Page 82 of Cottage in the Mist
“Believe me, that’s exactly what I intend to do,” Bram said, pushing to his feet, fingering the hilt of his claymore as he turned to face Alec. “I believe you and I have things to discuss. Iain?” His cousin nodded, and the three men strode a short distance away to the shelter of a small stand of trees. Alec’s second, Dougan, followed close behind.
Lily resisted the urge to run after Bram. Better to let him deal with Alec on his own. Still, it pained her that he’d walked away without so much as a backward glance. Pained her that he could dismiss her so easily.
“He’s just angry and confused,” Jeff said, dropping to his knees beside her.
“He thinks I betrayed him,” Lily said, emotion clogging her throat. “That I’m working with his enemy.”
“But Alec isn’t his enemy. And you didn’t even know you were a Comyn when you met Bram. None of this is your fault.”
Lily felt tears threaten and brushed angrily at her eyes.
“Give him time to think. To assimilate all that’s happened. Then you can talk to him. Explain about your family. About the legend and the ring.”
“We already know what he thinks about the legend. He thinks my family killed his. And now he believes I’ve been trying to do the same.”
“But you haven’t.” Jeff reached over to squeeze her hand. “And he’ll see that. He cares about you. A lot. Otherwise he wouldn’t be so angry.”
“He wouldn’t even look me in the eyes.”
“True, but he also couldn’t take his eyes off of you. Let him sort it out. It’ll be okay, you’ll see.”
Robby moaned, and Geordie lifted his head to meet Lily’s gaze, a smile spreading across his weathered face. “His fever is breaking.”
“Thank God.” Lily answered his smile just as an older man ducked beneath the woolen tarp.
Lily frowned up at the man. Frazier. “You work for Bram,” she said, taking in his stocky, well-muscled build. The graying hair and bushy beard were indicators of the man’s age, and yet it was clear he was a warrior still. His faded blue eyes were wary.
“I was his father’s captain,” Frazier agreed, his voice holding a warning. “But I am my own man. I work for no one.”
“I’m sorry.” Lily held up a hand in apology. “I meant no offense.” Something about Frazier bothered her. Maybe it was the fact that his eyes glittered with dislike. Although considering the circumstances, she wasn’t certain she blamed him.
“Bram allowed you to stay with Robby, then?” Frazier asked, his gaze falling to the injured man.
“I’m not sure he really had a choice,” Jeff said, his tone congenial, but Lily could hear the undernote of caution. So she wasn’t the only one with misgivings.
“Bram was right; you’ve betrayed Iain and allied yourself withher.” Frazier sent a contemptuous nod in Lily’s direction. “And the rest of the Comyns.”
“I’ve betrayed no one,” Jeff said, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. “And neither has Lily.”
“Aye,” Geordie said, fingering the little knife again. “She’s been nothing but steadfast when it comes to yer man.”
“I meant no disrespect.” Frazier waved a hand, his lips lifting in the semblance of a smile. “Only to say that I canna understand why Bram would leave Robby here with the en—“ He stopped, frowned, then amended his words. “—with people he distrusts.”
“And I told you,” Jeff said, “he didn’t have a choice. Besides, even if he did, he’d find no one better than Geordie and Lily. Geordie is a healer. And as Geordie alluded to, Lily has been with Robby continuously since he was found. She refused to leave him. Even when Fergus wanted to move on to try and find Iain.”
“There’s no need to defend me, Jeff.” Lily sent her friend a smile and then lifted her head to meet Frazier’s gaze. “Robby will come to no harm in my care. Of that I can assure you.”
As if to underscore her words, Robby moaned and automatically Lily smoothed back his hair, her gentle motion quieting the thrashing man.
“Is he waking, then?” Frazier stepped forward, his focus now on the injured man.
Geordie touched his cheek. “Nay, only fighting off the last of the fever. With the crisis past, he should settle in and sleep until morning at least.”
“Mayhap I should be the one sitting with him,” Frazier offered. “After all, he’s my kin.”
“That he is,” Geordie said, his narrowed eyes making him seem more dangerous. “But what the lad needs now is peace and quiet. So I’ll thank you to take your leave. If he wakes I’ll call for the Macgillivray.”
Frazier’s frown deepened and he seemed about to say more, but then abruptly he turned on his heel and left the lean-to.
