Page 24 of Highland Dove

“Do ye still have weapons, or any able-bodied men?”

“There are some, but no’ a lot,” said Tomas.

“Then get them and bring them to me.”

“Aye,” said Tomas. “But may I ask what ye are goin’ to do?”

“We need to prepare.”

“To defend ourselves from another attack by Eideard?” asked Tomas.

“Nay. We need to prepare because we are goin’ to attack him this time, and take back what is ours once and for all.”

Chapter 8

By the time they got back to the castle, Mari’s skin was already blistering and she was itching like crazy. Eideard helped her off the horse, and when he bent over to kiss her, he jerked back.

“What’s that?” His eyes opened wide and he pointed to her face.

“What do ye mean?” she touched her cheek and felt a blister.

“It looks like ye’re havin’ a reaction to somethin’.”

Malmuira hurried over to them. “Let me see.” She pulled back the shoulder of Mari’s gown and when she did, Eideard gasped.

Mari looked down to see all the blisters. It hurt and itched and was downright ugly. But inside, it made her smile. “I think I must have touched a poisonous plant when we stopped to use a bush.”

“It’s winter,” growled Eideard. “Nothin’s growin’.”

“Oh, that’s no’ true,” said Malmuira. “The giant hogweed plant might go dormant, but it is still alive. It is very poisonous. Just from touchin’ the woody vines, it could have caused this.” Malmuira pretended to inspect it.

“Well, give her somethin’ to get rid of it quickly,” ordered Eideard. “It is our weddin’ night and I’ll no’ have her lookin’ like that when we couple.”

“Nay, ye canna couple with her when she has this!” said the old gypsy. “It is very contagious. Ye’ll just have to wait until it goes away. However, there is nothin’ I ken of that can cure it.”

“Wait until it goes away?” gasped Eideard. “Nay, I want to consummate the marriage.”

“At the cost of gettin’ it as well?” asked the gypsy.

“It does look bad, Eideard,” said Baldair. “Mayhap ye should keep yer distance.”

“But she rode on the horse with me,” he said.

“And ye insisted on touchin’ me and kissin’ me,” added Mari.

“Ye dinna seem to have it,” said Baldair, inspecting Eideard. “Mayhap it will no’ bother ye.”

“Aye, I’m strong. I willna get it. But God’s eyes, stay away from me, Wife,” said Eideard. “Dinna come near me until it goes away. Ye willna sit at the dais with me nor will ye sleep in my bed or stay in the same room. Gypsy, take her to the servants’ quarters and tend to her there.”

“Of course,” said Malmuira, as Eideard hurried away complaining to Baldair.

“Did it work?” asked Angus, walking over, trying not to trip on the long gown. He reached up and straightened the wig and wimple.

“Aye, it did!” Mari felt so happy that she could sing. “Duncan had a wonderful idea. Now, hopefully, I willna get over it before we can find Emmaline and make things right again.”

“Sister, Sister, ye’ve finally returned.” Tillie ran over to them, holding up her skirts as she crossed over the bailey. When she approached Mari, she held out her arms as if to hug her, but Mari stopped her.

“Nay, dinna touch me,” she warned her. “I am infected by giant hogweed and dinna want ye to get it.”