The Wicked Viscount Read online

  Evelyn nodded, her cheeks still hoisted upward in a fake smile. Nathaniel passed Cat on his way to wash his hands with the pitcher and basin they kept in the corner. Cat looked down at her own hands. Broken nails, dirt, and some dark smudges of blood. She clasped them behind her back. “I shot a wild boar for the school.”

  Grey cursed in Gaelic, frowning, but didn’t say anything. Cat shot him a glare.

  “That sounds like a story I want to hear,” Scarlet said, a real smile touching her lips. She was the less straitlaced of the two sisters and had made Cat her second-in-command when they’d taken on the abducting covenanters. Even though Scarlet looked refined, like someone from an English court, she was also fierce. Cat liked her.

  The room fell silent again, and with it came the heaviness of news not yet told. The words seemed to hang invisible in the air, waiting for someone to catch and speak them. Cat had felt the weight before, when Grey’s father, the chief at the time, had come to tell her and her mother and sister that their da had been killed by English bastards on Bothwell Bridge. It was a day she’d never forget.

  Cat’s gaze slid across the quiet assembly. Only Nathaniel moved, drying his hands and walking over. He took the letter from his sister. “Let her read it herself.” He stopped before Cat, his closeness making her swallow.

  She sniffed and held out her hand. He didn’t even question if she could decipher the words, written in a slanted script. A year ago, she’d been hard pressed to make out the loops, lines, and dashes, but Evelyn, though annoying, was a very talented teacher. Winter light cut through the windows set high in the stone walls of the keep, just enough for her to make out the words.

  To Ladies Evelyn and Scarlet Worthington of the Highland Roses School, Finlarig Castle, Killin, Scotland.

  I send dire news. His majesty, my husband, Charles has taken ill just this morn. His physicians are assisting him. There are whispers of poison, and his brother, James, has been summoned.

  I request a Highland Rose, dispatched with utmost haste, to attend me. A student with knowledge of healing or symptoms of poison, as well as a physically protective nature, is imperative. Perhaps your brother can provide escort to bring the Rose as quickly as God allows. I fear there is much danger within Whitehall at this time, and my heart grieves for this great man, my husband and king.

  Your Queen, Catherine de Braganza

  2 February 1685

  Chapter Two

  Nathaniel watched Cat read the letter, her sunset-hued curls cascading before her as she bent over the missive.

  Wild, her very countenance held a sense of freedom, like the wild horses he’d seen run along a shore when he’d once visited Spain on business for his father. Nothing locked Cat Campbell down. With her parents deceased, only her young sister kept her at Finlarig Castle, where she possessed enough knowledge of healing and battle to become a teacher herself. And it was this freedom, this passion for living on her own terms, that had snared his attention from the moment he’d spoken with her upon arrival at Finlarig. She was like no one he’d ever met.

  She looked up, and his breath caught as she stared into his eyes. He knew hers to be the blue-green color that often accompanied the brilliant red hue of her hair, but the dimness of the winter sun made them seem darker. “Ye want me to go to Whitehall Palace,” she said. The very tip of her tongue came out from between her lips as if her mouth had gone dry. “In England. The English court in London.” Since her gaze hadn’t left him, he answered for his sister.

  “With me,” he said, unsure if that would make the plan more appealing to her since she avoided him. Although, hadn’t he been doing the same?

  “With ye?” she asked, her voice softer. He gave a single nod even though she must have read the suggestion in the queen’s letter.

  Scarlet came forward to squeeze her arm. “It sounds like the queen is desperate for help. As much as Grey would like you to remain to care for Evelyn, you have the most knowledge to help the king. You are also my strongest, most lethal Rose, Cat. I have no doubt you can take care of yourself.”

  “If she does not want to go, I will not force her,” Grey said, though Nathaniel doubted anyone could force Cat Campbell to do anything she didn’t want to do.

  “I will be fine, Grey,” Evelyn said to her husband. “The baby is not due for two months, and Jacqueline seems to know quite a bit about healing. She has been working with Cat since she came to the school.”

  “And Izzy will certainly continue to stay with us,” Scarlet said. “So there is no need to worry about your sister.”

