"Bairns are more fragile than adults. Their bodies cannae fight off sickness as well. So being extra careful could save their lives."
"Also, never throw waste where it can get intae yer water supply. If ye have a privy, make sure it's far from yer well. And always, always, wash yer hands after."
"Even if I'm just goin' back tae workin' in the fields?"
"Aye. Ye touch yer face, yer mouth, yer food—sickness spreads that way."
The woman nodded slowly. "Makes sense when ye put it like that."
“Another important thing is to clean cuts immediately, even the smallest ones. Use boiled water if ye have it, or at least water ye ken is clean. Wrap them in clean cloth, nae dirty rags. And if ye see redness spreadin', or if it starts to smell foul, come see Mairi right away. That means infection, and it can kill ye if it's nae treated. Small things become big things if we ignore them."
The crowd murmured in agreement, and Ada saw several people nodding to each other, clearly planning to follow her advice.
The crowd began to pay attention. People leaned in, asked questions. And through it all, Ada felt Magnus watching.
When she finally finished—her throat dry, her hands shaking slightly from nerves—the crowd didn't immediately disperse. Several people came forward to ask more questions. To thank her. To tell her they'd start following her advice right away.
"Lady Ada," one woman said, bobbing a curtsy. "That was right helpful, that was."
"I'm glad it helped," Ada said.
"Ye're a good lady," another woman added. "Better than—" She stopped, glanced toward where Magnus stood.
Better than his first wife.Better than the woman everyone thinks he murdered.
The crowd slowly dispersed, people returning to their duties. Mairi squeezed Ada's shoulder. "Ye did well. Very well."
"Thank ye fer standin' with me."
"Any time." Mairi smiled. "Now I need tae get back tae me chamber. I've got tinctures brewin' that need tendin'. But come find me later if ye have questions about anythin'."
Ada nodded, watching Mairi disappear into the keep. When she turned back, Magnus was there.
"That was good," he said simply.
"Just good?"
"Very good." His mouth twitched. "Ye're a natural teacher. Even got old Beathag tae pay attention, and she usually daesnae listen tae anyone."
"I was terrified the whole time."
"Ye didnae look terrified. Ye looked confident. Capable." Magnus moved closer. "Me people trust ye now. Really trust ye. That's nay small thing."
Ada felt heat rise in her cheeks. "I was just tryin' tae help."
"I ken. That's why it matters." Magnus reached out, tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. The gesture was casual, almost absent, but it made Ada's breath catch. "Thank ye. Fer carin' about them the way ye dae."
"They're me people too now," Ada said quietly. "Or they're startin' tae feel like it, anyway."
Something shifted in Magnus's expression. Softened. He opened his mouth to say something?—
"Oi, Magnus!" Torvald's voice carried across the courtyard. "Stop moonin' over yer wife and come help me with these supply inventories!"
Magnus's jaw tightened. "I'm nae moonin'."
"Could've fooled me!" Torvald grinned.
"Torvald, I swear tae God…"
