Page 21 of A Bride for the Kilted Beast

“I’m nae so bad I cannae get up and get dressed fer the day. I’d rather go and see him in the healing room if ye’ll help me tae get dressed,” Lillie told her, her plan coming together in her head as she spoke.

“If that’s what ye’d prefer, melady, of course, I’ll be happy tae take ye there. I’m afraid I havenae had a chance tae have the dress ye arrived in yesterday cleaned yet. But I have prepared some of the laird’s sister’s clothes, as her wedding gown fit ye well.”.

“Aye thank ye,” Lillie said, trying to appear listless and not reveal her growing excitement.

“When will the rest of ye things be arriving, melady?” Penny asked, fetching out the dress and shoes.

“Um, me things were…” She scrambled for an explanation as to why the bride had arrived with no baggage to her name. “They were… they fell intae a river on the journey here and were washed away before they could be saved.”

That should dae it.

“Ach! Well, that’s a terrible thing tae have happened. But dinnae worry, melady. Ye can borrow more of Lady Maddison’s things until ye can have some new things made.”

Lillie got up, feigning a general appearance of feeling herself. She allowed Penny to chatter away as she helped her to dress and make ready for the day.

“Now, can we go tae see the healer?” Lillie asked when she was ready. “I feel I need him tae give me something to settle me nerves.”

“Of course. I’ll take ye there meself at once,” Penny promised, and to Lillie’s satisfaction, they soon left the chamber together.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Lillie’s satisfaction soon turned to anger when they stepped out into the hallway and were faced by three armed guards waiting there.

“What d’ye want?” Penny demanded to know, facing them down fearlessly.

“We have instructions from the laird tae guard Lady Lillie and make sure she comes tae nae harm,” one of them explained.

“’Tis nae necessary,” Lillie said, trying to hide her frustration. Being followed everywhere by three guards did not fit with her plan at all. One would have been bad enough, but three! Silently, she cursed Diarmaid.

“’Tis the Laird’s command, melady,” the man reiterated with a hint of apology.

“Well, I suppose we’ll just havetae put up with it in that case,” Penny grumbled. “Come, melady,” she said, turning her back on the men and leading Lillie away down the hallway towards the staircase. They went up a flight, to the third-floor hallway, with the guards clattering behind them.

“Here are the healing rooms, melady,” the maid told Lillie when they came to the first door on the left. “Let’s see if Finian is in.” She knocked on the door, and a moment later, a deep masculine voice invited them to come in.

Penny opened the door and ushered Lillie inside. Lillie looked around her at the spacious and well-organized healing room. She was pleased to see how well stocked the numerous shelves and countertops were and admired the many swags of drying herbs hanging from the rafters. There was no doubt in her mind the room contained what she was looking for.

A tall man who had been seated at one of the counters pounding something with a mortar and pestle stood up as soon as he saw them.

“Good day, Penny,” he said, coming forward to greet them.

“Good day tae ye, Finian. I’ve brought Lady Lillie tae see ye. She’s the new⁠—”

“Aye. I ken who she is,” Finian said, bowing respectfully to Lillie. “Many congratulations on yer wedding, melady. I wish ye and the laird every happiness and many⁠—”

“Strong bairns, aye, I ken, thank ye” Lillie said, completing the sentence for him.

He laughed, and his smile lit up his face. In that moment, he reminded her so much of her brother Darragh, Lillie could have hugged him. He instantly reminded her of home, and she felt an immediate warm connection with him.

“Ye’ve heard that before, I see,” Finian observed wryly.

“Aye, if everyone’s wishes are granted, I reckon I’ll be popping out a bairn a week,” Lillie joked. The healer’s smile became a wide grin, and he chuckled.

“Will ye nae sit down, melady, and tell me how I can serve ye?” He gestured to some nearby chairs ranged about a large, well-scrubbed, wooden table.

“Aye, thank ye,” she said before turning to Penny. “Would ye mind waiting outside fer few minutes, Penny, so I can talk tae Finian in private?”

“Nae at all, melady. I’ll wait fer ye out in the hall, with our retinue,” the maid said good-naturedly and left them alone. Lillie sat down, while Finian took the chair opposite. She marveled at how similar his warm, slightly shy smile was to Darragh’s.