Jeane nodded, not speaking as they traveled back to the castle. She seemed subdued, but Fergus supposed anyone would be after the poor news she had just had to give.
It was not a death sentence, thank the Lord, but it was not good news, either. Ian would never be the strapping man that his brother was. Fergus respected her for not lying to Aiden’s mother, for giving her the news plainly, and for setting the right expectations for his recovery. It showed strength, something that Jeane seemed to have plenty of.
It was a very attractive quality in a woman in Fergus’ estimation.
CHAPTER SIX
Later that day, Jeane walked down the long halls of the castle, looking for Lottie. The girl wasn’t supposed to leave her room, but Jeane knew how young people were. Lottie had mentioned that she liked to go to the sunroom, and Jeane couldn’t deny her that. The sunlight was good for her.
And of course, that was where Jeane found her.
“Ye’re nae supposed to be out of bed,” Jeane complained, but there was no real edge to it.
Lottie turned her face up to the open ceiling, letting the sun shine on her face.
“Ye said the sun would be good for me.”
“In small amounts,” Jeane warned. “I wouldnae want ye outside the castle walls.”
Lottie pouted. “Aiden willnae allow me outside the castle, daenae ye worry.”
“Good,” Jeane said and walked closer to the girl.
“Sit down,” Lottie said, patting the chair next to her.
Jeane sat reluctantly. She felt she always had so much to do. Between healing and getting used to her new life in the castle, she felt busy.
And exhausted. As she sat down, the sun shining on her face, Jeane started to feel drowsy.
Lottie chattered about Aiden, but her voice was fading in and out.
“Takin’ a nap, little mouse?”
Fergus’ voice woke Jeane up with a start, and she sat bolt upright.
Fergus stood over her, tall and broad, and Jeane felt slightly intimidated.
She swallowed hard, standing up. “I’m sorry, Me Laird?—”
“What are ye sorry for? Ye’re allowed to take a nap in the sunroom,” Fergus said easily.
Jeane stared at him. He was so hot and cold. Sometimes he was cold, distant, and others, he was almost… merry.
She noted that he didn’t step inside the sunroom, choosing to stand in the shadows.
“Daenae ye like the sunlight?” Jeane asked curiously, taking a few steps toward him.
“It isnae that I daenae like it,” he hedged and ducked his head.
Jeane frowned. “Then what is it?”
Fergus let out a long breath. “It’s just that… me face isnae one that ye’d like to see in full sunlight.”
His scars.He was insecure about them. Jeane was shocked. Fergus didn’t seem afraid of anything, but there was fear radiating off him now.
She took his hands in hers, and his enveloped hers entirely. He didn’t pull away, just looked at her intently, as if he could see through to her very soul.
“Daenae…” he started, but Jeane pulled him into the light. The scars on his face were more pronounced in the sunlight, but so was the gold in his brown eyes and the dimple in his cheek that Jeane thought she would never see in a smile.
