Page 8 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
As the castle sat on an island, clearly, no one would be able to enter unnoticed. Heaving a sigh, she gave him a tiny smile. “Thank ye again, me laird. Me deepest wish is tae never return again tae Iona, yet I am nae certain where I was planning tae go, before I entered the sea.”
“With some rest, nae doubt more of yer thoughts will come tae ye.”
It was only now, as he reassured her, and she began to feel calm and safe in her new surroundings, that she suddenly became aware that the Laird Everard MacNeil was a very handsome man.
CHAPTER FOUR
Everard looked up and caught Davina’s eyes studying him. She turned away, her cheeks burning pink and hurriedly clattered her empty plates into a stack on the table.
He grinned, enjoying her fluster and the hint of admiration flickering in her amber-colored eyes, but reminded himself that that was not the time for flirting, no matter how charming the lass might be. Besides, Davina had been a novice, a nun-in-waiting, who had spent her years in a convent. She would know aught of the ways of men.
He counseled himself to mind his behavior. The lass had been through enough without being burdened with the lusty attentions of a man who should know better.
He filled the tankards with ale and raised a cup. “Tae yer good health, lass.Slàinte mhath.” He took a long draft of the ale, while Davina raised the cup to her lips and sipped.
“Did ye nay have ale tae drink in the nunnery?”
“Oh yes, of course, but each day we were only allowed a small cup, so we sipped tae make it last the longer.”
“While ye’re here, ye may have as much ale as ye wish.”
She chuckled at that, while he smiled at the prospect of her becoming tipsy and bold after too many ales.
“There is a matter I would like tae discuss wi’ ye.”
“Och?” Whatever was coming next?
“If ye are so kind as tae grant me sanctuary, I must work fer me keep.”
He shook his head. Such a thought had never entered his mind. “What work could ye dae, lass? I’ve all the servants I need tending tae the castle.”
“I worked every day in the gardens at Iona. I can tend yer gardens and if ye’ve already a gardener, I can be their assistant. I can help with the herbs. I have learned tae make poultices, healing creams and tisanes. I ken how the herbs can heal. I can sew up a small wound and bandage a broken bone.”
“Heavens.” He drew back he head in surprise. “I thought the nuns only occupied themselves in prayer.”
She gave a small laugh. “Nay. They work hard, cooking, scrubbing, laundering, as well as contemplation and prayer. Me job was tae look tae the garden, growing food, and learning the healing arts.”
“Well then, I shall be happy tae introduce ye tae our healer, Broderick. I’m certain he could dae wi’ some help.”
She nodded, but by now he could see her strength was flagging and the color was fading from her cheeks. After finishing his ale, Everard got to his feet. “I’ll see tae the kitchen tae bring ye something later fer yer supper. Mayhap tomorrow we’ll see tae some new clothing fer ye.”
He left her, smiling prettily and, no doubt, contemplating the garden and the herbs she would harvest. The dusk was upon them and he had much to do before nightfall.
As he traced his steps back to the keep, Davina filled his thoughts. It was clear there was more to her story than she was yet able to reveal. Yet, for all his curiosity and concern, there was no point at all in pushing her further. Mayhap, in time, she would recall more of her history and where she had been intending to flee to after she escaped the convent.
He met with Hugo in his study, where they warmed themselves in front of a fire flaming in the great fireplace.
He poured two drams of whisky and offered one to Hugo as they took their seats.
Hugo spoke first. “What of the lass ye rescued?”
Everard recounted the details of his visit with Davina and her offer to work in the garden.
It was clear however, that her presence did not sit well with his advisor. “That’s all very well me laird, but who is the lass and why was she running from the convent?”
Everard sighed. “I dinnae ken much more than ye. It seems she was being forced tae take vows and she has nae wish tae become a nun. Her memory has yet tae return. When it daes, mayhap she will tell us who she is and where she comes from.”
“And in the meantime?”
