Page 143 of My Brave Highlander

She shook her head, looking forlorn. "Nay, lad. We've done all we can."

He glanced at Isobel sitting on the chair, leaning on Jessie. She appeared near unconscious. Aching dread clutched at his stomach.

If Maighread had done this, he'd kill her.

"I'll take Isobel to her room," Dirk said. "Will you come up in a few moments and examine her again?"

"Aye," the healer said.

"Come, Isobel." Leaning down, he lifted her into his arms, wishing they were already married so he could take her to his room.

Her fingers clutched weakly at his collar and she pressed her face to his shoulder. Tears streamed from her closed eyes.

"Och. Don't cry, lass," he murmured.

Maneuvering up the narrow turnpike staircase with her wasn't easy. Once in her chamber, he laid her on the bed and covered her.

Beitris rushed forward. "What happened to her?"

Dirk explained the situation.

"Oh, heavens." Beitris burst into tears and touched Isobel's face. "She's burning up."

"Aye."

"I'll bathe her face." She rushed away to pour water from a pitcher into a bowl.

Dirk leaned forward and kissed Isobel's forehead.

"I thank you," she whispered, her voice raspy.

"You will be well, my sweet. Aye? Promise me."

"I promise," she whispered softly.

He wanted to lie beside her and hold her all night, whispering reassurances in her ear. Convincing her every moment that she had to recover, but Jessie entered the room along with Nannag and a female servant.

"We'll help Beitris get her undressed and bathed," Jessie said. "So she can rest comfortably. 'Haps you could come back in a quarter hour."

Dirk wanted to make them promise to take good care of her and notify him immediately if anything changed, but he had to remain calm. He nodded, forcing himself to leave the room to check on Aiden.

The lad was sleeping in his room while several clansmen and servants looked on. Dirk sat on a chair by the bed and touched his brother's forehead. 'Twas feverish hot, but his breathing was strong.

"Bathe his face in cold water," he told one of the maids.

"Aye, m'laird."

"We think we found who put the deadly nightshade in the tart that Isobel and Aiden shared," Cyrus said from the doorway.

Tart? Dirk rose. "Notify me immediately if anything changes with Aiden."

Several of those in attendance nodded.

Dirk joined Cyrus in the corridor. "Who?" he spoke quietly.

"A young maid named Deidre Murtagh. She won't confess."

"Where is she? I want to question her."