“A woman can be ill without being pregnant.” She took hold of his chin and angled his face to better see his bruises. “The two most important men in my life have worried me sick. That is what ails me. Did one of them get close enough to punch ye?”
The boy dropped his head, then cast a sheepish look up at her. “I fell off my horse.” His expression turned stern, and he shook a finger. “But dinna tell anyone, and dinna laugh either, ye ken?”
“Never in a million years would I shame ye.” She added to his embarrassment by kissing him on the forehead. “A drink of water would be nice, if ye dinna mind.”
“As long as ye dinna kiss me again,” he said, then rose and trotted away.
“He said ye were like a father to him,” she mused while watching him go.
“I take that as high praise.” With a gentle touch to her cheek, Teague frowned. “Ye worry me, love. Are ye certain ’tis just the day’s events making ye ill?”
“Positive.” He had no idea all that the day had done to her—especially his revelation about Lady MacDonald’s time-traveling confessions. “Our challenges of making it to yer ship concern me as well. By then, the British will know and be looking for ye.”
He pulled her closer and firmly, but gently, placed her head on his shoulder. “Hush now, my wee dove. All we can do is prepare as best we can, then face the challenge. For now, let us cherish this precious moment together rather than spoil it with thoughts of what might happen. We havenow, ye ken? And for that, I am more than a little grateful.”
Even though she felt a tiny bit chided, she had to admit he was right. “I am grateful too.”
Robbie returned with water and an oatcake. “I promised Grissa I would make ye eat. I know she will ask when we get to Fort William.” After she took it from him, he stood there, staring at her. “Well?”
“Well, what?”
“Are ye not going to eat it?” He widened his stance, squared his narrow shoulders, then flinched and caught hold of his arm immobilized with bandages.
“Serves ye right for yer stubborn sass.” She waved him away. “Teague will make sure I eat it. All right?”
The lad’s glare slid to Teague. “Will ye? Dugald is fixing a stew, but it willna be ready for a while. I dinna ken the last time she ate.”
“Whatever she ate, I feel sure she lost it earlier.” Teague gave a solemn nod. “I swear to see that she eats.”
“Good enough.” The lad turned and marched away.
“I dinna think I like him being so bossy.” Although it did do her heart good to see him laughing and talking with the others.
“Eat yer oatcake.”
She broke it in half. “Here. I saw how ye wolfed the others down. I canna keep down a whole one just yet.”
He accepted it and touched it to hers. “To our next adventure, my precious dove.”
“Aye,” she said. “To our next adventure and success at the port.”
He winked and leaned in close to whisper, “And to no more tansy oil or vinegar, aye?”
“Once we reach Nova Scotia. Remember?”
“Agreed,” he said, then kissed the tip of her nose.
Chapter Seventeen
Teague hated hidingin the shadows while others risked their lives to ensure all the preparations were completed for the safe loading of the ship. But Calder insisted it was the only way until theVengeancedocked and everyone boarded. Mila and the others, overpowering his stubbornness with their own, had agreed with Calder and stood firm.
With a worn hat pulled low over his eyes and a tattered cloak in place of his fine black coat, he leaned back against the outer wall of the pub as though tossed outside for not being able to pay.
Robbie and Auley ran wild through the streets, blending in with the rest of the youth of the village that had sprung up around Fort William. But the two only acted as though caught up in local games. In actuality, they maintained a head count of the MacDonalds arriving. No one could be left behind.
Far too many British soldiers also roamed the streets. It made him both thankful and proud that Calder and Mila had instructed everyone to wear tartans so faded and worn that the patterns and colors could not be taken for those of Clan MacDonald. While their clothing made them appear to be wharf beggars, Teague recognized the faces of his kin. It warmed his heart to see so many had joined them on this adventure, but it also concerned him. Where would they winter in France? TheVengeancemaintained a berth at the Port de Brest. Hopefully, that area’s countryside could bear them until spring. Calder had mentioned their connection at the warehouses there might be willing to help if given the added incentive of a discount on his next shipment.
“You!” A British soldier shoved him. “Move along.”
