A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1)

by Taylor, Brenda B.

  ***

  With emotions astir after washing the chief’s hair, Maidie made her way through the great hall to the kitchen. The thought of running her fingers through his coarse, thick hair, and the feel of his head under her hands gave her pause. How could her thoughts about the man take such a turn in just three days time? He was her patient, naught more. Maidie shook her head, angst rose within her. She must get her wayward thoughts under control.

  Sven should be foremost in her mind, and he needed looking after this morn. She had neglected her small son long enough, hardly seeing him through the day. The two of them would leave Fàrdach Castle and return to their home in the village. But first, she must make her way to the small bedchamber behind the kitchen where Nellie and Alan slept to care for his wounded leg. Maidie had thanked the tanist for sending Alan back to his bed after Angus told the warrior to get up and continue his daily routine. The wound looked angry when she and Nellie changed the bandage last. She would need to make more paste from the kitchen’s molded bread to spread on it.

  The great hall was empty of the wounded. Those who lived in the castle had been taken to their bedchambers, and those who lived in the village to their homes and families. The villagers needed her. She should return to them today. Although empty, and with male servants lining the hard dirt floor with fresh straw mixed with sweet smelling heather, the great hall held a sinister feeling. Mayhap too much bleeding and death had happened within the cold stone walls. She walked faster. A movement at the far side of the hall caught her eye. Angus stood talking with a servant. Maidie felt the physician’s eyes follow her across the room. Prickly bumps rose on her arms and legs. A spirit of darkness invaded her mind. She shook her head to be rid of the evil and vile thing.

  Maidie smiled when small voices in laughter reached her ears. She relished in the sound. Sven and his two friends, Effie and Dan, played with a small puppy. The mother dog, a large deerhound, lay in a corner nursing three pups.

  Her son looked up from his play when she entered. “Mam, Dan said I could take this small pup home with me.” Sven had a happy look on his face, but she couldn’t feed a large dog, and surely the pup would grow as large as his mother.

  “I dinna think we can feed a large dog, Sven.” She stood over the group and looked down at the wee hound that sported a coat of reddish brown fur. Her heart melted when Sven looked at her with large, sad eyes.

  “But Mam, he can have some of my food,” the trembling voice pleaded.

  “I dinna think so. You must get ready to leave. ‘Tis time for the two of us to go home.” Maidie could not think about Sven’s request.

  The lad stood and reached for her skirt. “I dinna wish to go. I must stay and care for this pup that Dan gave me.”

  “Sven, you can come play with the pup most ever day. We will be retuning to Fàrdach Castle to care for the chief and Alan.”

  Tears welled in the green eyes of her son and the freckles across his nose stood out in protest. Her heart broke when he cried into her skirt over leaving his friends.

  “Sven, you can play while I care for Alan’s wound, then we’ll be leaving.” She must be firm in this decision. Neither of them would do without food for the sake of a hound. Sven wiped his eyes with her skirt, then with stooped shoulders returned to playing with the pup. Maidie’s heart broke as she made her way to Alan’s bedchamber. Hopefully, Nellie would be there also. She didn’t like tending Alan alone. The gossips were fierce around Fàrdach Castle.

  Maidie turned back to ask Cook to accompany her in case Nellie was busy elsewhere. “Cook, will you go with me to care for Alan?”

  “Certainly, Madam.” The woman put the heavy wooden spoon she used for stirring food in the large iron kettle over the fire on an oak cutting block. She wiped her hands on her apron.

  Gavin entered the kitchen. “Ah, Madam Munro, glad I found you here. My brother wishes your presence in his chamber.” He smiled and made a slight bow with his head. Maidie noticed the tanist’s hair had been recently washed and combed. Strands of dark red and amber shone in the sunlight washing across the room.

  “I’m on my way to care for Alan. I’ll come when I’m finished.” She would not put Alan off to run back to the chief.

  “Please make haste, Madam. The chief wishes your presence immediately. I’ll wait here to accompany you.”

  “No need to wait. I’ll be along soon.” She didn’t want to encourage the attentions of the man.

  “All the same, I’ll wait for you.” Gavin smiled. “I take pleasure in Madam’s company.”

