Page 37 of At the Highlander's Mercy
‘Am I to work here again?’ she asked, uncertain about what was his plan in this.
‘No,’ he answered as they followed Siusan down a smaller corridor to the chamber at the end.
Siusan opened the door and allowed them to enter. Although neither had said anything alarming, Lilidh held her breath as she walked into the chamber. There, on a small pallet, rested an older woman. Isla?
It could not be!
But it was her and she lay with her eyes closed. Lilidh stumbled over to her side, taking her hand and whispering her name over and over until her maid opened her eyes and met her gaze.
‘Isla. I am gladdened to see you alive,’ she said. ‘How do you feel?’
‘A bit weak, my lady,’ she whispered. ‘But I wi’ be on my feet and takin’ care of you soon, I promise.’
‘Hush now, you rest and recover, Isla. I am fine.’
She closed her eyes once more and seemed to fall into a deep sleep then, but Lilidh could not let go of her hand. Glancing around through the tears that now filled her own eyes, she found Rob watching her from the doorway. ‘I thought her dead.’
‘I know. And until just this morn when Beathas declared her strong enough to live, we thought she would not survive.’ Rob walked to her side. ‘I did not want you to mourn twice if you did not need to,’ he said softly against her ear.
She nodded her head because words were not possible at that moment.
‘You may remain with her until nightfall. Call a guard if you need to return to my chambers before that,’ he instructed.
Lilidh turned to thank him, but he’d gone and only Siusan remained. ‘How long has she been here?’
‘They found her the day after you were brought here. A wound to her head, much like yours.’
‘And you have been caring for her?’ Lilidh asked.
‘Some of the women, too,’ Siusan replied.
‘I will sit with her now,’ she offered. ‘Is there anything I should know about her care?’
Siusan pointed out several items, a concoction left by Beathas as well as fresh bandages if she had need of them, and then left her with instructions to keep the door closed at all times. Something she’d not noticed before—a tray of food along with broth for Isla—also waited for her to break her fast. Nodding her understanding, Lilidh watched as Siusan left.
She pulled a stool over and rearranged the table that held the food and supplies so she could reach everything and still touch Isla’s hand. She ate and watched the rise and fall of her maid’s chest. At least she lived. When her father arrived, she would try to convince Rob to let the woman go home to Lairig Dubh.
* **
The day was moving slowly, all the while memories of the night before kept seeping into her thoughts. She relived it all in her mind, every touch, every kiss, everything. A good thing no one else was there and watching or they would wonder at the constant blush on her face. The wanton had had her way and was satisfied by what had happened between her and Rob. But what now? What came next?
Siusan returned from time to time with clothing to mend and small tasks she could do while at Isla’s side. She spoke to her maid, though she was unsure if she heard anything throughout the day. Isla roused several times, mumbled a few words and then slept again. When the noises from the kitchens grew louder, she knew it was nearing nightfall as they finished the work on the evening meal.
And time to return to Rob’s chambers.
How would it be between them now? Would he demand the truth from her? She guessed that a man liked to know if he was or was not a woman’s first, but did it matter now?
As she waited for the guard, she thought on her own feelings about this. It had been thrilling. More pleasure than she could have guessed could happen. She knew how a man and woman joined, but the way he used his mouth on her was a shock to her. Who could have thought something like that possible? Her body shivered then, reminding her of just how wonderful it had been between them.
Was that to be the end of it, then?
She’d convinced herself to take advantage of the chance to be with him before this was over, but what now? Should she seek out the small lonely bed in the laird’s chamber and retain what little of her honour she could? Or should she live as she wished to as long as this fantasy existed and go back to her real life with enough memories to last for her whole life long?
First she must speak to Rob, but how could she admit to him that her husband found her so displeasing he could not consummate their vows? Though men would ignore much for a bit of bedplay, apparently as her father had warned her, Iain MacGregor could not. So, she had borne the shame alone until now. How could she even admit such a thing aloud to him? Would he ask?
She bade Isla farewell and left her in the care of a young servant girl for the night. Lilidh hoped Rob would permit her to return on the morrow. The guard must have be given orders, for his pace was slow as they made their way down the corridor, through the kitchens and out a different door that would have them go around the hall. Since she wanted no more interactions with Tyra, she was glad of it.
But, just before they turned to go up the stairs, she peered into the entry of the hall and saw Rob sitting at the high table with only Tyra. Symon was not to be seen. The hall was filled so there was no way he could hear her. He turned his head at just that moment and their gazes met. Even from this distance she could feel or read the desire in his for her. She shivered so much, in anticipation, in remembering, that the guard reached out to steady her.
