Page 36 of The Burden of a Scottish Chieftain
Lennox rubbed his thumb on the back of her hand. “Listen, mayhap if we talk about it, you may recall more than you think. It was also suggested that it might be better to speak with you when the bairns aren’t around to hear your comments.”
“But they could add some important parts that I don’t know. I wasn’t with them from the beginning.”
“They have, but they’re in bed now. It’s late. Tora’s parents and grandparents are here and would like to ask you questions, and Rowan’s uncle is also here. I’ll go with you when you are ready. I’ll sit by the hearth next to you to keep you warm and promise to help where I can, but we can’t have those men returning for the bairns. We think that is a possibility, don’t you?”
She had worried of that happening, which was why she’d made them wait in the cave when Lennox had arrived. Of course, they’d all been frightened of exactly that situation. “Aye, it is surely possible.” She gave his comments some thought and replied, “I will answer questions, if I can. Anything to help us find wee Lia. Mayhap they could help me determine where my sister is.”
“I think they might be able to help with that too.”
“But we must help the bairns first.”
“Aye,” he said with a smile, something that made him even more appealing. He stood and reached for her. “I’ll help you stand, see how you feel. I can send Eli in, if you need her.”
“All right. I’ll try.” Meg moved her legs to the side of the bed. “I’d like to wash my face, rinse my mouth. Is there water here?”
“I’ll get a basin for you.”
She stood, pleased that her strength was indeed returning. “I’ll follow. See how well I do.”
Lennox found a pitcher of water and filled a basin, setting it on a table in the middle of the chamber, then located two linen squares and a sliver of soap. “I wouldn’t get that bandage wet, lass, until Eli takes it off. I’m sure she’ll check it in the morn.”
“Many thanks to you.” Meg didn’t know exactly how to speak to a man like Lennox. She’d never met a chieftain before, much less one who sent her heart racing and warmed her all the way to her toes with just one touch. Tall and broad-shouldered, his physique spoke of many hours working with his sword, if she were to guess. The man was made of sheer muscle, no chubby belly like she’d seen on the baron.
“I’ll find Eli for you.”
“Lennox, wait, please,” she stuttered, flustered once he moved closer.Sixteen, seventeen, eighteen…
“Aye?”
“I just wish to thank you for your assistance. We were losing hope when you found us and… I’m sorry I nearly threw my axe at you. I was a bit muddled then, but without your help…and I don’t recall much after that. I’m not sure how I even got here, but… Many thanks to you.”
“It surely was my pleasure to find you and help you all return to the isle. Think naught of it. We all owe you for helping the bairns when you did. If not for your help, we may never have located them. We must move forward from here.”
Then he smiled, his teeth so white that they lit up the dark chamber. And all she could do was stare. But then he surprised her more with what he did next.
He leaned over, kissed her cheek, and said, “I thank you for more than you know. You’re forgiven about the axe. Someday, I’d be pleased if you would show me how you use it.” He grinnedand opened the door. “I’ll return after Eli visits with you. We’ll gather by the hearth so you can stay warm.”
He left, and Eli entered a few moments later carrying a night rail for her. “Lennox said he asked you if you would speak with us. Do you feel up to it? We’d all appreciate it if you could do so now. We don’t want to lose the ability to track the evil beasts who stole the bairns.” Her words came out in such a rush that it gave Meg an inkling of how upset the parents of the bairns were.
“If you could help me with my ablutions and then find me another goblet of broth, I’d be in your debt, Eli. Many thanks for helping me with my wound. Then I’d be glad to answer all your questions.”
Eli aided her in washing and then helped her don the robe. They were nearly finished when a knock on the door sounded.
“We’ll be right there, Lennox.”
Eli fussed with Meg’s hair, trying to push the strays away from her face, but Meg said, “I don’t mind. They don’t bother me.”
“And you’re oddly as beautiful with or without the wild curls about your face.”
Meg blushed, unused to hearing a compliment. “I’m ready.” Never in her life had she considered herself beautiful.
Eli opened the door and Lennox stood outside, holding out his arm to assist her. “We’re ready for you, Meg. I’ll make introductions once I get you settled. We’ll sit in the large chair in front of the fire. I’ll make sure to keep you warm.”
Meg had no idea what she was about to step into. Having never been around many adults other than in a kirk, this would be an unusual experience for her.Eleven, twelve, thirteen…
Lennox led her to a small grouping near the hearth, where several men and women were seated while one gray-haired man paced. She nodded to the group and the men bolted to their feetwhile Lennox settled her in a chair wide enough for two and gave her a fur for her lap.
“Allow me to make introductions, then we’ll ask Meg to give us the story as she remembers it. After she finishes, then you may ask your questions. Meg, if you tire at any time, say so, and I’ll escort you back to the healing chamber and the questions will end.”