  Cook looked from Maidie to Gavin and then shook her head.

  “Come, Cook.” Maidie removed the hot kettle from a rack over the fire using a quilted pad and turned to leave. Cook took the hot kettle from Maidie, following her down the narrow, dark passage.

  “A mighty fine hunting dog you have here.” Gavin’s voice sounded behind her.

  Maidie heard Sven’s sad voice, “I want to keep him, but my mither wanna hear of it.”

  She didn’t hear Gavin’s answer, but felt certain she would not agree with him, and he would make matters worse with her son. Angst rose in her throat. She became more determined to leave Fàrdach Castle and return home. Upon entering Alan’s bedchamber, Maidie and Cook found a young warrior named Seumas sitting in a chair beside the bed where the injured man sat propped up on pillows. The two were conversing and immediately stopped their conversation upon seeing the ladies. Maidie looked from one to the other.

  Finally Alan smiled. “So my physician returns to tell me I can leave this bed and return to duty.”

  “First, I must examine your leg to be certain ‘tis healing properly,” Maidie said, moving to the side of the bed. Seumas rose from the chair and stood across the room.

  Cook poured hot water into a bowl on the table beside the bed and stood beside him. “What are you doing in here, Seumas? Dinna you have better to do than sit around a sick room?” she asked.

  “Master Gavin gave me charge to stay with Alan ‘til Nellie returns from her duties. He said none but the healer should touch his leg.”

  Maidie made quick work of removing the old bandage from Alan’s wound. The angry red color surrounding the stitching seemed fainter. She took up the soap and a rag lying beside the bowl of hot water, wet the rag, and lathered the soap into it. Alan winced when she touched the area around the injury.

  Continuing the washing she said, “You should’ve stayed off this leg. I’ll have Angus’ head if the wound festers.”

  “My, you talk big for such a small lass.” The deep voice came from the doorway.

  Maidie looked up to find Gavin watching her. Must he follow her everywhere? She didn’t answer, but reached into her skirt pocket and drew out a roll of fresh bandage and a jar of salve. She made haste in completing the dressing, feeling very uncomfortable under Gavin’s piercing gaze.

  Alan’s forehead felt warm to her touch, but not hot with high fever. She smiled at the injured man who watched her every move intently. The loss of a leg to a fine warrior such as Alan would be the loss of his reason to live. She knew his mind. Alan’s purpose was the same as her husband’s. If he couldn’t fight for the protection of his family and clan, the very thing he had been taught from a small boy, he would rather die. Fighting was his life.

  “Your leg looks better this day.” Her words brought a smile to Alan’s handsome face. Nellie and he made a fine, loving pair—her with deep dimples in bright, rosy cheeks and him with dancing, cerulean eyes and the stubble of his beard matching the light color of his hair. They would have healthy bairns that Maidie would be happy to bring into the world.

  “I’ll be back in the morn, unless you need me before. Send Seumas or Nellie at any time. I may be in the village, but I’ll come.” Maidie patted the warrior’s strong hand.

  He grabbed her hand before she could pull away. “I have no words to thank you for saving my leg.” His eyes glowed with the warmth of sincere gratitude.

  “You’re w
elcome. ‘Tis my honor to treat such a fine warrior.” So you can fight again, and mayhap lose your life the next time.

  Maidie removed her hand from Alan’s, rose and made her way to the doorway, where Gavin stood. Cook followed her, kettle in hand. Seumas took his seat beside Alan. The two men resumed their conversation. Gavin moved out of the way for Cook and her to pass, then followed them down the dark passage.

  When they reached the kitchen, several scullions busied themselves preparing the noon meal. The three children played with the puppies. Each child carried one.

  Sven ran to her. “Would you like to pet the puppy, Mam?”

  Maidie reached out her hand to stroke the soft coat of the small dog. The wee animal whimpered. “He’s needing his mither, I think.”

  Sven smiled up at her and then put the puppy next to the mother dog. The pup began nursing fast and furiously. “He sure is hungry.”

  “Most men have hearty appetites,” Gavin spoke from behind her. She turned to face him. “May I walk with you to the laird’s chamber? He did ask to see you.”

