Highlander Most Wanted (The Montgomerys and Armstrongs #2)(39)

That Taliesan hadn’t given voice to the fact that Genevieve had been the one who’d felled Patrick bolstered Genevieve’s spirits. It was one less thing the clan would blame her for—not that they needed other reasons.

Genevieve reached over to squeeze Taliesan’s hand. “I go to see how the laird fares. His injuries required stitching, and ’twas I who set needle to his flesh. ’Tis God’s truth my hand has never shaken as much as it did last night. I must now watch for signs of fever and pray that he recovers quickly.”

“If you have need of anything, summon me at once,” Taliesan said, her voice sincere. “I will be happy to give you aid.”

“Thank you, Taliesan. I never imagined finding a true friend among so many hostile faces, but ’tis glad I am to have you.”

Taliesan smiled, her entire face lighting up so sweetly that it made Genevieve instantly warm all the way through. She stood, pushing herself up awkwardly from the bed, and smoothed her skirts.

“You must be starved. I will send up food for you to the laird’s chamber so that you may eat while you watch over his recovery.”

Genevieve’s stomach cramped, and she realized that it had been a long while since she’d partaken of any food. She smiled gratefully up at Taliesan.

“My thanks. If you would, have water warmed and brought up in a basin so that I may wash the laird’s wounds and see to the dressings.”

“I’ll do it at once.”

Taliesan started toward the door, but then she hesitated and turned, her fingers gripping the edge.

“Things will be better now, Genevieve. You’ll see. No longer will you be forced to suffer such injustice. Bowen Montgomery seems a good and just man. He’ll do what is right.”

Genevieve nodded faintly, her stomach knotting not from hunger but from the knowledge that when the laird awakened he would demand an accounting from her. And what she told him could well mean that the Montgomerys and Armstrongs would be no safe refuge for her.

Chapter 19

Genevieve knocked at Bowen’s door, and while she waited for the summons to enter she very nearly turned and fled back to her chamber. Only the thought that if Geoffrey and Deaglan had given the laird another potion he would be insensible awhile longer gave her the courage to stand her ground.

The door opened and Deaglan stood there, large and imposing. He took a step back and motioned for Genevieve to enter.

“He drank nearly all of the dram we gave him,” Deaglan reported. “He is resting more comfortably now. I see no sign of fever. ’Tis to your credit and speed in stitching him up that he seems to be faring so well.”

Warmth suffused Genevieve’s cheeks at the unexpected praise. Kind words were foreign to her of late.

“ ’Tis good he is resting,” she said as she made her way to the chair still positioned next to Bowen’s bed.

She glanced at the sleeping laird and, indeed, he looked at peace. His brow wasn’t creased in pain, and he seemed utterly relaxed.

Another knock sounded, and Deaglan frowned as he hurried to answer. A moment later, he came back in carrying food. Taliesan appeared behind him, her eyes large in her face. She seemed intimidated by the presence of the two guards.

Genevieve rose, offering a smile of welcome to Taliesan. Then she turned to Geoffrey and Deaglan. “Taliesan has brought food. Have either of you eaten since the laird was attacked?”

Geoffrey frowned, his brow knitted in concentration. “Nay, mistress. ’Tis the truth we have not.”

“Then partake of what is offered,” Genevieve said, waving her hand toward the food.

“Nay,” Deaglan objected. “ ’Tis your meal we take, mistress. You were at the laird’s side since yesterday and have more need of sustenance than we do.”

Genevieve rolled her eyes and stared at the mound of food carried by both Deaglan and Taliesan. “There is more than enough for all to share. You’ll concentrate harder on your task of protecting the laird if your belly is full. Now eat. It would be a shame for it to go to waste. I’ll not eat all of it, to be sure.”

“Our thanks, mistress,” Deaglan said gravely. “ ’Tis most appreciated. We would not leave the laird’s chamber door even to go below and break our fast.”

“I’ll see that food is brought to you at all meals,” Taliesan said in a soft, shy voice.

Both men smiled at Taliesan, but then who wouldn’t? The lass was sweet and good-hearted to her bones. She had a positive effect on everyone who came into contact with her.

“Thank you,” Deaglan offered solemnly. “I appreciate your generosity.”

Taliesan blushed pink, dipped a curtsy, and then limped from the room, closing the door behind her.

Genevieve plated a small portion of the food that Taliesan had brought to the chamber. Even though she was hungry, she knew she wouldn’t eat much. Her stomach was too unsettled. She was too worried—and terrified—of what was to come.

The two men set upon the remainder of the food, and it was evident they were indeed quite hungry as they dug into their offerings.

She returned to the chair at Bowen’s bedside and picked nervously at the food. It was tasteless—probably a blessing—but she forced herself to swallow each bite, washing it down with water.

She was nearly done with her portion when the door opened. She swung around to see who had entered without so much as a by-your-leave, only to see Brodie looming in the doorway.