Seduction of a Highland Lass (McCabe Trilogy #2)(17)

Caelen blinked and then scowled, not that she expected any less. He opened his mouth as if to say something but then quickly snapped it shut. Smart man. He didn’t intimidate her, and she’d not let him get away with his rudeness. ’Twas true. She was exhausted to her core and the last thing she needed was him hovering over her, criticizing her every move.

She pushed by him once she reached the top of the stairs and leveled a scowl at him that was every bit as impressive as his. She entered Alaric’s chamber and shut it firmly behind her.

“Keeley, you’re back!” Mairin exclaimed from Alaric’s bedside.

Keeley glanced over to see Mairin carefully bathing Alaric’s forehead while Maddie stood to the side. The fire had been stoked and wood added, and Keeley immediately went to stand in front of it, soaking in every bit of the heat she could.

“Here, lass, let me take your findings. Do you have any special instructions or can I leave them all together?” Maddie asked as she came over to help Keeley.

Keeley glanced down at the pile in her gathered skirts. “Aye, you can leave it all together. I’ll sort it out after I can feel my hands again. I’ll need a bowl or two and something to grind the leaves and roots with.”

“You heard the lass,” Maddie said to Gannon who stood in the doorway. “Go fetch her bowls and a mortar and pestle.”

Gannon looked extremely disgruntled to be ordered about by a woman, but he turned to do her bidding although not before allowing his displeasure to cross his face.

Mairin frowned in Keeley’s direction. “Keeley, are you certain you are up for caring for Alaric this night? You look exhausted, and you’re shaking with cold.”

Keeley offered a faint smile. “I’ll be warm in no time. If you have food to spare, I’d be most grateful for something to eat.”

“I’ll go fetch something from Gertie,” Maddie said.

As Maddie left the chamber, she met Gannon on his way back in with the items Keeley had requested. Keeley carefully deposited the herbs into one of the bowls and straightened her skirts. Now that her hands were free, she turned and held them out to the fire, wincing when feeling began to race through her veins again.

“You have need of proper clothing if you are to stay here,” Gannon said gruffly. “I’ll speak to the laird about it straight away.”

“Oh, you’re right,” Mairin said, remorse heavy in her voice. “ ’Tis something I should have thought of. You could hardly have prepared for a journey if my husband snatched you from your home. I’ll speak to the women at once. Between us, we can surely remedy the problem.”

Keeley fidgeted under their scrutiny. “ ’Tis thoughtful of you both. I’m most appreciative of your regard.”

“Is there anything else you require?” Gannon asked.

Keeley shook her head. “Nay. Thank you for your aid. I have all I need.”

Gannon dipped his head in acknowledgment and then turned and left the chamber.

Relieved to have rid of most of the occupants of the chamber, Keeley wearily seated herself on the small stool next to Alaric’s bed. Mairin hovered at a distance, watching as Keeley carefully examined Alaric’s side.

She touched the long cut, frowning at how swollen and red it was. She closed her eyes and issued a curse under her breath.

“What’s wrong, Keeley?” Mairin demanded. “Is he worsening?”

Keeley opened her eyes and stared down at the inflamed wound. She sighed. “I need to reopen his wound to rid it of its poison. It’ll require cleaning and then I’ll have to stitch him up again. ’Tis no easy task, but it must be done.”

“Should I stay to assist you?”

Keeley eyed the slight woman and the bulge at her waist. Then she shook her head. “I’ve no wish for you to come to harm if Alaric becomes combative. ’Tis a better idea if one of his brothers is present in case there is need to hold him down.”

Mairin frowned and stared over at Alaric. “If he tries to fight, ’twill take more than one man to hold him. Perhaps I should call for Ewan and Caelen both.”

Keeley’s lips twisted in distaste. Mairin laughed softly. “Caelen is truly a good sort. I used to swear the man did nothing but frown. He’s really not so terrible once you’ve grown accustomed to his manner.”

“Manners? He has none,” Keeley muttered.

Mairin’s eyes twinkled with amusement. “I like you, Keeley …” Then she frowned. “By what family name are you called?”

Keeley froze and refused to meet Mairin’s gaze. She could feel the other woman assessing her, probing her with her stare. She glanced down at her hands and twisted them in her lap.

“McDonald,” she whispered. “I used to be, but no more. Now I just call myself Keeley.”

“McDonald?” Mairin echoed. “Oh dear. I wonder, does Ewan know he’s stolen the healer from the clan Alaric was to be laird over?”

Keeley’s head snapped up. “Laird? But the McDonalds have a laird.” She should know. The bastard was directly responsible for her banishment. If something had happened to the worm, shouldn’t she know? Was she forever doomed to live on the outside of her family? Never welcomed to their hearth and into their fold?

Tears burned her lids and she’d be damned before she’d let a single one fall. The lot of them could rot, Gregor McDonald included. Especially Gregor McDonald.