  Cat’s gaze slid past Nathaniel toward the wall, as if she were working out all the details in her mind. “I have no court costumes or manners,” she said.

  Evelyn came forward. “I will write a letter introducing you to Jane Pickney, our exceedingly competent housekeeper at Hollings Estate.” She smiled encouragingly. “She practically raised the three of us and will round up a team of seamstresses when you arrive to update some of our court gowns. She will also equip you with…” Evelyn hesitated. “Well, help you prepare for attending court. Although Queen Catherine will likely let everyone know that you are an invited guest of hers and therefore above reproach. But it does not hurt to be somewhat prepared.”

  “Prepared?” Cat replied, her voice numb.

  The woman needed to know what she was getting into, and Nathaniel had never seen her turn away from danger. His sisters were being too kind. Cat needed to see the task as the challenge it was. “Court is a pit of vipers,” he said.

  “Nathaniel,” Evelyn warned, her tone terse, but he continued over her.

  “Only the bravest Scot would traipse into the very heart of England.” He shrugged as Cat’s gaze searched his face. “The queen needs a trained Rose who cares not what the snobbish elite might think, but who parades in front of them with the queen to show them how the king must be treated to improve. Someone who could also discover poison if it has been given to him.” He held her gaze. “Cat.” He let her name roll slowly from his mouth. Had he ever called her name while within arm’s reach? He cleared his throat. “Can you think of anyone else to go but you?”

  Dirt smudged one of her cheeks, blending against the multitude of brown freckles that covered every inch of her exposed skin. They were like stars in a clear night sky. Did they extend underneath her clothing?

  She breathed, her breasts rising up with a full inhale. He watched her lips pinch together, their pinkness still speckled like her skin. “Nay,” she said. “I am the only Rose to go.”

  As if her words were magic to break those in the room from an enchanted spell, they all began to rush around while he and Cat stood still.

  “I will tell Izzy,” Alana said, running off, followed by the pack of wolfhounds that accompanied her everywhere.

  “You can use the satchel I brought from Hollings,” Scarlet said and stepped in to give her a quick hug before striding toward the stairs.

  Evelyn looked at Grey. “She is going. I will be fine. And you now must go find her a horse to ride.” He cursed under his breath and strode toward the entryway. Evelyn smiled at Cat. “I will gather some basic medicinal herbs and ask Molly to put together a hamper of food for the start of your trip. You will have to acquire provisions along the way, for which Nathaniel will pay. Jane Pitney will see you completely outfitted before you travel on to London.”

  Cat’s face turned side to side, watching people disperse, until finally her gaze settled back on Nathaniel as the only remaining source of information. “We are leaving now?”

  He gave a nod.

  “But I haven’t even had roast boar.”

  “It will take us over a week to travel to Hollings Estate in Lincoln,” Nathaniel said. “Several days to see you equipped for court and then another four to five days to ride to London. If the king became ill over a week ago, we need to get there as fast as possible.”

  She let out a huff of breath and planted hands on her hips. “Well, I am at least using the priv
y first and washing my hands.” Turning away, she glanced at him over her shoulder. “I also need to collect my sgian dubh, daggers, and more arrows.”

  Nathaniel watched her walk, the form-fitting leather trousers accenting the perfect heart-shaped curves of her arse. He should look away, but the natural sway in her stride was like a charmer’s spell. She rounded the corner, and he ran one hand down his face. His lips twitched upward into a grin. The woman didn’t demand to change, or inspect her satchels, or dither over what hat to wear on the journey. Cat Campbell was the strangest, wildest, most unpredictable woman he’d ever known.

  …

  Bloody sarding hell.

  She was going to England. And not just England but to the royal palace in London.

  Cat rummaged in her bag where it sat on the table in the great hall. Her knuckles brushed against her two extra blades, sheathed and accessible, and she clutched one. Just the familiar feel of the leather-wrapped handles calmed her nerves. Straightening, she adjusted her leather jacket and pulled the satchel closed.

  “You should wear another layer,” Evelyn said, walking in from the back hall that led to the kitchens. She handed Cat a thick cape. “To keep the wind off you at night. And Molly packed enough food and drink for the next few days.”

