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“I—”
“Alas, sire, we shall be here for just a few days. I must make all haste tae Rome, as ye know, if I am tae be there an’ back before the winter sets in an’ I cannae travel. Katherine has agreed tae accompany me.”
The king’s affable expression darkened. “You would deprive us of her presence so soon? I cannot permit it.”
“An’ I cannae bear tae be parted from her so soon, Your Majesty, though if ye would prefer that I delay my trip…”
James scowled. “No, that would not be convenient. I require that certain letters be delivered to the Vatican without delay.”
“Then, maybe you could send a different envoy, sire, if ye prefer meandmy wife to remain at court.”
James’ glower was one of not-especially-gracious defeat. “I trust you will enjoy the trip, Lady Katherine. Rome is even more beautiful than Edinburgh.”
Katherine curtseyed again. “I cannot believe that, Your Majesty, but I am so looking forward to seeing for myself. I thank you for your kind good wishes.”
James nodded, then turned his scowling attention to Robbie. “I shall require your presence in my privy chamber, my lord. At once.”
Robbie bowed. “Of course, sire.”
Robbie had been quite right. The Holyrood gardens were exceptional. The grounds were surrounded on all sides by high walls to avoid the depredations of deer, livestock, not to mention the poor of the city who might like to help themselves from the fruits, berries, and other kitchen supplies grown to feed the inhabitants of the palace and abbey. It was clear that James and the monks who inhabited this particular house of God appreciated opportunities for spiritual contemplation as well as the practical necessity for food.
Robbie had been obliged to take his leave of her soon after their encounter with the king. “Remember what I said. ’Twould be best tae remain in the palace, where there are plenty of folk about and far less opportunity for a compromising situation to arise. Or in the gardens close by.”
Katherine had heeded his advice, exploring the public rooms of the palace before venturing onto the terrace outside. She strolled among the classical displays of roses and ornamental shrubbery, some of it carved into an intricate maze. She wandered for a while among the twists and turns and dead ends, before coming upon a secluded arbour bathed in the afternoon sunlight. She sat for a few moments, to enjoy the solitude and peace.
Her reverie was not to last long.
“Lady Roxburghe. I trust you are finding our humble gardens to your liking.”
Katherine started. She turned to find a lavishly dressed woman of perhaps forty summers approaching, accompanied by two other ladies. She recognised Lady Mary Douglas, since Robbie had pointed her out before he was obliged to join the king and other ministers in the privy chamber. Lady Mary’s companions were unknown to her, but despite her reservations regarding the matronly lady, Katherine was eager to make friends.
She sprang to her feet, then dropped a curtsey. Not so deep, this time, as that offered to the king, but even so, lacking nothing by way of courtly observance. “Lady Douglas,” she murmured. “I am honoured.”
The older woman accepted the greeting with an assurance that spoke of entitlement and expectation. She was clearly accustomed to such subservience among the ladies of the Scottish court. She extended her hands palm down, to Katherine.
Katherine considered kissing the lady’s fingers, since this was clearly expected. But she had not done so when presented to the king so opted instead to take Lady Mary’s hand and give a light shake. She rose with a smile.
“The gardens are beautiful, my lady, especially at this time of the year. I was just admiring the climbing roses which are in flower now. And the dahlias are quite wonderful.”
Lady Mary bestowed a haughty smile on her, though the expression did not quite reach her eyes. “This is praise indeed since I am aware that the English have more than a passing fondness for a fine garden. Have you discovered our ornamental lake yet?”
Katherine shook her head. “I have not. Perhaps you could direct me?”
“We shall do better than that, Lady Roxburghe. We shall accompany you there. But first, have you met Lady Joan Stuart?”
One of the ladies bowed her head and extended her hand in a like manner to Lady Mary.
Katherine permitted herself a moment of wry amusement. They certainly held a high opinion of themselves, these Scottish noblewomen. Her response to the haughty gesture was the same as before. She smiled graciously and shook the proffered fingers. “My husband did mention you, my lady. He tells me that you are most skilled at the harp. It is an exquisite instrument.”
“The earl is most kind. I am to play later, in the main hall, should you wish to attend.”
“I would love to, if my husband’s duties permit.”
“If he is otherwise occupied, you must come anyway.” Lady Mary gestured to her other companion. “And, of course, you must meet Lady Joan’s sister, Elisabeth.”
Katherine extended her own hand this time. “I am delighted to make your acquaintance.”
Elisabeth sniffed and ignored Katherine’s outstretched hand until her sister delivered a sharp nudge with her elbow. The subsequent handshake was decidedly lacking in enthusiasm.
