Alva smiled at that bit of news. Perhaps she had misjudged, the wee lass. She told Siena mutton was planned for the dinner tonight. Alva had just finished speaking when the back door suddenly opened blowing in wintery air.
“Alva,” a girl with flushed cheeks rushed into the room. “Freddy is feeling poorly. Ye need to come and see him straight away. The Green Lady is busy attending to others and cannot see the child right now.”
“Perhaps, I can help,” Siena suggested. “I’m a healer, myself.”
“Milady would ye do such a thing?”
“I would. Where is the child?”
“He is with the Green Lady,” the young girl said.
“I shall go immediately,” Siena said, and she rushed out the door.
Chapter 12
By the time Siena reached the sickroom, she saw several women sitting around holding either their stomachs or heads, waiting for someone to take care of them. Elen was bent over a patient in the corner. Siena smelled the stuffiness the minute she stepped into the room. “Good day, Elen. How can I help?”
“I’m no so sure ’tis a good day,” Elen grumbled as she straightened up, placing her hands on the small of her back when she stretched. “Seems everyone is complaining about a bellyache.”
“I’ll be happy to help you, but I’d especially like to see Alva’s son Freddy. I promised I would take care of him.
“Over there,” Elen said with a wave of her pipe.
A small boy with sandy brown hair was curled in a ball on a blanket, clutching his stomach. His eyes were squeezed shut. He reminded Siena of a small puppy with his sad face.
Siena scooped Freddy up in her arms. He moaned as she placed him on a small cot. “This will feel better than the hard floor,” she soothed as she sat on the side of the bed and felt the child’s forehead. “Elen, he is burning up. If I had my herbs, I would know what to do for him. Any ideas?”
“My stomach hurts,” the child wailed. “My head hurts, too.”
“I know little one” Siena brushed the hair off the child’s forehead. “We’re going to make you feel better soon.”
“I’m thinkin’ ‘tis something they ate, and ‘twill have to work its way out of their system if ye ken what I mean.” Elen chuckled. “Ye’re welcome to use some of my herbs. The bottles are all labeled. Choose what ye will. I’ve been givin’ them barley water for now.”
“Do you have any sweet marjoram?” Siena asked. She stood and went to a bowl of cool water so that she could wet a cloth.”
“Aye. Found some at the end of last summer. Check the jars.”
After Siena placed the cool cloth on Freddy’s head, she went over to the shelves and scanned each jar until she found a green jar of marjoram. She opened the lid and smelled the sweet pine scent, then took out a pinch and placed it into a pan of water to heat. Once it had reached the correct temperature, she poured the liquid in a cup, then cooled it by blowing on the water. Next came a dash of honey which she stirred into the cup before giving it to Freddy. After soothing the child, she began taking care of the others until they had seen everyone. Only one woman named Ruby refused Siena’s help because the woman saw her birthmark. Ruby threw up her hands in front of her and made the sign of the cross as to ward off evil spirits.
“I’ll take care of the old bat,” Elen said under her breath. “It appears that yer sweet marjoram has calmed everyone down. I do appreciate yer help, lass.”
“I’m still learning my way around, but I’ll try and help you more. I promise,” Siena said, giving Elen a hug before she left.
Siena was still disturbed that people thought her evil because of her birthmark. She only hoped one day that everyone would think of her as a good person.
* * *
Later that night,Siena realized she was very tired. However, once she took her seat at the high table next to Roderick, her energy returned, and she felt the calmness that Roderick brought to her. A feeling she couldn’t explain, but one she liked.
“Have ye had a good day, lass?” Roderick asked, placing a hand on her arm in a tender gesture. “Ye know, lass. I think it’s time that ye started wearing my plaid.”
“I would have to have someone show me how to wear it.”
“That can be arranged. ‘Twill keep you warm since even our springs are cool.” He rubbed the back of her hand. “Now, tell me about yer day.”
Siena’s heart fluttered just being this close to her husband, and she wondered how silly she was that his slightest touch could make her feel warm all over and happy.
“We seemed to have a sickness going around, so I helped Elen all afternoon. And before I knew it the day had slipped by.”
