Page 10 of Bride of the Wicked Laird
Grinning, Hugo leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms. “I’ll be interested tae hear yer opinion, War Chief.”
With that, Everard launched himself into the details of his first encounter with Davina, and how he’d saved her from the sea. Both Maxwell and Aileen listened without comment. Everard poured them another cup of mead and continued his tale.
“And ye brought this wee lass back tae Kiessimul wi’ ye?” Aileen asked.
“Aye. Mildred has made her comfortable in one of the cottages. Mayhap, while she is wi’ us, she may assist Healer Broderick. It seems she’s been tutored in the healing arts while present in the convent.”
Aileen leapt to her feet. “That poor lass. I must seek out Mildred and have her take me tae her.”
Everard nodded. “That is kind, Aileen. I believe she is in great need of a friend.”
After Aileen had hurried away, Maxwell raised the questions Everard had not been looking forward to.”
“So ye dinnae ken this lass’s name or clan?”
Hugo pulled himself upright in his chair. “And that means, we dinnae ken if her family is friend or foe.”
“Can we nae ask at Iona fer her name? Surely the nuns would nay have taken her in without knowledge of her kin.”
“I agree.” Everard was forced to agree. “Yet, at this stage, I am reluctant tae approach the convent as this would alert them tae her presence on Barra. If she is, indeed, in grave danger, they we may be putting her at risk.”
Maxwell nodded. “Mayhap we should use patience. With time the lass may recall more of her own history.”
“That is me position,” Everard said with a glance at Hugo. “But we should keep watch over her at all times tae ensure her safety.”
“And we must alert our men tae be aware of strangers in the village, or in the Bagh. Have ye spoken yet tae Ranald Dunbar?”
“Nay. I wished tae speak wi’ the Clan War Chief before taking any new action. Part of the duties of Dunbar and the guards is tae keep an eye on all the comings and goings around the bay and the village. Naught has been brought tae me attention.”
“And I’ve heard naught of any newcomers or strangers.”
“Mayhap ye can meet with them. We must ensure nae only the lass’s safety, but the safety of all who reside on the Isle of Barra.”
Frowning, Hugo scoffed. “It would help if we kent what the men were tae look out fer. As we have nae idea of who her family is or what Clan she belongs tae, how can we tell what plaid might signal an enemy?”
“The men who questioned me about the whereabouts of the lass didnae wear a plaid, so I cannae say who they might be. All we can dae is be wary of strangers or anyone asking too many questions about our guest, Mistress Davina.”
“Is it possible they could have followed ye here?” Maxwell asked. “Are ye certain these men were convinced she wasnae on board yer birlinn?
Everard sighed and took a long draught of the mead. “I dinnae believe we were followed. Yet ours was the only birlinn sailing at that time, so suspicion may yet fall on us. We must be vigilant?
“Until we learn more of the lass.” Maxwell raised his cup and Hugo poured them another round of mead.
CHAPTER FIVE
After breaking her fast with porridge, honey and cream, Davina had collected a posy of wildflowers she’d discovered growing around the cottage. She had just finished arranging them in an empty jar she’d found in the grass, when there was a sudden tapping on the door.
To her relief, when she opened the door a crack, she saw Mildred standing there, with a tall lass with flaming red hair. Both of them smiled at her reassuringly.
“May we come in, Mistress Davina?”
“Of course, of course,” Davina flung the door wide. “I am sorry, but I am still a wee bit afeared.”
Mildred stepped into the cottage. “I want ye tae meet the laird’s sister-in-law, Lady Aileen.”
Davina curtsied as Aileen entered.
“I’ll be off tae the kitchen tae ask them tae prepare some sweetmeats and a rosewater drink fer ye both.” With that Mildred departed leaving Aileen and Davina to chat together.
