Page 47 of A Healer for the Ruthless Highlander
“Wait, I’ll go with ye,” Valerie said, before looking at Hunter. “But daenae worry, I’ll be back soon so we can play.”
With a nod, Leana said goodbye to everyone, followed by words of gratitude from Hunter and Brenda. Kenneth, unable to help himself, kept his eyes on her. But she avoided looking in his direction as best as she could, even though her heart was racing. Even though her lips ached to touch his again.
But still, she held back.
Valerie, who was in very good spirits, walked beside her with a spring in her steps.
“Wait for me a moment. I’ll meet ye in yer room,” she promised, before she hurried away.
Leana was curious to know what the girl was up to, but she didn’t ask. She just marched off to her quarters with a sigh.
She was tired but happy. It had been a satisfying day… in more ways than one.
A short while later, Valerie knocked on her door and entered the room, bearing a small pile of fabrics.
“What’s all this?” Leana asked.
“Dresses,” Valerie replied, laying out the pile on the bed. “I thought ye could change out of yer clothes and into cleaner ones. They’ll be a little short on ye, since I’m shorter than ye, but they will fit ye.”
Leana studied the dresses. It was true that they would be a little short, and that she would have to adjust the corset a little more, as she would not be able to fill the neckline. But they were beautiful, with fine, delicate lace and ornate flowers adorning the sky blue and pastel pink fabrics.
“They are beautiful, Valerie. Thank ye. But I daenae think it’s necessary.”
“Nonsense.” Valerie shook her head. “Ye deserve so much more, but ye took us by surprise. Nay one kenned ye were comin’. Otherwise, we would have had a much better chamber prepared for ye.”
“Aye, it was a surprise to me too,” Leana admitted with a slightly bitter smile as she bent down and fingered the dresses. “Are ye sure ye want to lend them to me?”
“They are a gift,” Valerie assured her. “And aye, I am absolutely sure. It’s me way of sayin’ thank ye for everything ye’ve done for me cousins.”
It didn’t escape Leana’s attention that Valerie saidcousins, notcousin, but she remained silent, not wanting to start another argument about her relationship with Kenneth.
She nodded, feeling a welcome warmth in her chest. “Thank ye. It’s a very nice gesture.”
“Ye’re welcome,” Valerie said, taking her hand. “Oh, and one more thing. Me cousin has asked me to inform ye that the library is at yer disposal. There, ye will find paper and ink to write to yer sisters.”
“Really?” Leana asked, squeezing her hand in relief and excitement.
Valerie nodded exuberantly. “Aye. I told him how much ye were worried about them nae receiving any news of ye, so he agreed to prepare everythin’ so that ye can send the letters as soon as possible. A messenger will send the letter as soon as ye finish it, so that yer family will hear from ye promptly.”
“Thank ye!” Leana exclaimed, hugging her fiercely, unable to stop smiling.
For the first time, she wanted to kiss Kenneth not out of desire, but gratitude. For knowing that she had finally done something to stir not only his body but also his heart.
CHAPTER 16
“Good.That will have to do for now.”
Turning in front of the mirror so she could see herself from all angles, Leana admired the beautiful dress Valerie had gifted her. It was sky blue, with flowers intricately embroidered on the sleeves—work she attributed to Brenda, who she had seen embroider scarves all the time while watching Hunter.
The dress was beautiful, to be sure. It was a little short at the ankles, but her travel boots helped to hide that. It was a shame she didn’t have more appropriate footwear for such an outfit, but what could she do? She wasn’t a noblewoman, but a village girl. She wore simple, comfortable dresses that allowed her to travel and move freely, and that was what she was used to.
For that reason, the dress put her in a good mood. She admired the silken sleeves, the shade of blue that seemed to match her eyes. But when she looked at the dress, she also thought of her sisters.
Although she hadn’t told Valerie, Leana had already decided that when she returned home, she would give most of the dresses to Joanna and Irene.
They would appreciate them much more, and they would look more beautiful in them. Especially Irene, whose figure was a bit more like Valerie’s, with those sharp curves and plunging necklines.
For now, Leana would make good use of them. She was grateful for the kindness Valerie and Brenda had shown her. Their gestures, along with Hunter’s recovery, made her feel a little more comfortable in the castle.
