Page 50 of Never Marry a Highlander

Craig released a sigh of relief when his brothers deposited him on his bed.‘Twas embarrassing that he’d only taken a few steps when they both had to grab his arms to keep him from falling on his face.

“Before yer wife returns with the potion to put ye to sleep, I want to talk a bit about some problems we’re hearing about which is why I believe our laird wants us to gather at Varrich.”

“What are ye hearing?”Craig asked.

“Noise from the Ross Clan.They have a new laird, and he is rattling his sword, speaking of wrongs that the MacKays have done against his da when he was laird.”

“Aye.Being up north, I dinna hear any of this.”

Robin placed his hand on Craig’s shoulder “I want ye to rest now, but once ye are feeing up to it, we shall meet, along with the council members to discuss the situation and the upcoming meeting at Varrich.”

“Aye, I shall be ready to travel in a day or two.Did the Laird say when he wanted the meeting to take place?”

A soft cough had the three men looking toward the door where Lorena stood, her eyes narrowed.“Are ye leaving then, again?”His wife walked up to him.“I’m no’ sure if I should hand this to ye or pour it o’er yer thick arrogant head.”

“Ach, nowmo chridhe, ye wouldn’t do that to an injured mon, would ye?”

His brothers were trying their best to keep from laughing.

As a good healer, she placed the potion on the table next to the bed.“I will bring some food for ye, things that are easy on the stomach.‘Twould be best if ye wait until ye eat before drinking this.”She left them, most likely going to the great hall since supper time was growing close.

Robin rose and Finn followed.“I hope ye are up to a meeting in the morn.”

Once his brothers left, he closed his eyes, but knew he would probably not sleep until he had some food in his stomach.

Sometime later he opened his eyes, realizing he had indeed fallen asleep.Lorena walked into the room.The shadows from the window told him ‘twas the gloaming.

She reached the bed and placed a platter on the table next to him.His stomach growled as he studied the contents.She’d brought him bread, butter, broth, and tea.

“What the devil is this?”

Lorena sighed.“What is the problem?”

“The problem?Ye expect me to get better with this fare?‘Tis what ye would serve a bairn.”He waved at the food.

She drew herself up and gave him the ‘healer look’ that she’d learned from Helena.“’Tis best no’ to strain yer stomach after an injury like that.”She pointed at his bandage.

“I need real food, woman.”He glared at her as there was a knock at the door.

“Aye, ye can enter.”Craig pulled the bedcovers over his naked body.

Helena walked into the room, her usual bright smile.“Here now, what is going on?I can hear yer raised voices from the other side of the door.”She approached Craig and winked at Lorena.

“Look at what she is trying to pass off as food.If I’m to heal, I need meat and vegetables.More than broth and bread.”

Helena shook her head.“Nay, Craig.‘Tis no’ good to strain yer stomach after an injury like ye have.”Her arms were crossed and she tapped her foot.

He took in a deep breath.“Aye, Helena if ye think so.Ye ken best.”

Lorena gasped and stomped from the room, closing the door with a tad more enthusiasm than necessary.

“Did I do something wrong?”

“Nay.The lass is concerned about my injury, that’s all.”

After checking the bandages that Lorena did and approving of the job, Helena patted him on the shoulder.“Now be sure to eat the food that is here and take yer pain potion that I see Lorena fixed for ye.After a good night’s sleep ye will feel better in the morn, and we pray ye do no’ start a fever.”

“Lorena cleaned the wound quite well.Almost brought me off the bed when she poured whisky on it.”He grinned remembering how he was ready to punch someone, even though it would never be his wife.