Page 54 of Never Kiss a Scot
“I don’t know,” she said evasively. He realized she did not want to admit that she’d been focused on him and their lovemaking while in the presence of several men.
Dr. McKenzie was quiet for a long moment before he motioned for Brock to follow him to the window where they could speak privately.
“My lord, when I came to the house, I saw some plants growing by the entryway, plants which should not be there.”
“Plants?” Brock couldn’t fathom what the doctor was getting at.
“Wolfsbane.”
“What?” He didn’t recognize the plant, but he did know it was a dangerous one to have about.
“Aye, wolfsbane or monkshood. I saw it in clusters by the castle doors. I hesitate to suggest it, but someone in this castle might have tried to poison your wife.”
Brock’s throat tightened. He could feel the gazes of Mr. Tate and young Duncan upon his back, but he kept his voice low. Who would have tried to poison her?
“Can you help her?” That was the thing that mattered most. He could find the person who had tried to hurt Joanna after he knew she was safe.
“She may not have had a strong enough dose to kill her. Some intelligent would-be murderers start with smaller doses to avoid suspicion. If this is her first reaction, she’s come around now well enough.” McKenzie glanced toward the bed, as did Brock. Joanna was watching them quite clearly now, although still tired.
“Aye?” Brock urged the doctor to continue.
“I can administer atropine and digitalis. That might counteract the poison.”
Brock dragged his fingers through his hair. “Let’s try it.”
The doctor nodded, and they returned to Joanna. Dr. McKenzie opened his black leather bag and pulled out two vials and needles. He filled each with a large dose, one of atropine and one of digitalis. Then he looked at Joanna.
“My lady, I must inject this into your stomach. I will need to lift your chemise.”
Brock lifted the bedclothes, shielding her modesty even though Tate and Duncan had stepped into the hall. The doctor looked at her waist. He pinched her stomach gently and injected the needle. Joanna closed her eyes, wincing, but made no sound. Then the doctor injected the second needle. She was so brave, his little lass.
The doctor lowered her chemise and tucked her beneath the bedclothes again. “She must have water. Boil it first, and prepare it yourself.” The doctor whispered the last bit under his breath. “She should eat chicken broth and toast.” The doctor looked at Brock. “No strenuous activities for at least a week, unless she’s feeling completely well. I would like to check on her in a few days. And you must send for me immediately if she worsens.”
“Thank you, Doctor.” Brock shook McKenzie’s hand and nodded to Tate, who’d stepped into the room again. “Please see the doctor out.”
“Of course, my lord.” Tate’s gaze shot to Joanna in the bed, his face twisted in worry. The doctor left, and Brock shot a glance at Duncan and waved him over.
“My lord?” The young man’s brows rose.
He could trust Duncan. The lad was an innocent babe, and he was one of the sons of a tenant that Brock trusted. “Only you and I will see to my wife’s needs from now on. The doctor suspects she was poisoned.”
“Poisoned?” Joanna and Duncan both gasped.
“Wolfsbane,” Brock explained. “Duncan, I want you to keep an eye on the others in this house. I want to know when that tea was prepared and who took it to her room.”
“I did, my lord. But…” A shadow passed over Duncan’s face.
“But what?” Brock pressed.
“But I passed Mr. Tate in the hall on the way back after I left the tea in her bedchamber.”
“He was going into my wife’s room?” His suspicions deepened, as did his fury. If Mr. Tate was set on harming Joanna, he’d have to face the wrath of the laird of the Kincades.
Duncan nodded.
“Why would Tate want to hurt her? Has he said anything to you, lad?” Brock stroked his jaw and glanced at his wife. She was drifting back to sleep, and he didn’t have the heart to wake her.
“No, my lord. I heard him grumble about her snooping around in your study, but other than that, no.”
