Page 17 of The Plight of a Scottish Lass
If she had the chance, she’d ask the chieftain why he was in such a hurry, and why he looked as if he wished to kill someone. She let him go for now, but she would learn all she could about this woman and the two men before they returned.
Something odd was going on. They had much to learn abouttheir new clan and the Isle of Mull.
Chapter Eleven
Tamsin
Tamsin awakened the next day, surprised to see that the sun was coming up and she was not in her own bed, but one she didn’t recognize. Forcing herself to a sitting position, she rubbed her forehead, trying to recall the memory of last eve.
It finally came to her, the aches from various spots on her body reminding her of what had happened.
Raghnall had left her on a boulder to die, and a kind man had rescued her. He’d brought her here and then apparently left. She had memories of a young lass tending her, unlike the ancient healer they had on the Isle of Ulva. The woman was so old no one knew her true age.
The door opened and the lass she had met yesterday peeked her head inside, so Tamsin did her best to make herself presentable. She had to find out where she was and make her way back to her daughter.
“You are awake?” the healer asked.
Tamsin replied by nodding, waiting for her to enter. “Who are you?”
“My name is Elisant Ramsay. I am newly married to my husband, Alaric Grant. My clan was gifted this castle by King Robert, since it was unoccupied. We’re going to establish a new clan here, Clan Grantham.”
Tamsin shrugged because she was uncertain how to reply. She was clueless about King Robert, besides his name, and was oblivious to the Grants and Ramsays. It wasn’t pertinent, so she didn’t think on it much. “Where am I exactly? I must admit I’m confused.”
“This is the Isle of Mull. You said your husband is on Ulva. True?”
“Aye. I’ve lived on Ulva ever since I married. I’ve never been on Mull before. How far away is Ulva?”
Eli came over and sat on a stool across from Tamsin. “I am new to the isles, so I’m not sure. But we’ll help you in any way you wish. If you would prefer to stay here, you may do that too. But first you must heal. Since I removed your gown and put on the night rail, I saw all the bruises on your body, lass.”
Tamsin pulled the neckline out so she could peek down at her chest and her belly. Eli was right. Even her legs were bruised. No wonder she was sore. She lifted her head and said, “Many thanks to you.”
“How do you feel this morn, Tamsin?”
“I’m still sore. Hungry at the moment. May I eat something?”
“We have porridge. No honey yet. I’ll get you some, along with goat’s milk. In order to heal, you need to eat to get your strength back.”
“I would like the porridge, if it is not too much trouble, please. And I will stay for a day or two, if that suits you. Then I must go home.” Tamsin had to return to her dear daughter. First, she had to determine exactly where Alana was. She could be with Raghnall’s mother, but that woman had little patience for a toddler. Where else would Raghnall send her? That was what she needed to uncover.
Eli got up from the stool and said, “We have the hearth going. Would you prefer to eat in our great hall where it is warm? We do have warm furs for your lap. I am the only one in the hall at present. I can assist you into the larger chair. There are small tables to set next to you.”
“That sounds nice.” Tamsin stood, pausing to gather her strength when she had to. The reality of what had happened hadn’t really sunk in yet. The most important question sheneeded answered was about her husband’s intentions. Why had Raghnall left her on that rock, knowing she couldn’t swim?
She forced her mind to other thoughts, afraid to accept what was likely the truth of her situation. Her husband had wanted her dead and attempted to kill her.
Eli helped her out to the hall, and they made their way slowly to the chair near the hearth. The porridge smelled lovely, and Tamsin’s belly reacted with a loud growl. “I am hungry. Forgive me.”
“Naught to forgive. You needed your rest. Sit and eat. I’ll keep you company for a wee bit.”
The heat from the fireplace warmed her from head to toe and made her smile. “This is such a nice hall.” Much nicer than any chamber in Raghnall’s home. Much larger, much cleaner, much warmer.
“It is,” Eli replied, assisting her to the chair and handing her a fur for her lap. “Once we receive all our supplies, I hope to have a nice rug for this area and some new tapestries for the walls. We’ve sent for cushions for the chairs. Once we dry some lavender, I hope the aroma will be pleasing too.”
Eli settled Tamsin’s food on the side table and then retrieved the goat’s milk. Once Tamsin had taken a few bites of the porridge, Eli’s questions began. Tamsin would answer what she could, but she needed to know who the man was who brought her here. She at least owed him her gratitude for swimming to her aid.
Eli said, “The man who brought you here said your husband left you on the boulder to die. Do you believe that to be true?”
Tamsin wasn’t quite ready to answer that question, so she avoided it. “Who was that man? I must offer him my thanks. Is he outside?” Surprised to see how her hands shook, she continued to eat because she had one goal in mind: finding Alana.
