The Heather Moon by Susan King

murmured. "Your sister Helen acted as a gracious hostess in your absence. Poor lass."
    William sucked in a quick breath at Malise's condescending reference to the scarring that his younger sister Helen had endured after a smallpox attack years ago. He began to utter a hot reply, but Perris leaned forward to interrupt him.
    "Lady Helen is hardly a poor lass," Perris said. "She is blessed with an abundance of charm and grace. I find her lovely and delightful. I confess, your remark surprises me. Do you find something to pity in her?" The smooth question was a dare.
    William joined Perris in staring at Malise, who cleared his throat and shrugged. "Not at all, of course. Your mother was ill and kept to her bed," Malise went on. "She never came down to offer hospitality."
    "Perhaps she had an ague," William murmured. He realized why his mother had kept to her chamber, and suspected Malise knew, too. Lady Emma could not tolerate Hamilton's presence on the rare occasions that the man visited Rookhope.
    "Katharine is beautiful," Malise said. "She reminds me of her mother at that age."
    "Aye." William nodded brusquely. "You said you are here on official crown business. You could have sent a footrunner."
    "Madame the Queen Dowager sends her personal regards to you," Perris said.
    William stared at him, astonished. He had been shunned at court for months. During that time, he was sure that Marie of Guise, King James's widow, shunned him along with the rest.
    "She wanted this private message delivered to you, written in her own hand." Perris reached into his doublet and pulled out a folded parchment closed by a red wax seal.
    William accepted it warily, unsure if it boded ill or good.
    "I told her that I would seek you out and give you the summons, since you and I have business between us," Malise said. "And I wanted to see my granddaughter, of course."
    "Madame wishes to see you immediately, at Linlithgow Palace," Perris said.
    William tucked the parchment away to read later. "Good," he said. "I have something to discuss with her myself."
    "And what might that be?" Malise asked sharply. "We both are privy to whatever news is brought to Madame's attention, as you know."
    William crossed his gloved hands on the pommel of his saddle and felt his horse shift restively beneath him. "I will keep the details private until I have spoken with Madame," he said. "Since you are riding back to Linlithgow now, though, I hope you will deliver a message to her for me."
    "What is that?" Perris asked.
    "Tell her that I will ride there tomorrow, soon as I see my family. And advise Madame to consider moving the queen to a place of greater safety as soon as possible."
    "Why? Is there some danger to Her Grace?" Malise demanded.
    "I have heard disturbing rumors," William said cautiously.
    "Rumors that King Henry wants to snatch the wee queen?" Malise made a scoffing sound. "There are always such rumblings. He blows hot like a boiling kettle, and says what he likes for all to hear, but does not follow through always. He suggested to his advisors that they take her father, King James, years back, but they were too cowardly to try, any of them."
    "Or too wise," William murmured. "Nevertheless, until the truth is discovered, Queen Mary's safety must be of paramount concern. Linlithgow Palace isna as defensible as Edinburgh or Stirling."
    "Madame already plans on moving the queen to Stirling Castle," Perris said. "Her coronation will take place there next month."
    "Next month is a long while away," William said. "She should be moved before then, I think, either secretly, or under a substantial force of men. Convey that message to Madame. I will bring the particulars to her myself."
    "Very well, then," Malise said. "If you think she will listen to you. I do not know why she wants to speak with you. It might very well be a reprimand, which you only deserve."
    "I will take my chances," William murmured. "Farewell to you both." He lifted his reins.
    "There is one other