Page 26 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
What an unsophisticated dolt he must think me.
She mustered up a smile and took another sip, taking care to school her features. The second sip was, surprisingly, ratherpleasant, despite the rough edge as it slipped down her throat and she liked the sensation of warmth running through her.
“Are ye enjoying yer work in the infirmary?”
She bobbed her head. “Aye, me laird. ‘Tis me work there that made me late tae the solar. A wee lad whose leg needed stitching.”
He cast her an interested glance. “And ye’re able tae dae kind of doctoring?”
She nodded. “I learned a great deal in me years at Iona.”
“And nay doubt our healer will be glad of yer assistance.”
Feather chose that moment to leap from Davian’s pocket and spread herself in a most comfortable position in front of the fire.
“Ah. The wee moggy.”
Davina threw him an arch look. “Her name is Feather, me laird.”
He laughed. “I beg yer pardon, Mistress Feather.”
Feather rolled on her back, pulled one of the rushes from the rug at their feet and tangled it between her front paws.
To Davina’s surprise, Everard leaned down and tickled the kitten’s little round belly. At that Feather lost interest in the reed and diverted all her attention to his hand, holding it in her paws and nibbling his fingers.
“I dae think she likes ye, me laird.” Davina giggled. It was such a sight to see the large man, usually so imposing and dignified, almost on the floor, being assailed by such a wee creature.
She watched his long fingers stroking the soft fur and found herself unable to stop the thought of what it might feel like to have those same fingers caressing her. She bit down on her lip in an effort to prevent herself from entertaining such wayward thoughts.
His careworn features softened with a smile. “When I was a lad growing up, we always had a cat or two at Kiessimul. But in later years we’ve had none. It is good tae see this small one. I daresay there are enough mice tae keep her busy.”
When he turned his dazzling smile on Davina, she’d quite forgotten that she looked such an untidy sight in her scruffy mud-stained kirtle. Her heart jumped as their eyes met., and she took in a deep steadying breath.
He resumed his seat, drained his glass of the whisky and turned to her.
“Now, lass. Let us bring our attention tae more serious matters.”
CHAPTER ELEVEN
As Davina looked up, he caught a flash of fear in her eyes. He was quick to reassure her.
“I merely wish tae continue the conversation we began earlier today. D’ye recall mentioning the problems the MacNeils have been having with the Laird Alexander MacDougall?”
She nodded and he took note of something like a shadow flickering across her eyes at the sound of the man’s name. Was it possible that there was some connection to the part of her life she’d no recollection of at all?
“Dinnae fash, Davina. I’ve nay wish tae cause ye harm or force ye tae recall painful memories. I’m merely concerned tae talk wi’ ye about these recent events and me visit tae the Isle of Canna.”
Thinking of it, it had been unwise of them to discuss such difficult matters in front of the lass. She was burdened alreadywith far too many concerns and he’d no wish to cause her any further distress.
Still, the matter of Hugo’s mission and its successful achievement was dependent on secrecy. It was of the utmost importance that Davina be aware of how much was riding on his mission for not only the MacNeils of Barra, but for the MacAlpins and the other inhabitants of the Isle of Canna.
“Ye may have noticed that me friend Hugo MacRae has nae accompanied me on me return tae Barra.
“Aye, now that ye mention it. I thought mayhap he was staying with yer braither and Aileen.”
“His absence concerns the very thing ye mentioned tae me this morning. The privateers and their ongoing assaults on the French ships bearing MacDougall’s trade.”
She nodded, Everard noting the slight tightening of her lips, a wincing, as the name was mentioned. “So, I’m guessing that Hugo is carrying out a risky task on yer behalf.”
