Page 53 of Eloping with the Laird
‘I’m afraid not. She passed a handful of years ago.’
‘Perhaps there is someone else who may know? I could go to the village and ask around.’
‘I’m afraid that’s another matter I need to discuss with you. It isn’t safe for you to travel into the village right now.’ He nested his hands in his trouser pockets and the hooked lines of a frown tugged down his lips. The wind whipped up his coattails and ruffled his wavy grey hair.
‘Word of Rory’s sickness has spread in the village and beyond. There are other clans encroaching, preparing to try to absorb us in their ranks. With no clear successor, the future here is uncertain.’
Gooseflesh rose along her skin. ‘I’m sorry, did you say ‘absorb’?’
‘Aye. The numbers have been increasing as he edges closer to his birthday. We had expected as much, discussed our options and have prepared accordingly.’
‘That sounds dreadful.’
‘Has Rory not spoken to you of the proposed alliance?’
Her fingers tingled in her gloves. ‘Nay,’ she answered, clearing her throat. ‘He has told me of the letters from my father claiming that I was stolen away from him. All of it is rubbish and unfounded.’ She crossed her arms against her chest and hoped he could not hear the thud of her heart against her chest.
Could he know of the letter from the Frasers?
‘Despite whether it is rubbish or not, the Stewarts along with some other clans have found common ground in their dislike of the situation and our clan. Knowing such, we could not leave ourselves exposed.’
‘In case Rory dies?’
‘Aye.’
‘My lady!’ Tressa was running to them, waving to gather their attention. She had no coat or hat on despite the snow. The lass looked as if she had gone half mad.
Moira picked up her skirts and went to her. ‘What has happened?’
‘He is awake,’ she cried, joy in her eyes as she grasped both of Moira’s arms. ‘The laird is awake. Come. He asks for ye.’
‘That is wonderful! Uncle, he wakes!’
Moira hurried inside along with Tressa as Uncle Leo gathered the hounds.
Skidding along the stone floors, Tressa hooked an arm through Moira’s own. ‘Slow down, my lady. I can’t have you fall just when the laird is on the mend.’
Moira chuckled and nodded, slowing her steps as they rounded the last corner to the hall of his bedchamber. Moira rushed to his bedside, knelt and kissed him. His laugh on her lips made her smile. ‘The moment I leave, you wake,’ she chided him.
How glorious it was to have his gaze upon her and to hear his husky laugh.
‘Perhaps I knew you were gone, and I did not like it,’ he teased and ran a shaky hand along the side of her face. ‘How are you? And the babe?’
‘Perfect now that you are awake and looking upon us.’
‘What happened?’ he asked.
‘I don’t know. I found you slumped over your ledgers in the study. I thought you asleep, but then I could not rouse you.’ She leaned back on her haunches and brushed back the damp hair from his forehead. ‘You have been asleep for a day.’
His eyes widened. ‘A full day?’
‘Aye. The doctor could determine no cause. He is due to return soon to check upon you and bring you another draught to try.’
He struggled to sit up, and Moira rose to assist him by tucking extra pillows from Tressa behind his back and head.
‘Good to see you up, son. I couldn’t bear to read through one more pile of your correspondence. Dreary, the lot of it.’ Uncle Leo smiled, came over to Rory and clapped a hand to his nephew’s shoulder. He gave a wink to Moira. ‘This wife of yours would scarce leave your side. I had to will her to take some fresh air with the hounds this afternoon after being inside for a full day.’
‘Moira, tell me you weren’t.’
