Chapter 5

The month had past most enjoyably Jamie and Daphne had created a routine that seemed to please the two of them. In the mornings they went riding sometimes they would go down to the loch other times they would go to the pond and have a morning picnic. In the evening after all her lessons they would take a ride and watch the sunset and gaze at the stars. After supper they would play a game of chess, backgammon or dominoes if the others chose to join them. Daphne loved these times when they were alone together. She wasn't sure what was going to happen after the celebration for the king ended but she had hope. Jamie hadn't made any mention of what would become of them, and she didn't want to push him. He hadn't made her any promises and it wasn't his fault she had lost her heart to him.

When Daphne woke today she had a sudden feeling of loss her and Jamie would not be riding they would be leaving for Dalkeith House where they would be staying along with the King. Holyrood was in no shape for the king to stay there so Dalkeith house was picked to host him and a select few of the nobility Jamie had been one of them.

When she went downstairs the skies were gray like her mood, but there was a lot of activity for such a gloomy day. Nine coaches were lined up outside. Two were for staff, three for trunks and one for each of the other girls and their chaperones. And the last one was for the Duke and company which was Daphne and Charlotte, Jamie had insisted Nanny join them for the trip. They were making it a two-day trip stopping between here and Dalkeith house, so the women could rest for the night it was going to be a long trip the girls were already complaining. Daphne thought Jamie had thought of everything especially when she found out he had Roy brought with them so when they were away they could still ride.

Charlotte and Nanny seemed to be getting on well. They were both talking about raising children, and how wonderful it would be to have a baby around again. This conversation seemed to be uncomfortable for both Jamie and Daphne who they both kept glaring at.

That night they rested in a small town halfway between Inveraray Castle and Holyrood. Charlotte retired early leaving the young ones to mingle after all they were in good hands nanny was up with them. Jamie sat watching the girls while sitting by the fire having a drink. He hadn't figured out for sure who had poisoned the kitchen staff, but he was pretty sure it was Lilly and her mother Alice. He had kept as far from the couple as he could get. He was pretty sure they were not after him, but they needed him to get close to the king. He would know more when he met back up with Victor.

Daphne started over to Jamie caring a chess set. Then suddenly, the chess set fell to the floor. Jamie was out of his chair helping Daphne pick up the pieces. He was about to make a joke at her expense, but he could see the look of fear on her face. He forgot about the chess pieces and scooped her up and brought her over to sit by the fire.

"What's the matter Luv."

She loved when he called her that, she didn't remember when he started to call her Luv but every time he did her heart did funny things.

"I don't know suddenly I wasn't able to grip the board. My hands went numb and I didn't have feeling in it. It was strange, but I am sure it was nothing. I will clean up the pieces and we can play a game."

Nanny approached them carrying the board and the pieces and placed it on the table near the couple.

"Is there a problem?"

Jamie looked up at Nanny she could see the concerned look on his face. Daphne looked up at Nanny and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Just me being clumsy that's all. I am sorry if I gave everyone a fright."

Nanny wasn't convinced. She had been no normal nanny she had been placed in the castle to keep an eye on the Duke, the King who was the prince at the time always worried Jamie would be hurt because of his association with him. Turned out she was better at being a nanny than she had ever been as a spy, so she stayed and raised the young man but was always close by whenever he needed her. She had seen this before and if it was what she expected then someone was trying to kill Daphne.

She watched as the couple played a game of chess and it didn't go unnoticed Daphne kept massaging her hands as if trying to get feeling back into them. When the couple finished their game, the other girls decided they wanted to play a game of dominos, but Daphne begged off she said she had a headache and would benefit from some sleep.

Nanny decided to help her to her room,

"If you need anything send for me right away, my room is the room next to you and your mothers."

Daphne assured her she would do just that if she needed tending too. That night when Daphne went to bed she said a silent prayer that she would be up to traveling in the morning, because as of right now she wouldn't be able to stand traveling with the pain in her head. She was glad to see the hot chocolate waiting for her when she came into the room. It was something she had grown used to over the last couple of weeks. The drink was sadly at room temperature, but still it was comforting.

