Page 51 of A Flawed Scotsman

Although they were still horribly swollen, Catriona was able to open both eyes. “I feel much better at the moment. Ye do not have to remain here all day.”

“Yer mother had to go rest. She and I will take turns to ensure ye are not left alone for an instant. I cannot have ye needing anything.”

A tear spilled down Catriona’s cheek. “I do not know why I am here. Death would be preferable to living with what happened to me.”

Her imagination had already filled Esme’s mind with all sorts of horrible images. She did not dare ask Catriona to speak what happened out loud. Surely her friend was already silently constantly reliving it.

“Ye will not only live, but ye will be happy once again. I swear it.”

Catriona’s eyes closed and she let out a long breath. “It does not feel possible.”

“Of course, it does not. Not now. I will be strong for ye, remain with ye always.”

At this, Catriona opened her eyes and met Esme’s gaze. What should have been white was blood red from being beaten. The sight made Esme want to look away in horror, to cry out in fury. Instead, she smiled at her friend. “What is it?”

“Shouldn’t ye be gone by now? I thought ye said goodbye. Or did I imagine it?”

Esme shrugged. “Ruari saw reason. We are to remain here.” She left off the part that they were not sure for how long. It was possible her father would change his mind and ask them to leave. “I am happy because I cannot fathom being away from ye.”

At her friend’s shaky breath, Esme’s heart broke. If only there was some way to ensure those that hurt Catriona would pay.

“Perhaps I shall go to the village today. I can bring ye back something.”

She continued when Catriona listened. “Tis important for me to be among the people right now. Let them know I remain here.”

Thankfully, during the last attack, the Mackenzie had spared the village, which was rare. More than anything, it made her more nervous. What if next time he wasn’t as kind?

When Catriona’s mother entered a bit later, Esme hurried out. Each day, she spent the morning with Catriona and the afternoon with her mother. As she neared the end of the corridor, Esme heard men speaking in low voices.

“Ye must find a way. I do not care how,” a man said.

Although it felt wrong to eavesdrop, she stopped walking to listen.

“There are too many eyes. Someone will see me,” another man replied.

Goosebumps formed on her arms. Were the men planning something horrible?

“Lady Esme, is there something I can get for ye?” A maid walked up to her and Esme shook her head. She hurried forward in an effort to get a glimpse of who had been talking. But upon reaching where the voices had come from, the corner behind the stairs was empty.

What had the men been referring to? Because of the hushed tones, she’d not been able to decipher who it was. She went to a guard who stood by the doorway. “Did ye see who was there a moment ago?”

The guard looked past her to the corner she pointed at. “No, Lady Esme. I only just walked up.”

“Did ye replace someone? See two men walking out?” Esme was becoming frustrated.

The guard nodded. “A group of men walked out just now.” He moved to look out and she did the same. “Them.” The guard pointed out the men to her.

Esme studied the group. All were elderly. The group usually came to the keep for first meal. Then they’d meander about and return to the village. She was quite familiar with the men and was sure they were not the ones who she heard speaking. Knowing they’d remain for a bit longer, she hurried back inside to see who remained in the great room.

There were a few people milling about. Only one man stood out and she looked at him for only a moment so as not to rouse suspicion. The man was slender and looked travel-worn. He was speaking to a council member.

She then joined her mother and aunt who sat at a table with several village women.

“Good morning, ladies,” Esme addressed the group. “Thank ye for seeing that Mother remains indoors for now.”

Her mother waved her concerns away, although by the warmth in her eyes, she enjoyed the attention. “I am fine. Tis poor Catriona we should worry about.” She held up her bandaged hand. “My wrist is already feeling healed.”

The man she’d noticed walked to the front door. She followed his movements. “Who is he?” she asked her aunt who looked to see who Esme was watching. “He does not look familiar to me.”