, dotted the stone floor.
    Her last mission had entailed months spent amid the pomp and circumstance of European nobility. Miriam embraced the cozy comfort of this Scottish castle.
    Once free of her chemise and stockings, she slipped the gown over her head and sat down on the vanity stool. Alexis began her nightly ritual of brushing Miriam's hair.
    "That feels wonderful," she said, her scalp tingling from the drag of the boar bristles.
    "Hum. A bath would be heaven, but 'tis too late to inconvenience the staff." Yawning, Alexis separated Miriam's hair and began to braid it.
    Miriam glanced at the candle. Her fatigue vanished.
    "What is it?" said Alexis.
    Miriam slid the candle closer. In the mirror, her gaze met Alexis's. "This wick has been burning for two hours. We arrived only an hour ago. Don't you find that intriguing? Look at the room. Lady's soap, the clean linens. He knew we were coming. But how? He left the impression that we were merely travelers."
    Alexis squeezed her eyes shut, creating a fine web of wrinkles. On a groan, she said, "I thought you were done for the night.