Page 23 of Rescued By the Highland Warrior
Roderick glanced her way, relieved to hear her speaking normally again. Her pain had unsettled him, chipping away at the edges of his composure. “Glad tae hear ye’ve gotten yer voice back,” he said, offering her a small smile.
Moira rolled her eyes, though the corner of her mouth twitched upward.
As Benedict began to bind Moira’s ankle, Roderick noticed something had piqued Moira’s interest. She had sat up, watching him carefully as he moved the bandages over her foot.
“I see ye have a fine garden out there, Mr. Dunbar,” she said. “Dae ye have the same herbs all season round?
Mr. Dunbar glanced up briefly, his hands not pausing, while he secured the bandages. “Aye, I keep the garden well-stocked year-round. Takes a bit o' plannin' an' some work, but it’s worth it. Most o' what I use fer healin' comes straight from there.”
Moira tilted her head in thought as Roderick got up from his chair and moved around the room. It was past midday, nearing the afternoon–and with Moira already seeming a little better, he started to think about all his duties for the rest of the day. Part of him felt guilty for having argued with Moira, insisting that she rush her work.
“That’s impressive,” Moira said. “I’ve always wondered how healers keep their supplies fresh in the colder months. Dae ye grow anything indoors?”
Mr. Dunbar chuckled softly, tying the bandage and brushing his hands off onto his tunic. “Some things, aye. The more delicate plants I keep in pots by the hearth. Others can survive a light frost, so I leave them be. An', o' course, I dry an' preserve what I can in the warmer months.”
“I see,” Moira said. “What are the plants ye make use of the most? I think it is fascinating that different plants can be used fer such different things.”
“Aye,” Mr. Dunbar smiled, looking from Moira to Roderick—before he reached for a pot from one of his shelves. “I hadnae realized that Laird Fraser’s betrothed had such a keen interest in medicinal healin’.”
“She’s a curious lass, arenae ye, Lady Wilson?” Roderick responded, turning his attention away from the window to the room.
“Indeed,” she said. “Anything that can be used tae save a life has earned me interest an’ respect, tae say the least.”
“Some plants dae,” he said. “It is difficult tae say though, every plant serves its purpose, sometimes more than one combined—and I get all sorts o’ cases comin’ through me doors. A big part o’ me job is usin’ me knowledge tae pair effective plants together.”
Mr. Dunbar stood over his large oak table, mixing together a balm with a wooden pestle, at a rapid pace before decanting it into a small jar.
After a moment’s silence, he continued his explanations. “This is the part I enjoy most, mixin’ together a balm from the elements—all I am is a vessel fer the products o’ nature’s work.”
Rather than listen to Mr. Dunbar, Roderick had drowned him out completely, and he was instead focused on Moira. He watched her stare at the balm Mr. Dunbar was preparing with a keen intensity, her eyes following his every move.
“That is wonderful,” Moira said. “What a noble and fine profession.”
Mr. Dunbar smiled to himself as he handed Roderick the balm. “This needs tae be applied twice a day fer three days, if ye need more, ye ken where tae find me.”
“Thank ye,” Roderick said. He noted with curiosity the effect that Moira had on the healer–she had such a way with words when she wanted to.
Moira began to sit up, “Thank ye kindly, Mr. Dunbar. I feel much better kenning I’m in safe hands.”
“Of course,” the healer nodded. “An’ remember, be sure tae tak’ it easy on yer ankle, even when it starts tae feel a wee better.”
“I will,” Moira said, lying back down. “I promise ye, Mr. Dunbar.”
Mr. Dunbar shot a glance in Roderick’s direction, as though to make sure he understood too. He must have been able to tell, Roderick thought, from the urgency with which he had brought Moira over there, that he considered her well-being important. He’d take care of Moira, of course he would.
“I will mak’ sure she stays off her leg,” Roderick said to Mr. Dunbar. “Nae accidents on me watch, I can assure ye.”
“Very well, me laird,” Mr. Dunbar said, “I’ll give ye some privacy now, tak’ as long as ye need.”
“That’s really nae necessary,” Moira said calmly. “This is yer chamber after all.”
Mr. Dunbar smiled, and Roderick could tell how much he preferred Moira to him, although he might not have, had he known who Moira truly was. Perhaps he hadn’t given her enough credit, for now he saw that she could play the role of the sweet and agreeable, high-born lady well enough when she chose to.
“It’s nay hassle,” Mr. Dunbar assured, “I’d meant tae go herb pickin’ outside in the gardens anyway, me rosemary is runnin’ a little low
Once alone, Moira began to get herself up from the bed, and she was about to place her feet on the ground before Roderick stopped her.
“Ye’re nae supposed tae walk Moira, or did ye forget what yer healer had said.”