  Cat took the cape. “Thank ye,” she murmured as they walked through the entryway and out the front doors.

  Evelyn’s hand stopped her at the top of the steps into the bailey. “No, thank you, Cat,” she said, meeting her gaze. “It must feel like you are riding into the lion’s den.” Cat didn’t say anything, and Evelyn smiled as if the gesture could hide the worry on her face. “But my brother will get you safely there and back, I promise you. And Jane will make sure you know what to expect at court. Remember though, ladies fight with words at court, not blades. Behave with cold decorum.”

  “I need to talk to Izzy,” Cat said, glancing around. She must explain to her sister that she would only be gone for a month, that she would never abandon her.

  “Of course. We would not send you off without a farewell.”

  Cat glanced outward, easily finding the tall figure of Nathaniel where he stood by two horses, one was his large bay horse and the other was a tall black horse. Good God! Was she expected to ride it?

  Evelyn and she stepped together across the bailey. “So…” Cat started, her voice low. “How exactly does one ride a horse?”

  Evelyn’s slipper caught, and she hesitated. “You… You have never ridden a horse?” she asked in her aristocratic voice. Shock mixed with a bit of pity and elitism.

  Irritation kicked up inside Cat. “Even though Sassenachs, born on an estate in England, are raised in the saddle, we country lasses were raised trying to find food. We hadn’t the riches for horses.”

  “Certainly,” Evelyn responded quickly, her cheeks growing red. “I meant no offense.”

  “Perhaps ye should add horse riding to your Highland Roses School curriculum,” Cat suggested. She stared hard at Evelyn. “Starting right now.” The words came soft but insistent. Everything had happened so quickly that Cat hadn’t had time to worry about how she would get to London, and now she’d be riding a beast next to Nathaniel Worthington, likely the best horseman she’d ever witnessed.

  “Yes, yes, of course,” Evelyn said, seeming to shake off her embarrassment. She lowered her voice. “Have you ever sat upon a horse?”

  “For a score of minutes on the way to save Scarlet, Jacqueline, and the queen a month ago. Only then.”

  Evelyn nodded, releasing a breath. “We will tell Nathaniel. He is an excellent rider and will—”

  “Nay,” Cat said, catching her arm. “Do not tell him,” she said through clenched teeth. If his sister had been shocked by her ignorance, what would he think of her? “He will ride slower then, and we must get to London quickly. I am strong and will hold on.”

  Evelyn opened her mouth but then closed it. “He is likely to figure it out, but alright. Come meet this fleet mare. Her name is Stella, which means star.”

  Cat walked closer to the magnificent animal. The horse was completely black, including her tail and mane. The only color on her sleek coat was a white blaze on her nose, which did indeed look like a star. Her dark eyes seemed to judge Cat, sizing up the woman who would be clinging to her back for dear life for the next fortnight. “Is she…hard to control?” she whispered to Evelyn.

  Evelyn squeezed her hand. “There is a wildness in her, but she is kind at heart. I brought her from England with me, and she rode swift and smooth. I think the two of you will learn to understand each other quite well. Just try not to be afraid of her. They can sense fear.”

  Tremors of dread tried to spread up Cat’s body, but she breathed past them. “Of course, I am not afraid,” she said, a sneer masking the slight quake in her voice. The horse raised one hoof and scratched the ground before her, her large shining eyes still on Cat. Hell, there’d be no fooling the beast. Nonetheless, she would attempt to fool Nathaniel, for she wouldn’t put up with pity from him.

  “Let her smell your hand,” Evelyn whispered, and Cat lifted her palm toward the horse’s mouth. Didn’t they have large teeth? It could judge her poorly and bite off her fingers. She tried to steady her hand, but it shook.

  Warm breath touched Cat’s bare fingers, Stella’s nostrils flaring. “Then gently, slowly press your open palm to her nose,” Evelyn said. Cat followed her instructions, and the horse let her touch her.

  Swallowing down some of the initial worry of having to mount such a large creature, Cat leaned in slightly. “Ye and I can ride gently together. No wildness. Agreed?” The horse’s ears flicked as if she sought to decipher her words. She reached higher and slid her palm down the mare’s warm nose.

