Page 53 of Plaid Attitude
His expression was unreadable, but finally, Doughall’s chin fell in a sort of nod.
And Nicola’s hand closed around his shoulder. “Bess trusts Coira.”
“Aye.” His voice was rough, but he held Coira’s gaze. “She saved Bessetta today. My lassie loves her. And—”
So do I.
Sheknewhe’d been about to say those words. So why had he held back?
A quick glance down at Bess assured her the girl was sleeping, so Coira stood. The abrupt movement didn’t startle Doughall, but his gaze seemed wary as he followed her with his eyes.
“Let’s get washed up,” she suggested, hoping her tone conveyed the fact she really just wanted to talk with him.
But ‘twas her sister who responded, going back to her bottles and bandages. “Aye, a good idea. I didnae tell ye when ye first brought Bess in, but Da was asking for ye.”
Coira’s knees decided they didn’t like the fact she was standing after all, and she plopped right back down into the chair. “Why?” she croaked.
Nicola didn’t seem to realize anything was wrong. “We all went and spoke to him, after ye left with Doughall,” she explained, still bustling about. “He listened, which I didnae expect, and said he’d take our words into consideration. He wants us to return afore supper.”
Apparently ‘twas impossible to swallow with a completely dry mouth. Coira tried several times, to no avail. Shewantedto ask what her sisters and their husbands told Da, and who they decided to suggest…but no words emerged.
While she’d been staring at Nic, Doughall had risen. Now he bent over Bessetta, brushing a kiss across her forehead.
Then he straightened and extended a hand to Coira. She wasn’t certain if he was offering her help up, or just wanted to shake her hand.
But she grabbed on and didn’t let go.
Like she wanted to do to him.
Nicola was still explaining. “Since Bessetta is asleep, I’ll try to sneak away to join ye all in Da’s chambers. I think ye have just enough time to get cleaned up, then join us up there. Idohate leaving the puir lassie all alone…”
A new voice spoke up from the door. “Ye willnae have to.”
They all turned as Brodie limped in. When he saw them staring, he scowled. “What?” Then he shrugged and headed for the other cot. “Fen doesnae need me at her side when ye visit the laird—ye best ensure she’s no’ overwhelmed,” he commanded, glowering at Coira.
Doughall was the one to answer for her. “Of course.”
With a grunt, Brodie released the latch of his leg brace and sank down to the cot. “So, I came to keep the lassie company while the rest of ye hear what yer Da has to say.”
Wiping her hands on a cloth, Nicola looked half-convinced, but still she asked, “Brodie, are ye certain—”
“I spent enough time in this room to ken it well,” he growled. “And if she wakes, I brought her something to distract her.”
The taciturn man settled his weight against the wall behind him and reached for his chest. Tweaking aside his plaid, he revealed a curled bundle of fur. When he nudged it, the sleeping kitten made a mewling sound and shifted.
“Ye brought my daughter akitten?” Doughall blurted, then glanced at Bess and lowered his voice once more. “Why?”
“I broughtmy wifea wee fine mouser,” Brodie corrected. “She’s quite pleased, but we have nae idea how to train the damned thing.” He nodded to Bessetta. “From everything I’ve heard, the lassie is the one to ask.”
Finally, Coira found her voice. “’Tis perfect,” she rasped. When Doughall glanced at her, she tried to smile. “Ye have to admit, a kitten is the perfect way to distract Bess.”
He stared down at her for a moment, and again, she found his expression unreadable. Then, abruptly, his gaze shot to Nicola. “Ye said we had enough time to get cleaned up?”
Her smirk was a little knowing when she murmured, “Aye,” and Doughall nodded his thanks to Brodie, who nodded in return.
When Doughall pulled Coira to her feet, she was embarrassed to realize shesqueakedin surprise. But he didn’t pause, merely pulled her from the room.
They were already up the stairs and halfway across the Great Hall, Coira half-running to keep up, when she blurted, “My chambers are closer than yer cottage. Come, we can wash there, then see what my Da has to say.”
