Seduction of a Highland Lass (McCabe Trilogy #2)(15)

She cupped her palm over his forehead, heartened by the fact he didn’t feel quite as hot as he did earlier. Of course being exposed to the much cooler air outside had probably done the deed, and now that he was within the warmer confines of his chamber, she had to concern herself with his fever worsening.

“Will he recover?” Mairin asked fearfully.

Keeley turned to the laird’s wife. “Aye. I’ll not have it any other way.”

The woman beside Mairin raised her brows. “You’re young to be so arrogant, lass.”

“Arrogant?” Keeley was honestly surprised by the other woman’s assessment. “I’ve never considered myself arrogant. Not when other’s lives depend on me. I find what I do very humbling. I fear all the time that I’ll be unable to provide the care that is needed. But I’m stubborn—not arrogant. I refuse to allow someone to suffer if ’tis within my power to prevent it.”

Mairin smiled and closed the distance between them. She grasped Keeley’s hands and squeezed. “Whether ’tis arrogance or confidence, I care naught. I only care that when I look at you, I see such determination in your eyes that I know you’ll not allow Alaric to die. For that I thank you, mistress. You’ll have my undying gratitude if you set Alaric to rights.”

Keeley’s cheeks warmed at the other woman’s praise. “Please. Do call me Keeley.”

“And you must call me Mairin.”

Keeley shook her head. “Oh nay, my lady. It wouldn’t do. And your laird wouldn’t like it one bit.”

Mairin chuckled. “Ewan’s bark is much worse than his bite. He can be gruff and growly, but he truly is a fair man.”

Keeley arched one brow at the other woman.

Mairin flushed. “What he did was reprehensible. I can’t imagine what he was thinking. Perhaps concern for Alaric blinded him to all else.”

“I imagine his concern for you had something to do with it,” Keeley said dryly.

“Me?”

Keeley’s gaze dropped to Mairin’s swollen belly. “He intends that I remain to deliver your babe.”

“Oh dear,” Mairin murmured. “The man is addled. He cannot go about abducting people because he fears for my safety. ’Tis madness.”

Keeley smiled. “ ’Tis a good husband who worries for his wife. I find after meeting you, I don’t have an aversion to remaining for the winter to see your child safely born.”

“You’ve a kind heart, Keeley,” Maddie interjected. “We have need of a good healer. Lorna passed on some weeks ago and the laird, while skilled with a needle, has no knowledge of herbs and poultices. He has no experience with childbirth either.”

Keeley’s eyebrows went up again. “The laird has been acting as your healer?”

“He stitched my wound when an arrow struck me,” Mairin said. “He did a fine job.”

“Tell us what you need,” Maddie urged. “I’ll make sure you have it as soon as possible.”

Keeley thought a moment as she surveyed the sleeping warrior. She’d need a whole host of herbs and roots, but she preferred to find those herself. She didn’t trust others to recognize the plants she used.

Instead she asked Maddie for water and bandages and broth so Alaric would have some sustenance. It was important for him to keep up his strength. A weakened man didn’t fight off illness as well as a strong and fit warrior.

She instructed the older woman on what she wanted done for Alaric in her absence.

“But where are you going?” Mairin asked with a frown.

“I must go forage for the roots and herbs I need for my medicines. If I don’t go now, I’ll have to wait until the morrow and that might be too late.”

“Ewan won’t like that,” Mairin murmured. “He’s very firm on going outside the walls of the keep.”

“If he wants his brother to survive, he won’t make a fuss.”

Maddie grinned. “ ’Twould seem our laird may have met his match in you, Keeley.”

“Still, it would be better if you were to have an escort,” Mairin said. “I’d go with you myself—’tis God’s truth I’d welcome a walk and some fresh air—but Ewan would never let me hear the end of it.”

“You aren’t allowed even a wee walk outside the keep?” Keeley asked incredulously.

Mairin sighed. “ ’Tis not the sentence you think it is. Ewan isn’t overbearing. He’s worried, and with good reason. We have many enemies, and until I deliver this babe safe and sound, I am a target.”

When Keeley continued to stare at her in puzzlement, Mairin let out a long breath. “ ’Tis a long story. Perhaps I’ll tell you all about it tonight as we tend to Alaric.”

“Oh nay, my lady. ’Tis not your duty to stay awake with Alaric. He’ll be just fine in my care. A woman in your condition needs all the rest she can get.”

“Still, I’ll sit with you awhile. If nothing more, it will be a way to pass the time. I won’t sleep for worrying over Alaric anyway.”

Keeley smiled. “Very well then. Now if I may, I must be off before I lose good light.”

“Maddie, see to the supplies and do as Keeley instructed. I’m going to walk her down to the courtyard and ask Gannon and Cormac to accompany her on her search. Ewan won’t allow anything less, I’m sure.”