  Maidie patted her son’s head. Her heart went out to him because of his love for the wee dog, but she could not give her consent to feed another mouth. She left with Gavin, and Sven turned back to his friends.

  “You seem to be following me, Sir.” Maidie finally had the courage to speak while crossing the great hall.

  “Nae, Madam. The chief requested your presence.” He walked close behind her as they ascended the stone steps.

  Gavin hurried to open the door of Andrew’s bedchamber for Maidie to enter. She went immediately to the bedside and placed her hand on the sleeping chief’s forehead. His skin felt cooler to her touch. She smiled.

  “How does my brother fair?” Gavin asked at her elbow.

  “Better, but you must help me change the dressing on his wound.”

  “He can most likely sit for this changing, I’m thinking,” Gavin said. “I’ll help him sit up.”

  “If you wish, but he’ll be in great pain.”

  “He’s been in great pain before and handles it well. I’ll rouse him now.” Gavin shook his brother’s shoulder. Chief Andrew opened his eyes to stare at him. “Andrew, Madam Munro wishes to change the dressing on your wound. Can you sit up? I’ll help.”

  Andrew nodded. Gavin moved Maidie out of the way, reached under his brother’s arms and pulled him to a sitting position. Andrew winced. His face darkened and deep lines furrowed his brow, but not a sound came from his pursed lips. Maidie hurriedly pushed pillows behind the broad back.

  “I dinna see the poppy tea I left here last eve,” she said while searching the bedside table.

  The gille stepped up, “Angus took the tea when he left this morn after bleeding Chief Andrew and left this.” Colin held a small flask of dark brown liquid.

  Maidie took the flask from Colin, opened it, and smelled the contents. Her nose wrinkled. She gave it back to the young man. “Take this and throw it out, then go to my chamber and fetch my leather bag.”

  Colin smiled and turned to leave. Maidie noticed another flask of amber whisky on the same table. She took it up, removed the glass stopper, and turned to Gavin. “Help your brother swallow some whisky. ‘Twill ease his pain.”

  “Certainly. Andrew will enjoy the whisky much more than poppy tea or Angus’s foul potion.” Gavin put one hand behind the chief’s head and the whisky flask to his lips. “Brother, open your mouth and drink this whisky. The lady wishes to change the dressing on your wound.”

  Andrew opened his eyes, looked at Maidie, wrapped both hands around the flask Gavin offered, and pressed the opening to his mouth. After swallowing a large mouthful of the amber libation, he coughed then handed the flask back to Gavin who sat it on the table. Andrew wiped his lips with the back of his hand.

  Colin returned to the chamber with a question on his face. He bowed when Maidie looked in anticipation for her healing bag. “Madam, I could no’ find your leather bag.”

  “What? My bag is no’ in my chamber?” Her voice reached a high pitch when she realized the precious salves and herbs might be missing. “I took bandages and salve from the bag just this morn to use on Alan’s leg. Did you look well, Colin?”

  “Yes, Madam, I searched the chamber.”

  Maidie spoke to Gavin, “I must see for myself. Will you cut the old wrapping from your brother’s wound while I search for the bag?”

  Gavin turned to Andrew who watched the scene. A deep line formed between the chief’s heavy brows. “Gavin will go with you, and dinna be wandering around the castle by yourself.”

  Maidie was taken aback by his command. So the Black Falcon ordered his brother to follow her around, and the scoundrel was more than happy to oblige him. “I can take care of myself, M’Laird. I really dinna need the tanist trailing me everywhere.” She looked at Gavin who stood quietly with his eyes fixed on her.

  “’Tis my pleasure to follow you around, Madam.” A broad smile curled his lips.

  “Do as I say lass, while you’re under my roof.” Andrew winced with the strain of giving orders.

  Maidie swiftly turned and walked to the door. Gavin rushed to open it for her and bowed when she swished through the portal. He walked beside her down the passage. She refused to look in his direction, knowing a smirk covered his face. Gavin moved forward to open the chamber door so she could step inside. She gave him a bow of the head and immediately began searching for her leather bag. He assisted. The bag could not be found in the chamber. Who would take her healer’s bag? Angus. A picture of his dark, sinister face immediately formed in her mind.

