“I believe I saw you talking with Sir James Rayburn the last time you were here at Westminster Palace. Could you be the reason he showed a singular lack of gratitude when we offered him marriage to a wealthy heiress?”
Linnet felt herself color and dropped her gaze to the floor. “He is grateful now, I assure you.”
“Does he have any notion how much wealth you would bring to a marriage?”
She shook her head. “I fear it would not balance my faults on his scale.”
“Then something is wrong with his scales.” The bishop pursed his lips. “He does place a rather high value on his honor, so I suppose you must have damaged his pride in some way. ‘Pride goeth before a fall.’ ”
That could be said of her as well.
“I’ve accomplished what I came for,” she said, “I think it best for me to leave now.”
“Mind whom you trust,” the bishop said by way of farewell.
“Your Grace,” she said, dropping a curtsy.
She made her way through the crowd toward the south entrance, where she had arranged to meet Carter. Before she reached it, she caught sight of Eleanor Cobham whispering with two men in an alcove. From their gestures, it appeared they were having a furious argument. As Linnet passed them, Eleanor stormed out of the alcove and almost ran into her.
“ ’Tis nice to meet a ‘friend’ tonight,” Linnet said.
“I am not your friend, but I will tell you this,” Eleanor said. “You waste your time here. The bishop’s star has fallen. Leave while you can.”
“I will give you advice as well—you underestimate the bishop at your peril.” Linnet gave her a tight smile and continued toward the door.
When she did not see Carter waiting for her outside, she assumed he had left to respond to nature’s call. She decided to take the opportunity to go to Saint Stephen’s Chapel. She wanted to see the progress made since her last visit to the chancery being built in memory of their beloved dead king.
The chapel was built perpendicular to the Great Hall and jutted out to the east, toward the Thames. To get to it, Linnet had only to walk down a short covered walkway.
Her breath caught as she paused at the entrance of the long, narrow chapel. Light from a dozen tall candles reflected on the colored glass in the windows and shone warm light on the intricate carvings and painted seats. As she marveled at the chapel’s beauty, the tension of the last hours seeped from her muscles. Hope stirred in her heart; all things seemed possible again.
Without warning, she was lifted off the ground as someone grabbed her from behind.
She tried to scream against the damp cloth pressed against her face. Almost at once, her lips went numb, and there was a metallic taste on her tongue. She struggled against the thick arms that held her, but the man had muscles like steel beneath her fingers.
Even as she tried to fight, a fog settled over her. Her arms ceased to follow her commands, flopping uselessly at her sides. She could not feel her legs at all.
Darkness took her.
Chapter Thirty-six
Jamie felt as if he had stepped into the light. Everything was clear now. He could have a safe and ordered life, or he could have Linnet. No matter how much havoc Linnet caused, nothing would ever be right without her.
He had come perilously close to choosing the path of the man who sired him: a life that was predictable and safe… and small. A paltry existence. Instead, he intended to take all that life had to offer, the pain with the pleasure, and live it to the fullest with the woman he loved.
Jamie waited in the bailey yard, anxious to make his farewells and leave. He looked up as Stephen came out with Isobel and helped her down the steps of the house.
“How long do you expect to be in London?” Stephen asked when they reached the bottom.
“As long as it takes to convince Linnet to be my wife.”
“Be quick about it.” Isobel gave him a broad smile and patted her enormous belly. “If you are to be this babe’s godparents, you need to return with her in time for the christening.”
Isobel gave her husband a sidelong glance.
“I’ll see what’s keeping the groom with your horse,” Stephen said. “Meet you at the gate.”
Isobel took Jamie’s arm, and they began to stroll toward the gate.