  “We should go,” Nathaniel said behind her. “Get some distance before we stop for the night.” She continued to stroke Stella, not wanting to turn to the man who made her heart pound even harder.

  Evelyn waved Izzy and Scarlet over. “You will stop at some of the inns and cabins that we used on our way south last time?” Evelyn asked Nathaniel.

  “Yes, but I have gear for sleeping out, too.”

  Cat hugged Scarlet and then pulled Izzy to her. “Keep with Evelyn and Scarlet,” she said and knelt before her young sister. She caught Izzy’s face in her hands. “I am not leaving ye,” she whispered. “I will return, probably two fortnights or a bit longer.”

  There was a slight sheen to Izzy’s eyes, but she nodded. Something might happen to you. Izzy used her fingers to make signs, her way of communicating since she had stopped speaking two years ago when their mother died. Cat had hoped that words would come again soon since Izzy had screamed in warning a month ago during the queen’s rescue. But so far, she remained silent.

  “Only God could keep me from ye,” Cat replied.

  God kept Da from returning, and God took Ma.

  The familiar tension made Cat’s head ache, and she shook it slowly. “Da was always leaving, warring with someone.” She released a small huff. “And God did not take Ma. I am nothing like Ma.”

  Farewell hugs hurt the heart, making her chest squeeze and pressure threaten tears behind her eyes, so she avoided them. But she couldn’t walk away from her little sister without a proper goodbye. Just in case. Cat pulled Izzy into another hug for long seconds until her younger sister dropped her arms, ready to let go.

  Izzy pointed to Stella. You are going to ride a horse? she signed.

  Rolling her eyes heavenward, Cat nodded. A tentative smile curved Izzy’s lips, and her brows rose high. Cat took a big breath. “I can do it.”

  Spreading her hands wide, Izzy stretched her arms up and out. “Aye, I know it is large,” Cat said and snorted. “But when have I ever taken the easy way?”

  Izzy made gripping motions with her hands, telling her to hold on tight. “I will,” she answered, hugging her little sister once more. “And I will be home as soon as I can.”

  She turned toward the horses where Evelyn s
tood talking to Nathaniel. His hair curled out slightly around his ears. He wore a brimmed leather hat without decoration for travel. A gray cloak sat about his shoulders, and he wore the same trousers and tall boots that he’d worn when he found her that morning.

  Evelyn bent toward him, whispering. Was she telling him that Cat was inept, an ignorant country girl too poor to ever ride a horse? Cat gave Izzy a confident smile and strode toward them.

  Evelyn’s gloved hand flipped around in the air as she spoke rapidly. Cat approached from behind, and Nathaniel’s gaze rose to meet her. “Do not let her kill her,” Evelyn said.

  Was she worried the horse would kill her? Cat’s mouth dropped open.

  “Do not let Jane kill Cat or Cat kill Jane?” Nathaniel asked, a grin turning up his lips as he stared over his sister.

  “Neither of them,” Evelyn said, turning to follow Nathaniel’s gaze to Cat. She plastered on another full smile. “Farewells said?” she asked.

  Cat’s brows furrowed. “Aye.” The word came out short. So, Jane Pitney could be difficult. But even the warrior queen, Boudica, herself, running at Cat with her spear, wasn’t as frightening as the horse assessing her from the side. She took a deep breath and gazed at Evelyn. “In case…if something were to happen to me, ye must take care of Izzy.”

  “I will not let anything happen to you,” Nathaniel said, his face growing dark with a frown.

  Cat ignored him. “Promise me, ye will never leave her. That ye will love her like a daughter if I do not return.”

  “Again,” Nathaniel said, “I will not let anything—”

  “Things happen,” she said, turning toward him with narrowed eyes. “People fall and hit their heads.” She lowered her voice. “They catch an illness or musket fire, and they never return.” She turned back to Evelyn. “I would have your promise.”

  “Of course,” Evelyn said, squeezing Cat’s hands. “Izzy is one of our students, but she has become much more. Grey and I will keep and love her like one of our own children if anything terrible was to happen.”