  “No question Madam, your bag has been taken. That is if you, yourself, dinna take it off somewhere and forget where you put it.” Gavin stood with hands on his hips.

  “I would never be so careless with my bag, Sir.” Maidie shook her head at the big oaf. “I left it sitting here beside this chair.” She pointed to the chair beside the fire. “I took salve and bandages out just this morn to use on Alan’s leg.” She thought for a moment. “I can use the same salve on the laird as I used on Alan, but I need more bandages, and I will need to fetch the salve from Alan’s chamber.”

  “I shall fetch the salve after I escort you back to my brother’s side. Nellie and Davina can assist with more bandages. I shall also tell Sister to help you with the chief. Tavish will be your escort around the castle. I have other things to tend before noon.”

  Gavin’s orders sounded as commanding as his brother’s. Maidie knew better than to question. Mayhap, she would be allowed to return home this day and have little else to do with the Munro brothers. She had promised Davina to visit Andrew daily, but others in the village needed her assistance. She could not stay at Fàrdach Castle.

  “After I change the dressing on the laird’s wound, I shall gather my things and return to my home in the village.” She wanted Gavin to understand her stay at the castle had ended. “The villagers need my help also, and I must gather supplies for another bag.”

  Gavin held the door open for her to exit the chamber. “We’ll see what the chief has to say about you returning to the village. Maighstir Tam can take care of the villagers. He kens a lot about healing.”

  Maidie sighed. Does the chief control my entire life now? Must I be at his beck and call and not allowed to tend to the others who so desperately need my help? “I am the midwife for the ladies of the village and those of Fàrdach Castle. Maighstir Tam, as good as he is, dinna deliver their babies nor tend to their female conditions.”

  The lout. He and his brother think they are the only ones who deserve care and kind treatment. Maidie felt shame for calling the tanist a name for the second time, even in her thoughts. She hated name-calling and tried to teach Sven the same. Maidie’s father and her uncles were notorious for belittling with derogatory names anyone who crossed them, including her mother and herself.

  Chapter Six

  Andrew sat up in the bed waiting for his brother to return with the healer. Women could be
so exasperating. He hated to order the lass around like a servant, but he didn’t feel like explaining his reasons and it was for her own safety. She must obey him. He would have naught happening to the woman under his roof. Someone in the castle wanted to be rid of her. After all, she is a Cameron and many of his people hate the Camerons now. He could take no chances.

  The door opened and Maidie entered, followed by Gavin who grinned from ear to ear. His brother had an eye for attractive women, and the lass was one of the prettiest Andrew had seen in awhile. Even through the pain of his wound, he recognized her womanly qualities. Having someone kind and gentle to care for him was a treat after Angus’ brutal treatments.

  Maidie walked to the bed and curtsied with her face rosy from vexation. “M’Laird, I will change your bandage when I acquire more. Sir Gavin is going now to retrieve the salve from Alan’s chamber and have Nellie make more bandages. My healer’s bag is truly missing.”

  Gavin stood in the doorway. “I’ll have Tavish bring the things she needs and stay with her while I attend other duties.”

  Andrew nodded. Tavish, a worthy and loyal warrior, would be a good bodyguard for the healer and her son. “Good choice.”

  Gavin left, closing the door behind him. Maidie looked around the room and smiled when she saw Colin standing before the fire.

  “Madam, please sit while you wait.” As Maidie turned toward the chair, Andrew had a thought. The stubble of his beard itched on his face. He reached a hand up to scratch it. “Do you shave a mon’s beard as well as you wash hair?” He could not help but smile at the angst on the lass’ face. “Dinna fash yourself, Madam. I wanna rob Colin of his job.”

  He watched the look of relief wash over the pretty cheeks. The freckles across her nose seemed brighter. She took the chair and folded her delicate hands in her lap. The power to heal resided in those slender fingers. She must be protected from those in the castle who craved her life because of her Cameron blood, and from Camerons who would steel her away because of her inheritance in their clan. He must relent and let Angus have charge of his care.