Page 81 of Cottage in the Mist
“I canna say. My healer is good. But the man was far gone when Lily found him.”
Bram exchanged a look with both Ranald and Iain. There seemed to be no choice in the matter. For the moment they had to trust Alec Comyn. At least long enough to find out the truth about Robby.
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Bram hadn’t looked at her, not once since the confrontation in the clearing. Nor had he spoken to her or to Alec. She tried to give him the benefit of the doubt. It had been a shock to find out who she really was. But it wasn’t as if she’d lied to him or done anything to truly earn his wrath. Except perhaps disobey his implicit demand for her to stay behind.
To stay safe.
The word whispered through her mind as she watched Bram question Alec’s man Geordie. They were huddled around the makeshift tent covering Robby. Not much more than a plaid stretched over a wooden frame, it at least provided a modicum of protection against the encroaching weather.
The last of the sun was sinking beneath the horizon, the beginnings of a mist twirling wraithlike across the ground.
She’d had no way of knowing her true heritage when she’d first encountered Bram. And, even if she had, it wasn’t as if they’d taken time to ask a lot of questions. Surely if he truly loved her, he’d have to accept her for who she was. But then again, he obviously believed she’d betrayed him. Intellectually, she knew that should make a difference. That she should cut him slack.But her heart wasn’t having any of it. Either he loved her or he didn’t. It was as simple as that. Some things had to be taken on faith.
So maybe he didn’t love her at all. Maybe in truth he wasn’t any better than Justin. But even as she had the thought, she knew that it wasn’t true. Sucking in a breath, she looked to Jeff for reinforcement. Elaine’s husband smiled at her reassuringly and immediately she felt better, containing a smile at Bram’s immediate scowl in Jeff’s direction.
Maybe he did care—at least a little.
Jeff stood with Iain and Alec just at the boundary to the makeshift tent, giving Geordie and Bram room. Bram squatted down by his friend, his eyes on the healer. Lily sat near Robby’s head, feeling protective even in the face of Bram’s concern.
“How long has he had the fever?” Bram asked the healer, his voice harsh with emotion.
For his friend, Lily reminded herself, containing a shiver. Even angry, the sound of his voice curled deep inside of her, sending heat washing across every inch of her skin.
“Since before I was summoned,” Geordie was saying. “But he’s resting easier now than he was. And in truth, your friend needs sleep to help him recover.”
Robby moaned and twisted, and Lily reached out to stroke his brow. He calmed but Bram’s scowl deepened and she noticed his fingers clenching and unclenching.
“He doesn’t feel as hot as he did,” Lily said, lifting her gaze, praying that he’d meet it. But instead he returned his attention to the healer.
“Is he still in danger?”
The older man shrugged. “I canna pretend that it doesna worry me. Although ’tis to be expected after all that he’s been through. The injury itself was grievous enough, but being out here exposed to the elements hasna helped things at all. AsI’m sure Alec has already told you, your friend owes his life to Mistress Lily.”
A muscle ticked in Bram’s jaw. “And to you, I’m told. I’m grateful.” Again he refused to meet Lily’s eyes. Behind him, Jeff blew out a disgusted breath. At least she had someone on her side. “When can I expect him to wake?” Bram asked.
“’Tis no’ something I can predict. Mayhap the sound of your voice will call to him. I’ve seen it work before when a man is lost to this deep o’ sleep.”
Bram shifted so that he was leaning over his friend, his body so close Lily could feel his warmth. Her breathing stuttered and she forced herself to focus on the injured man.
“Robby?” Bram called softly. “Can you hear me, man?”
Robby moved slightly, but there was no answer.
“’Tis I, Bram. I’ve come to bring you home.” The skin around his mouth tightened and Lily squelched the urge to reach for him. He wouldn’t appreciate her touch. Not here. Not now. But she could feel his pain. “You canna tell me you’d rather lie here in this nest of vipers. Comyns aren’t known for extending hospitality to Macgillivrays. No matter how comely the man’s face might be.”
He waited, his fingers clenching again, his eyes fixed on his friend. “Robby. Please. Open your bloody eyes. I need to see that you’re all right. That these bastards haven’t been feeding you poison.”
Geordie tensed, his hand moving toward the knife at the waist of his plaid. Apparently even healers were warriors in these times.
“Hold.” Alec’s deep voice filled the little space, brooking no argument. “He’s grieving. Let him be.”
Geordie settled back. “I’m no’ poisoning him. If he dies it’ll no’ be on my head.”
Bram’s gaze shifted to Lily. She could feel the heat of it. Feel his anger.
“Nor will it be hers,” the healer said, his voice taking umbrage with Bram’s obvious conclusion. “Whatever befalls yer friend, ’tis the fault o’ those who attacked him. So save yer retribution for them.”