Nanny decided to write Big B and Othello a letter to explain her suspicions to him, so he could prepare their agents that someone was trying to hurt the marquis daughter. Nanny reasoned none of the other girls seemed to be afflicted. When she went downstairs to have the keep send out her letter, she was surprised Jamie was still sitting by the fire with a drink in his hand and staring into the fire when the screaming started. Both ran up the stairs and to the room the screaming was coming from. Jamie knew this was Daphne's room and he knew it was her screaming. He busted in the door to see her mother standing over her trying to calm her down.

Jamie picked Daphne up off the bed and held her close to him. She settled down and seemed to go back to sleep. Charlotte was relieved he had gotten her to settle otherwise she wasn't sure what she was going to do with her since she hadn't responded to her care. Jamie wanted to stay in the room to watch over her to make sure she was well and safe, but he knew he couldn't do that and left Daphne into her mother's care along with Nanny who refused to leave her side.

The next morning Daphne woke with her mother and Nanny sitting with her. As soon as she made a move to get off the bed, they both woke up.

"Good morning was something amiss?"

They both looked surprised she didn't remember what had happened but neither of them went into detail other than she had a nightmare. When they went downstairs for breakfast Daphne couldn't help noticing the relieved look on Jamie's face. It had to be more than just a nightmare she had to guess. The other girls and their mothers were already at the table when the three of them arrived.

"Do you always have to make a grand entrance after all we are traveling again today, and it would be best if we could get an early start."

Daphne sat down and decided she was not going to pick a fight with Olivia it wasn't worth it. Her head was still hurting her, and she suddenly felt like she had the chills. When the keep brought her food, she didn't have much of an appetite, but she didn't want to worry the others with her health concerns. Jamie and Nanny noticed how little she had eaten, and worried she was sicker than either of them had realized. When it was time to leave Nanny took an extra moment and went to go and make a hot drink to bring with them, so Daphne was not at risk. Nanny was sure someone was trying to harm the young lady. She had three of the symptoms of poisoning and she would do everything she could to keep the young girl safe she knew Jamie was in love with the young girl and she would be dammed if anyone was going to hurt him again.

When she settled in the carriage she placed the container on the warmer without an explanation. Jamie knew she was up to something she had never once worried about tea during their travels. He turned his attention to Daphne and saw she was looking pale and he wasn't sure what to do to help her.

After a few hours on the road Jamie saw she was sweating he took out his handkerchief and placed it in some of the cool water he kept in the carriage. He started to wipe the sweat off her brow, but it didn't seem to be doing her any good. He knew they were coming up on a small area of water and decided to let his coachmen stop so he would immerse her into the cool water hoping to relieve her fever.

Charlotte grew concerned when Nanny came over to her and asked her if Daphne had ever had these symptoms before coming to Scotland, but she was sure she hadn't. Daphne had been a healthy happy young lady who seemed to do all she could to enjoy each moment in her life. Nanny started to question Charlotte trying to think who could have done this to her.

"Tell me everything you know about her day to day life since coming to Scotland."

Charlotte had to think Daphne was active since coming to Scotland.

"Every morning she goes riding with his Grace. She comes back to the castle and changes into her plaids, so she can go and practice her dancing and a buffet is provided for lunch. She has her lessons until about four or five in the evening and then she goes and rests until her and his grace take their evening ride. They come back change for supper and join us to eat. After that her and his grace play games and then she retires for bed. After that I do not know since we have separate bedrooms."

There was nothing the mother had told her that would cause this illness. Nanny knew there was something that they were missing since she was positive Daphne had been poisoned. Nanny was very knowledgeable in the way of poison after all it had been her main weapon when she was working for the crown keeping the king and country safe. She assessed the situation and knew what she was going to suggest was going to cause a lot of headaches for the couple, but her self-appointed mission was to keep the girl alive and keep Jamie's heart from breaking.

