The Queen's Command
by Maggie Osborne.  

Madison Park Press hardback (originally published by Wm Morrow as Chase the Heart), 296 pages. 1987/2009.
Queen Elizabeth's later years. England/France/Calais.

both have everything to gain and everything to lose on this assignment.

 

"'We need to settle a few items, Lord Brampton, as it appears our association will be lengthier than I'd hoped.' Sunset bathed his face in tones of gold and fading blue. It was a strong face, bold and handsome, the face of a man confident and easy with himself. When she saw he was staring at her mouth, Nell frowned and flipped the edge of her cloak. 'Are you listening?' 

'Is your mouth as soft as it looks?' 

Nell made a strangled sound. 

'Sunset turns your hair to flame.' 

'Enough!' She pulled to her full willowy height. 'These remarks are insulting and offensive. You are to stop this at once. Further, I expect your behavior to be exemplary throughout our journey.' At this moment she couldn't bear to think about what lay ahead. Steele brought out the worst in her, brought her emotions surging to the surface. 

Will smiled. She was a difficult woman and one he shouldn't enjoy. But he had never shied from a challenge. He bowed before her. 'It's been said that Will Steele is the embodiment of exemplary behavior. In fact . . . ' 

'Stop that.' When Nell could speak calmly,. she continued. 'Whatever charm you possess is wasted on me. I have no interest in you whatsoever beyond the limits of our charge.' Subtlety was lost on him; she was forced to speak more directly than she was comfortable doing. 

'I understand perfectly. You have no interest in me.' 

She contained her temper with effort.

'That is correct. Therefore you are to cease immediately touching me at your pleasure.' 

'Nellie love, did you know there are green flecks in you eyes?' 

It was hopeless."
 

Queen Elizabeth assigns Lady Nellanor Amesly and Lord Will Steele to retrieve a certain silver casket which contains letters, from a Spanish couple and return this casket - seal unbroken - to her as soon as possible. If the seal is broken, then she tells Will to immediately kill Lady Nellanor and she admits that he will then be drawn and quartered. If the seal is unbroken, she promises a perfect reward for each. Thus, both disliking being paired with the other, the two journey forth. They disagree and bicker all along the way.

The Spanish couple have a similar fate once the casket is in the hands of Phillip of Spain. They are, thus, equally motivated. It is a long journey and many surprises await both couples before it is completed.
 

What a wonderful little gem this story is! It's quite wonderful and just full of surprises at each turn of the page. Never expected such a story form Maggie Osborne, but am not surprised at its quality for she only writes terrific stories. We are so lucky to have this one republished for more people to enjoy. Don't miss this one. It's very special.  

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