She watched him go, his graceful gait capturing her attention before she realized that she was rooted to the spot and gawping after her husband like the basest chawbacon. With an embarrassed start, she hurried away, opting to go outside rather than return to her rooms.
She turned as she saw an old man slowly making his way towards her. Recognizing him, she relaxed, beaming in welcome. “Good morning, Fergus.”
His face twisted into a grimace. “Mornin’ to ye, Me Lady. Would ye like to walk in the garden with me? I have some herbs ye might like to use for yer brews.”
Lilliana nodded eagerly. “Yes, I would, thank you very much. It is kind of you to think of me.”
Fergus just grunted and began to make his way down the cobblestone path.
They walked silently, passing milkmaids swinging pails full of milk, and a line of grooms walking the horses beforedisappearing into the mist. Lilliana was thankful for Fergus’s company because she was sure she would get lost if she tried to find the herb garden on her own.
“The mist gets so thick here,” she noted, burrowing deeper into her cloak.
“Aye,” Fergus said absently, limping along at quite a fast pace.
She wanted to ask what had happened to his leg and what he was using for it, but did not want to be too forward. Instead, she asked about the village and how the ill were faring.
“They could use the help if ye are willing.”
She nodded. “I see. Could you tell me what ails them?”
He shook his head and sighed. “We have been plagued by redcoats in the last two years. They come and take all the best produce, calling it taxes or some such. The crofters havenae been eating well as a result. The Laird tries his best, but he cannae feed everyone well on just what the castle produces.”
Lilliana frowned. “So, they are starving?” she asked in horror.
Fergus shrugged. “Nae saying starving, but their bellies sure as Hades havenae been filled in a long time. We share what we can, but of course, they’re weakened. And this summer…” He sighed, looking up at the mist. “It’s colder than usual. And rainy. The rats havenae had anywhere to go either.”
Lilliana’s eyes grew wide. “They have been biting the villagers.”
“I think so, aye,” Fergus replied. “It is an impossible situation.”
Lilliana mentally tallied the herbs she had on hand. She had some angelica root in her bags as well as peppercorn. “Do you have any rosemary, mint, or garlic in the gardens?”
Fergus’s eyes shone with approval. “We do. Ye would have seen them in the gardens if ye looked.”
Lilliana swallowed hard. “I am sorry. I suppose I wasnae paying attention.”
“Daenae fash, I will take ye there now. Ye want to make up a concoction for the sick villagers?”
“Well, I do not know what could cure the illness, but these might help them strengthen their bodies.”
Fergus nodded slowly. “Aye, they just might.” He sighed and shook his head. “So much tragedy brought to us by those damned redcoats. Ye must nae hold it against Kayden if he’s reluctant to trust ye.”
Lilliana looked up at him with interest. “I suppose I can see that. Causing the villagers to starve by taking their supplies is inexcusable.”
Fergus snorted. “It is the nature of battle. The strong always seek to subjugate those who are weaker.”
“Does not mean it’s right.”
“Nay, it doesnae mean that.”
They walked in silence for a while before Lilliana realized that the gardens were just ahead of them.
“It isnae just the village, ye ken,” Fergus added suddenly.
Lilliana looked at him quizzically. “What is not just the village?”
“The reason the Laird is a bit distant with ye.”