"Jamie you take her on your horse to Dalkeith house they are expecting us, but I fear if you do not take her and make haste that she will not survive the trip in the carriage. Make sure you do not let her eat or Drink anything unless you are the one who fetches it."

Jamie had the coachmen stop the carriage and had his horse unhitched from the back wagon and then he took off with Daphne in his arms. When he reached Dalkeith house it was within an hour and a half and they were drenched by the rain. When he arrived, the staff was surprised at the Dukes arrival carrying an unconscious girl.

"Get the Doctor."

Madison the castles head man did as the Duke instructed. Jamie called out to the staff he needed to know what room Lady Halverson was to be placed in, a young maid appeared and showed him to her room. Jamie stood off to the side of the room leaving room for the maid to make Daphne comfortable. Before long the doctor from Edinburg arrived and examined Daphne. He asked that Jamie leave the room,

but Jamie refused. He had a sneaking suspicion someone had done this to Daphne and it was the words of Nanny who put those thoughts into his head.

By the time the rest of the Dukes party arrived the doctor was not sure if the girl was suffering from a severe case of pneumonia which was the doctor's assessment. Jamie was convinced she had been poisoned. Nanny and Charlotte both came in the room not sure what to expect but they both were relieved she was alive and the doctor had said with a little rest she would recover.

Jamie would not leave her side he slept in a chair next her bed, and when the knock on the door came he jolted awake. He called out for the intruder to enter. To his surprise one of the king's guards was standing in the doorway. He bowed

"Your Grace his majesty requests your presence."

"I will not leave her tell him I will see him when she is better."

"Your Grace I will have one of the royal guards stand watch, but you must make an appearance. He has been looking forward to seeing you."

"Get Nanny and a guard and then I will go."

Jamie took her hand and held it. She had not regained consciousness yet but when the doctor had come by and checked on her earlier he said she would recover. When Nanny entered the room, she watched the tenderness he was bestowing on the young lady. If she died she was sure he would not recover from this loss. She hated the interruption, but he had been summoned.

"Jamie he is waiting for you, you must go. The guard is in place and I will not leave her side until your return."

He left looking like a broken man. He changed clothing it wouldn't do anyone any good if the King saw him in such despair. When he walked into the Kings privet parlor. Jamie bowed and greeted the king."

"Your majesty."

The king's brow arched, and his words took on a hurt tone

"So formal."

Jamie didn't feel like smiling but the king elicited a small one from him.

"Grandfather I see you are well."

"Come and sit we have a lot to catch up on. Tell me how it was with a castle full of beautiful women?"

The king could see the pain in his grandson's eyes, it was a look that had been in his eyes most of his life. A lot of it was his fault for not taking the boy to be with him but he did make sure he had the best education and he always had him with the very best families; families of his friends like the Duke of New Cross or Wellington. He couldn't offer the boy a better example of what good families were. He knew after all his mistakes growing up he needed to show this boy there was more.

"What has happened to cause you such pain?"

"Someone has tried to hurt one of the young ladies you have sent to me. She is in a room unconscious. I have failed to protect her."

The King didn't want to ask Jamie what the girl meant to him because it was written across his face. His grandson had fallen in love.

"I will place a guard outside of her room and they will only let in those that have permission that way no one can hurt her, and you can keep her safe. You realize you have duties while you are here as my grandson."

Jamie gave him a look that said he didn't want to do his duty he wanted to stay by Daphne's side.

"I will send my healer to see her and see what can be done. Make sure Nanny stays by her side."

"Nanny is old she can no longer protect herself."

The king laughed at his grandson.

"You underestimate Nanny she is deadly that is why she has always been with you."

Jamie's eyes grew wide he always knew there was something different about his nanny than other nannies now he knew. When Jamie arrived back at Daphne's room she was conscious. Nanny and her mother sat by her side. He loved the way she lit up when he saw him.

