She sighed, looking down at the figure in the bed. It was an elderly woman from the village, a warm old soul by all accounts who was much loved by her neighbors even though she had no family of her own. It was two of her neighbors who’d brought her up to the keep when she’d fallen ill. Now, she lay on the pallet as though asleep, but Rose knew she wasn’t. If she placed her hand on the woman’s forehead, she knew she would feel the sickness raging in her beneath the stasis she’d placed her in.
With a sigh, she rubbed the side of her face and closed her eyes. So far, she’d come up with no way to help these people. So much for thevaunted all-powerful spellweaver!
“Here,” said a voice.
Rose looked up to see Maggie standing over her holding out a small pottery cup.
She took it. “What’s this?”
“My own concoction. Good for aches and pains and a bit of a pick-me-up. Ye look like ye could do with it.”
Rose smiled wryly then downed the concoction. It was bitter enough to make her wince, but she finished it all the same.
“There’s naught else ye can do here,” Maggie continued. “Why dinna ye go and get some rest? We’ll call ye if aught changes.”
With a grateful nod, Rose got up, squeezed Maggie’s shoulder, and left the infirmary. Stepping out into the cool evening air, she paused for a minute to take a few deep, invigorating breaths. The wind had picked up and dark clouds were beginning to cover the sky. It looked like a storm was on its way. She began to walk off but paused when she spotted a figure coming along the path towards her.
It was Cailean. He’d changed out of his riding clothes and now wore a white shirt, with the plaid of Clan MacNeil draped over his shoulder, across his chest, and falling in waves to his knees. She caught a glimpse of bare, muscled thigh as he stopped in front of her.
Rose swallowed thickly, forcing her eyes upwards. “Maggie and Beatrice are inside if you’re looking for them.”
“I’m not. I was looking for ye.”
“Oh? Why?”
“Catriona’s orders. She was mighty disappointed when ye didnae come to dinner. She made me promise I would ensure ye take a rest.”
Despite herself, Rose found herself smiling. “Did she now? Well, I suppose I’d better do as she says. The last thing I want to do is risk the wrath of a nine-year-old.”
Cailean nodded sagely. “Most wise. Which is why I brought these.”
He held up a small wooden case and a muslin-wrapped bundle that gave off a delicious smell.
“Drafts and pie. After all, didnae I promise ye a… what did ye call it? A date?”
Rose flushed. It was obvious Cailean had no idea what adatewas or its significance, but that didn’t stop heat rushing to her cheeks. Oh hell. Why hadn’t she kept her mouth shut?
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak, and they returned to the keep and made their way to the study.
Once inside, Cailean pulled over a stool and perched on it while he set up the drafts board on the desk. Rose took the chair and munched on a bit of pie as she watched him.
Was this really the same gruff, taciturn man who’d pulled her out of the water when she’d first arrived? That man had been wary, suspicious even. Then he hadnotbeen the kind of man who would come check on her welfare.
But, she was beginning to realize, Cailean MacNeil was nothing like what she’d originally thought. He was far more complicated than the rough Highland laird he first appeared to be, and beneath the hard exterior was something far softer and far warmer.
Cailean MacNeil, she suspected, was the kind of man who would sacrifice everything for the people he loved.
“Are ye ready to play?”
His words startled her out of her thoughts. He’d set up the game and was watching her expectantly.
“Are you kidding? I was born ready.”
“Is that so? Then ye can go first. But I warn ye, no funny business. I’ve been playing my daughter for years and have an eagle’s eye when it comes to cheating.”
Rose’s eyebrows climbed her forehead. “Me? Cheat? How dare you? I’m hurt. I really am.”
She smiled to soften the words before studying her pieces. Or,that’s what she tried to do at any rate. But despite her best efforts, she found her gaze flickering to the man seated across from her.
