Before he could deepen the kiss and find out, the door swung open and Mhairi entered.
Jamie released Aftyn, thankful for the few moments it took anyone’s eyes to adjust to the dim interior from the daylight outside. Aftyn leaned against the wall, while Jamie stood to meet Mhairi. “She’s better,” he told her. “No’ well, but better.”
Mhairi knelt by Aftyn and winced. “Ach, Aftyn. I’m so sorry Rory did this to ye. I’m so ashamed.”
“Nay, Mhairi,” Aftyn said, her voice weak. “’Tis no’ yer fault. And he had help.”
“Aye, Agatha’s man. I heard. She should be ashamed, too.” She cupped the side of Aftyn's face and tried to wipe away the dirt and dried blood on it. "How could they do this to ye?”
“Do ye ken where Alastair is?” Jamie didn’t want to worry her, but he did want to know if the lad was safe.
“I do. He’s with a friend. She’ll keep him out of sight until all this is settled.”
“Good. Is Braden with ye, outside?”
“I’m here,” Braden’s voice preceded his silhouette in the doorway, then he stepped into the cottage. “Are ye well, Aftyn?” He moved toward her and dropped to the floor, kneeling before her and taking her hand, his mouth turning down as he studied her.
“I’ve been better, but Jamie has seen to me, and I will be well soon enough.”
“Damn it, Sister, if our father treated ye as he ought, those men would never have dared to touch ye.”
“Perhaps,” she answered, and shrugged, then winced.
“I’ll wager they never do the like again,” Mhairi said with a glance at Jamie.
“I’d like to kill both of them for what they did to Aftyn.” But he knew better than to start a clan war. He turned to Braden. “As much as I want to, ’twill be better for the clan if the laird metes out their punishment.”
“I’ll see to that,” Braden announced. “He tolerated Rory’s treatment of Mhairi. If he willna act for Aftyn’s sake after this, then other measures will be needed, and I will see to them.”
“Walk carefully, lad. He is still the laird.”
“Aye, he is. And he’s looking for ye.”
“I dinna want to move Aftyn yet, and I must stay by her for a time. Will ye spread the word that she has gone back to the keep, but ye dinna ken where? Only that she wished to be alone?”
“Aye. That will have them searching the entire keep for both of ye.” Braden grinned. “I will enjoy seeing that.”
“And Mhairi, if ye will go on about yer day as if nought occurred and no one is here with ye,” Jamie said, “that will confuse them, too.”
“Gladly. I’ve work to do outside, but will be in and out.”
“That will serve.”
“What do ye need, healer?” Braden glanced around. “I ken yer men always brought ye food and drink. I can…”
“Nay, lad,” Mhairi interrupted. “I will provide. If ye come back here, ye will lead men to my door.”
“Very well. Whatever ye use, I will replace from the keep’s stores and be generous about it,” Braden promised. “I’ve heard how Alastair can eat,” he added with a grin. “He’s a good lad."
Once again, Jamie saw what a good laird this lad would someday be if he was given the chance.
“I will go back to the keep and do what I can to confuse the searchers,” Braden continued. “I’m sure I can recruit some of the lasses to help. We can spread conflicting stories that will keep them occupied for a while.”
Jamie nodded. “I need a few hours. Do the best ye can, lad. And thank ye.”
“Aye, Brother. Thank ye,” Aftyn said, then lay down with a sigh. “I’ll rest now.”
Braden took a moment to study her, then stood, opened the door a crack and peered out, then left.