"Jamie, I heard you had an audience with the King. I hope all is well with his majesty? I am so sorry I missed the Procession of the Midlothian Yeomanry in the company of highlanders."

Jamie laughed, trying to keep his worry from her.

"Apparently a flamboyantly dressed Glengarry demanded he had the right to ride at the head of the procession but one of the Captain's persuaded the hot-tempered Glengarry to go away. So, there was a little excitement. I do know if the rain keeps up the planned events will be canceled and if you are feeling better we can spend the day doing whatever you would like."

A knock on the door came and interrupted the comfort between the four of them. Jamie called for the person to enter. It was one of the king's secretaries.

"I have been sent your highness to ask you if you and your daughter will join him for dinner tonight? He said he is looking forward to seeing you again it has been many years."

It was Daphne who spoke up taking the decision out of everyone's hands.

"Oh, tell the king we will be honored."

The man bowed, and he turned to Jamie.

"You are expected your grace as you well know and Nanny as well."

Jamie looked over at Daphne and saw all the excitement in her eyes he couldn't refuse her, but he would let his grandfather know she was the one who was being poisoned.

"We will be there."

He turned to see the excitement in her face how could he deny her, but he was concerned she had just awaken and everyone seemed to be ok with her going out, but if her mother and Nanny thought she would be alright then he would bow to their experience. That night when he was dressing for dinner he spent the entire time trying to figure out who was poisoning Daphne, but he couldn't figure out who. All the girls had problems with her because of him. He wished Victor was here, so he could help him at least get rid of the traitor in his mist that would eliminate two women or the entire problem.

Jamie picked up the ladies from Daphne's room. He escorted them to the kings dining room. When Charlotte and Daphne walked into the room all the men except for the king rose including Victor who had finally arrived in Scotland. Jamie meant to ask earlier why they had addressed the Marchioness as her highness he leaned over to Daphne and asked.

"Is your mother royalty?"

"She is an Italian Princess her grandmother was a Royal princess of Savoy."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Because it is not something she has ever flaunted. I just found out a year ago. The family never told us, so we were all in the dark about it."

They were brought to the head of the table they were the highest-ranking women in attendance. Jamie was near the king, but Victor was higher up than he was. Daphne wondered what Jamie was doing at the head of the table. After all there were Dukes aplenty at dinner why was Jamie at the head. She would have to ask him later. Right now, she was learning things about her family she had never known. The King was talking with her mother.

"Ah the one who got away? Age has been kind to you Charlotte. I was sorry to hear of Charles death he was a good man."

"Thank you, your majesty. Charles has been missed but we are doing our best to get along without him."

"How is Felicity fairing under the circumstances?"

"You might find it a little ironic, but it was Justin who got her through Charles death. I don't think she would have survived without him."

"Justin loved her so much enough to give her to Charles."

Victor was stunned was there something between his mother and his uncle?

The king read the confusion on Victor's face.

"Your mother was betrothed to Justin at birth she had been raised to be his Duchess. Your parents and Justin were always together, and when Justin saw how much your mother loved Charles and Charles idolized her he freed her to follow her heart."

"I never knew."

"I would say that would not be something they would share with their children."

Daphne leaned over to whisper to her mother.

"Was there something between you and the King?"

Charlotte blushed there had indeed been something between her and the king one summer. She didn't say any of that the King spoke up he had overheard Daphne's comment.

"Your mother young lady was one of the most beautiful women to ever grace England, not only was she beautiful but she was smart and cunning."

"Are you talking about my mother smart and cunning?"

Victor choked on his wine. The king turned to Charlotte and smiled.

"Are you still playing the charade of a brainless lass. Charlotte shame on you, you are one of the most intelligent women who ever served the crown."

"It served me well your majesty as you well know. I never thought to change people's opinion of me. Andrew always knew but I did not care if anyone else knew."

