Page 23 of The Trials of Neilina MacKai
“Nothing to be seen,” he said turning back.“Probably just some of the men wrestling for fun.”
Possibly.Although that noise was a convenient excuse to save the man an embarrassing conversation, Rhuad thought.
“You’d not expect me to keep silent, when I might learn aught from Mistress Camfeld that I could share with Lady Maeve,” Dougal said.
Seona smiled.“Nay, none would ever expect that.Thank you for thinking of Maeve.She is always interested in learning what methods and medicaments other healers use.”
“We must invite her and the rest of your family to visit when our handfasting becomes permanent,” Rhuad suggested.
Seona’s brows rose.“You mean,ifour handfasting becomes permanent.”
His neck grew warm.
Mistress Camfeld focused on tying off her stitches.
Dougal returned to the window and closed the shutters.
“Yes, of course,” Rhuad mumbled.“That is precisely what I meant.I’m usually more precise in what I say.”
What could have caused me to make such a foolish error.I’ve certainly no desire to remain tied to Lady Seona for life, do I?
He pushed the irritating thought aside.They had more important things to worry over.“I must ask you to leave us for a while Mistress Camfeld.We need a private word with my squire.”
“Of course, my lord.I am just finishing.”She gathered her things and stood.“Young man,” she patted the squire’s cheek.“I’ll send a potion with one of the other men.When you are finished speaking with Laird MacFearann, his lady and Sir Dougal, you must drink the entire potion.It tastes like the very devil, but it prevents fever.You will sleep like the dead and wake with no pain in the morning.Now let this be a lesson to you not to ride through thick brambles no matter how great a hurry you must take.”
“Yes, Mistress Camfeld.I promise to do exactly as you instruct.”
“Excellent.Now I must go tend to that horse of yours.He too is suffering from your careless actions.”The woman nodded her farewells and left.
“Were you riding one of the MacKai blacks?”Seona asked.
“Nay lady.So fine a steed would have drawn too much attention.”
“Why were you in such a hurry that it caused you and your horse injury,” Rhuad queried.
“I was speaking with Mr.Clyne, the Baile Isag tavern owner, and he warned me that two of the abbey guards usually came to drink at that time of day.I was able to slip out the back before they arrived, but I did not want to be followed, so I hurried, perhaps more than I should.I wanted also to bring you the information I gathered.I think you’ll find it useful.”
“Very well,” said Rhuad.“Dougal pull up that small bench for Lady Seona.”
His wife sat and took the squire’s hand.“Now James,” she said, smiling at him.“Tell us what you learned.”
Rhuad tried to focus on the information being relayed, but a vision filled his mind of Seona stroking his hand and more.
He shook his head.Where had that come from.Nothing about the way she touched his squire suggested anything but the wish to calm and soothe a young man strung too high from his first taste of adventure.
I cannot wish more for myself, can I?
***
“THAT IS VASTLY HELPFULinformation,” Seona said as they left the barracks headed to the great hall.
“Indeed.”Rhuad commented.“I can think of several changes we should make to the plans already in place.”
“I agree,” Dougal remarked.“We should begin...”
Seona held up a hand.“I think we should wait until we are inside and alone to continue this discussion.”She nodded to where several men sat talking just outside the barracks.
“Good even, men.”Rhuad said.
