Page 27 of An Allusive Love
“She was milking the cow last week and got stepped on. I noticed her limp didna improve, but she told me it was fine.” Mairi’s green eyes darkened in horror. “I had no idea. Oh, sweet Jesu!”
“It’s no’ yer fault. She’s a stubborn woman. But this may be the reason for her fever.” Kirsten took a deep breath and got to work. “While I attend the foot, could ye continue the fresh strips across her brow and chest to keep her cool? Sprinkle some on the pillow. The scent is soothing.”
Mairi nodded, and Kirstine returned to her inspection. Only one toe seemed broken, but the skin was badly ripped. The laceration had festered. With a prayer of thanks that the patient was unconscious, she carefully debrided the wound. “Hand me that brown bottle, please.”
Mairi hurried over and hovered, wringing her hands. Kirstine cleaned the area with a lotion made from privet leaves. Then she made a poultice of honey and yarrow.
“This will continue to draw out any infection,” she said as she bandaged the foot. “And now we wait and pray. Ye might want to put the kettle on.”
By evening, the patient had managed to drink some tea with a willow bark tincture and was resting comfortably. Kirstine leaned back against the rocker and smiled. Satisfaction settled in her belly as she watched the steady rise and fall of Agnes’s chest. Mairi had lit a fire and a soft yellow glow filled the room.
“My mother will return tomorrow and change the bandage. She’ll want to inspect the wound herself. In the meantime, continue to bathe her with the sweet water if she becomes restless. Give her more willow bark tincture when she wakes and some beef tea or barley gruel when she can eat.” Kirstine stood and stretched, feeling the dull ache in her lower back. “As long as we can keep the infection under control, she should recover.”
Mairi hurried around the bed and threw her arms around Kirstine. “Thank ye again. She’s as much my ma as she is my grandmother. I’d be lost without her,” she sniffled.
“I’m happy to help.”
“Ye were so capable and self-assured.” Mairi stepped back and squeezed Kirstine’s hand. “I can see why Brodie chose ye over me.”
Kirstine drew in her breath. “Mairi—”
“Go on, now. He’s waiting for ye.”
“Brodie?”
Mairi nodded. “He said he’d no’ leave without ye. Been sitting with Da all this time, keeping his mind off…” Her eyes shone, and she dashed away a tear. “But we can walk out with a smile on our faces now and put his fears to rest.” She gave Kirstine another quick hug and slipped out of the room.
Kirstine collected her things and fastened the satchel. She was bone-tired. Sean wrapped her in a bear hug, and she thought she’d swoon from the lack of air.
“I swear, Miss MacDunn, ye’ve earned a few more steps toward the pearly gates this day. We’ll no’ forget what ye’ve done for us.”
Her eyes settled on Brodie’s solid form, his shoulder against the doorframe, arms crossed over his broad chest. She self-consciously smoothed her rumpled skirt, but the concern in his gaze warmed her. When he reached out and laced his fingers through hers, it didn’t matter. She wanted to melt against him and sleep for a day and a night.
They walked outside, and Kirstine breathed in the crisp night air as Brodie fetched the horses. Charlie appeared from the shadows, then licked her hand. She scratched his wiry fur and talked to him softly as his tail made a soft, rhythmicthumpagainst the dirt. She forced her eyes to remain open, wondering how she’d stay awake on the ride home. But it turned out, she didn’t need to. Brodie came around, tied her satchel to Speckles, then lifted her onto his horse. He climbed up behind her and pulled her body against his hard chest, placing Speckles’ reins in her hand to pony the horse behind them. One muscled arm rested protectively over her stomach, and Kirstine could feel the pulse of his neck against the crown of her head as she settled back. With a satisfied sigh, she allowed the exhaustion to take over. Brodie’s strength enveloped her, keeping her safe.
“I’m worried ye might fall off yer spirited beastie. Yer lids look as heavy as stones. So close yer eyes, and I’ll keep ye safe.” He kissed the top of her head and clucked to his gelding, the pony plodding beside them. “I had no idea ye were so knowledgeable in… I’m verra proud of ye, Kirsty.”
She smiled sleepily and snuggled into his warmth. Brodie had waited for her. And recognized her talent as a healer.Merciful heavens, could I love this man any more?She drifted off to the steadyclip clopof the horse’s hooves, sheltered in his embrace.
*
Brodie smiled asher body relaxed against him, her breathing steady. Goosebumps rose on her bare skin from the chilly night air. He pulled his plaid around her and chuckled to the myriad of stars glittering above them. As she fidgeted in her sleep, his hold tightened around her slight form. The curve of her hips fit perfectly between his thighs, her belly soft against his forearm.
He’d never seen her in this capacity. Someone with a skill, with authority. Poor Sean had been beside himself, and Mairi in tears. Kirstine had blanketed the entire cottage with her calm efficiency and straightforward manner. She’d set everyone to work and kept their minds occupied on a task rather than thewhat ifsof the sick room. Her tone had been quiet but determined, infusing hope in those around her. It was a gift, really, that ability not only to tend and comfort the ailing but also soothe a family’s anxiety.
He nuzzled his cold nose in her silky chestnut hair. Citrus and vanilla. Tart yet sweet. That certainly described his Kirsty. It seemed the girl he’d known all his life had grown into a complicated and enticing woman.
When they reached the MacDunn property, he saw the flicker of a lantern in the front window. Charlie trotted ahead, probably nosing around for the supper he’d missed. Her folks would be worried. It had been mid-afternoon when they’d ridden pell-mell from here. It must be close to midnight now.
Brodie brushed the hair back from her face and feathered kisses down her neck. “Wake up, love,” he leaned down and whispered.
His breath must have tickled, for she made a groggy noise and swatted at her ear. Her finger jammed into his eye, pain exploding in the socket.
“Bloody hell,” he yelled as his hand flew to his face.
Kirsty jerked awake. Her head snapped back and connected hard with his chin.
“For the love of saints,” he groaned through clenched teeth.