She took a bite of her food ending the discussion. Daphne and Victor sat looking at each other like everything they had known their entire life was a lie. Jamie leaned over to address Victor.

"Why are you ahead of me on the seating chart. One would think the grandson of the King would be higher than an Earl and spy for the crown?

Victor gave Jamie a huge smile.

"Now that you know you may call me your highness."

"Bloody hell I will."

They both laughed and continued with their meals. That night the king had only a small amount of people considering how many were at dinner in his privet parlor. He watched as Jamie kept Charlottes daughter always in his sights. He would have to see if she was the one who had been poisoned if that were the case the crime would be fully investigated and punished. No one would hurt Charlotte or her family, the Valentines meant the world to him. He approached Charlotte she was sitting over in a corner observing the people in the room he walked over to her.

"They make a beautiful couple."

"They do don't they."

"She loves him, I am pretty sure he loves her. When he found out someone was trying to hurt her he almost seemed to come apart. He has stayed with her since her arrival here."

"He said someone was trying to poison someone in your party. Was it your daughter he was talking about?"

"Yes, someone I think has been poisoning her for the last two weeks slowly, so no one would notice."

"Do you know who it is? If you do tell me I never want to see another person I care about hurt."

"Do you mean me or your grandson your majesty?"

"Both, I never did get over not being allowed to marry you."

"I was the big secret and I was fifteen. You would have grown board with me. Besides if you had really wanted to marry me you could have ran away with me but if I recall you ran away with Maria less than a year after pursuing me."

"That's not fair, both of our parents said they would not let us marry."

"Let's not rehash this out again, you did your duty and I did mine I love Andrew he is good to me and our children but there is still something to be said for your first love. Never the less what are we going to do about those two?"

"They will have my blessing if he chooses to marry her. I would never deprive him of a love match. Jamie deserves that, and so does your daughter."

"I am sure he will offer for her when he realizes at the end of the month we go back to England and he will be without her. He has become rather attached."

"Will you stop it?"

"Do not be obtuse George' I would never tell my daughter she couldn't marry the man she loves. I would not want her to suffer that pain."

The king went to put his arm around her to comfort her, but she pulled away.

"Do not. I could not bear it. I must go I will see you on the marrow. Good night George."

Daphne saw her mother leave she had been with the king. He seemed to make her sad. She would have to ask what was between them. She watched the king who was now talking to a palace guard. The guard approached her and Jamie. He bowed deeply making Daphne nervous.

"your Highness I am to stand guard over you while you are here in Scotland. You must not go anywhere without an escort."

"Well that could be quite annoying. Tell his majesty I will be find but thank you for his concern."

"I cannot do that your highness. It is an order from the king to make sure you are safe."

"Safe from what?"

Jamie jumped in before he told her she was the target of someone trying to poison her.

"Daphne Luv, you will say thank you and not give the guard a challenging time. I am sure his majesty only has your best interest in hand."

She turned to face Jamie and he could see how deep of green her eyes had gone. He might be in big trouble.

"I only have ten and seven days left with you. I don't want to be chaperoned by a guard. If your life was in danger I would say yes but its mine and I am not important enough for anyone to try to kill."

Jamie laughed when she stomped her foot down. Victor laughed but he knew they needed for her to get her temper under control.

"Daph, one more handsome man to serve your every whim cannot be a bad thing. Think about how all the other girls will react give them something real to be mad at you about."

She huffed but he knew making another girl jealous was something woman seemed to excel at.

"Fine but do not interrupt the time I have left here in Scotland I plan on enjoying each and every moment until the ship leaves the harbor."

Jamie suddenly got a pain in his heart. He had not thought about how she would leave him at the end of the celebration. He needed to do something he could not lose her she made his life bright and happy. She was his sun his moon is everything. Daphne turned around and saw Jamie had gone pale.

"Jamie Is something wrong?"

He shook the feeling off he would fix this nothing was going to take Daphne from him.

"No Luv, everything is wonderful."