Page 63 of The Laird’s Wrong Wife

“I have been yer faither for years before Ceana came here.” He lowered his voice. “Tell me what is goin’ on.”

Her grip tightened on her gown. “I will only tell Ceana.”

When he opened his mouth again, Paisley hunched her shoulders and clutched the gown tighter. He swallowed the next question and crouched until their eyes were level, keeping his hands where she could see them.

“Then I will get her for ye.”

He straightened, ready to call for a servant, when his wife appeared in the doorway. She had dressed quickly, and several strands had escaped her loose braid and rested against her neck, recalling the dark hair spread over her pillow when he left.

Ceana looked first at Paisley. Then her gaze shifted to Oscar before flitting away. He wanted to cross the hall and cup her cheek in his hand. He drew in a breath to speak, then stopped. To explain, he would have to tell her about the blood and the dead woman whose face had become hers.

Paisley ran to her at that moment, interrupting his train of thought. Ceana gathered the girl against her chest and held her until the first hard sob passed. She cupped Paisley’s face, then examined her hands and wrists.

“What happened?” she asked.

Oscar huffed. “Daenae ask me. I ken nothin’. She wouldnae tell me.”

The corner of her mouth twitched.

Paisley whispered against Ceana’s shoulder. Ceana glanced down at the gown clutched around her, then brushed the loose hair from her damp cheek.

“I think I ken what ails ye. Come with me.”

Paisley caught Ceana’s hand in both of hers. At that moment, Mairi and two servants stepped into the passage to investigate.

Ceana turned toward Mairi. “Warm water and clean linen, please.”

“At once, me Lady.” Mairi’s calm answer eased Paisley’s grip.

“Take everythin’ Lady MacKane requires to Paisley’s chamber,” Oscar said to the other servants. “The upper passage is to remain clear until she says otherwise.”

They withdrew without argument. Mairi briefly met Oscar’s gaze, then went to fetch the linen and warm water.

Oscar cleared the way as Ceana led Paisley toward the stairs.

“I can send for the healer,” he offered.

Ceana paused with one hand on Paisley’s back. “I will send for her if she is needed.”

Oscar nodded gently and followed at a distance. Near the upper landing, a maid approached with a coal scuttle. One look from him sent her back the way she had come.

Mairi soon arrived with a basin and folded linen. She followed Ceana and Paisley into the chamber, while Oscar stopped beside the window across from his daughter’s door.

He did not knock. Something told him he wasn’t supposed to.

Ceana closed the door and lowered the latch.

Paisley went to the bed, still gripping the front of her gown. A dark stain marked the sheet, and another marked the back of her gown. Her face had gone pale beneath the tears.

Ceana approached her slowly. “Tell me where the blood came from, lass. Are ye hurt anywhere besides yer belly or yer back?”

“Me belly aches.” Paisley glanced at the bed, then pulled her gown closer. “I woke up and thought I had wet meself. Then I saw it.” Her mouth trembled. “Am I dyin’?”

“Ye are safe. I only need to see enough to be certain. May I look at the stain on yer shift?”

Paisley turned reluctantly. Ceana checked the blood on the linen without lifting the garment, then guided her to sit on the bed.

“Ye’re havin’ yer first courses.”