A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) by Brenda B. Taylor Read Free Book Online Page B

Maidie now.” For some reason, a feeling of
jealousy flashed through Andrew with his brother’s mention of the lass’ name.
The woman meant naught to him except as healer of his wound. Gavin had his eye
on her, for certain.
    Gavin lifted Andrew’s feet and helped him back into the bed
while watching his face. “’Tis a wee spark of interest there when I mention the
lass’ name.” A wicked smirk crossed Gavin’s mouth.
    “I care no’ for the woman, except to tend my wound.” Andrew
knew the words to be a lie when he spoke them, but he would never admit his
interest to Gavin or to his own heart.
    “’Tis hard to believe from your reaction to her name.” Gavin
plumped the pillows under Andrew’s head, leaned down, and sniffed his hair. “You’ve
had a head washing this morn. Now who could’ve done such a thing? And with soap
smelling of roses.” The wicked smirk grew wider. “So she only tends your wound.”
    “Enough of your jesting. I’m tired.” Andrew’s eyes closed. He
could not keep them open.
    “Before you drift back to sleep, I need to tell you that I had
to speak to Angus. The mon bled you this morn.”
    “I’m well aware of the painful bleeding. Angus said ‘twould
balance my blood and make the fever leave.” Andrew rubbed the arm with the
three small gashes. “How long have I been sleeping?”
      “’Tis the third
day, this,” Gavin answered, and Andrew shook his head. Gavin continued, “Maidie,
I mean Madam Munro, had a small fit and asked that the physician be forbidden
to touch you. She also got her ire up about Alan. I told Angus to leave the
care of the two of you to her.”
    “What happened to Alan?” Andrew asked from the edge of black
sleep.
    “She stitched a gash in his leg after the battle. Angus told
him this morn he could get up and about with the other warriors. The lady got
overwrought with the lad using his leg. I sent him back to bed.”
    “How did Angus take such news?”
    “With much angst. He’s fightin’ mad to have his place in
caring for you to be taken by a woman.”
    “What of Alan? How does the lad fair?”
    “His leg is mending quickly under the care of Nellie and Madam
Munro. He’ll be back fighting soon enough.”
    “Angus will get over his rage. You did the right thing. Send
the healer to me,” Andrew said before closing his eyes.
    As Gavin straightened his cover, Andrew heard him whisper, “God
in Heaven, if there is a God in Heaven, dinna let this mon die.

 
    ***

 
    With emotions astir after washing the
chief’s hair, Maidie made her way through the great hall to the kitchen. The
thought of running her fingers through his coarse, thick hair, and the feel of
his head under her hands gave her pause. How could her thoughts about the man
take such a turn in just three days time? He was her patient, naught more.
Maidie shook her head, angst rose within her. She must get her wayward thoughts
under control.
    Sven should be foremost in her mind, and he needed looking
after this morn. She had neglected her small son long enough, hardly seeing him
through the day. The two of them would leave Fàrdach Castle and return to their
home in the village. But first, she must make her way to the small bedchamber
behind the kitchen where Nellie and Alan slept to care for his wounded leg.
Maidie had thanked the tanist for sending Alan back to his bed after Angus told
the warrior to get up and continue his daily routine. The wound looked angry when
she and Nellie changed the bandage last. She would need to make more paste from
the kitchen’s molded bread to spread on it.
    The great hall was empty of the wounded. Those who lived in
the castle had been taken to their bedchambers, and those who lived in the
village to their homes and families. The villagers needed her. She should
return to them today. Although empty, and with male servants lining the hard
dirt floor with fresh straw mixed with sweet smelling heather, the great hall
held a sinister feeling.