Page 18 of Claimed By a Ruthless Scot
“Circumstance,” Catriona echoed with interest. “That sounds far more exciting than coincidence.”
Elaina laughed softly, relieved by the lack of suspicion in her tone. “Perhaps a little of both.”
“And will ye stay long?” Catriona pressed, clearly hoping for a favorable answer. “Or are ye merely passing through, as most people seem tae dae?”
“I intend tae stay,” Elaina replied truthfully, though the weight of the words surprised her. “If I am useful, of course.”
Catriona’s eyes lit at once. “Useful? Oh, ye already are. If only by being someone new tae talk tae. Fer example, what herbs dae ye favor most? Everyone swears by something different, and I have yet tae decide what I trust.”
“Comfrey, fer wounds,” Elaina replied carefully. “Yarrow fer bleeding. Arnica fer bruising. Simple things, but reliable.”
“And remedies?” Catriona pressed. “Dae ye prefer poultices or tinctures?”
“Whatever the injury calls fer,” Elaina mused. “Healing is as much observation as it is knowledge. One must learn tae listen, tae the body and tae what it needs.”
Catriona nodded thoughtfully. “That sounds like something that takes patience.”
“It daes,” Elaina agreed. “And practice.”
“And what ofye?” Catriona asked with the unrivaled curiosity of a little child. “Are ye a quiet-morning sort, or dae ye come alive late at night?”
Elaina smiled. “I work best when things are calm. Whether that is morning or night, depends on the day.”
Catriona laughed. “A sensible answer. And the castle, daes it intimidate ye? Or dae ye simply find it drafty, like everyone else?”
“A little drafty,” Elaina admitted. “But I’ve kent worse places.”
Seeing how Catriona’s questions came one upon the other, both quick and cheerful, Elaina had to smile.
“Ye ken, ye remind me of yer braither a lot,” Elaina smiled.
Catriona chuckled in a bright and delighted sound. “I suppose ye could say the need fer interrogation runs in the family.”
She tilted her head, watching Elaina with more interest than before, if such a thing were possible.
“Though,” she added pensively, “me braither usually looks far more severe when he daes it, like he’s already preparing tae pass judgment, even before the interrogation.” Her grin turned mischievous. “Truth be told, it is rare enough that me braither takes such an interest in anyone at all. If he questioned ye so thoroughly…” She shrugged lightly. “Ye must have been quite the curiosity tae him.”
Elaina let out a soft laugh. “I suspect he was only making certain I wouldnae prove a nuisance.”
“Well,” Catriona declared, looking pleased, “then ye’ll manage just fine here.”
Elaina returned the smile, grateful that none of the questions had strayed where she could not follow and more grateful still for the warmth with which they had been asked.
“Well, I ought tae let ye rest,” Catriona said at last, though she did not look particularly eager to go. “Ye’ve had a long journey, and I suspect me enthusiasm may already be testing yer patience.”
“Nae at all,” Elaina replied warmly.
“If ye’re hungry, or if ye need anything at all,” Catriona went on, gesturing toward the door, “the servants are entirely at yer disposal. Dinnae hesitate, even if it feels a little improper. I promise, nay one here will mind.”
Elaina inclined her head, genuinely touched. “Thank ye, fer everything, fer being so welcoming.”
Catriona grinned. “Ye’ll likely grow bored of me soon enough, so dinnae thank me in advance.”
“I rather doubt that,” Elaina said, smiling despite herself.
Catriona laughed softly, then stepped toward the door. “Rest well, Elaina. I’ll see ye soon.”
With one last bright glance, she slipped out, leaving Elaina alone once more, this time with the unexpected knowledge that she was no longer entirely on her own.
