Page 87 of The Highlander's Alluring Spy
The Library Once More
For a week or so, life almost returned to–well, not normal, but the normality Magnolia had grown used to in her time in Castle MacFoihl. She played with Elaine, took the pups out on walks, ate lunch, and talked with Greta and Betty. She visited old Ewan and told him stories, and she learned more and more about the stories of the Fair Folk that Elaine loved so much from the village.
Nathair healed well, though the healers were more concerned about the wound on his head than the actual damage done by the dagger. They kept him under observation, requiring that someone–usually Magnolia–went to check on him several times in the night to make sure he hadn’t slipped away in his sleep.
The dagger wound, at least, heals well. No sepsis, no oozing.
It would leave a large scar across his shoulder, to be sure, but it would be one among many. A testament to his bravery, really.
At night, she spent a long time in Nathair’s room, tending to him. She never approached his bed, and they never actively spoke of what had come before, but they seemed to have developed a way of talking without talking.
“Can ye fix me bandages?” he’d ask, and Magnolia would hear, “Can ye stay wi’ me?”
“The healer said you shouldn’t move too much or keep the candles blazing all night,” Magnolia would scold, and what she’d mean was,I’ll never leave your side again.
But neither of them could say these words, not out loud. Not yet.
And so, they danced around the concept of the future, waiting for him to get better, waiting for a solution they knew might never arrive.
And they talked.
And they loved.
And they hoped together in silence.
* * *
Three full weeks since the failed attack upon the castle, Nathair knew that time was running short to keep Magnolia by his side. His excuse had worked well, and she had acted the part faithfully, caring for Elaine and tending to his needs. But now he was healed, and Magnolia had started once again to talk about her duties.
I cannae just ask her to stay wi’ nae guarantees. I ken that. Which is why I hope this works the way I planned.
William had helped him. As soon as Nathair had informed him of his plan, the Commander had been entirely onboard. He enlisted Abbie, Greta, and the maid Betty to help him. However, Nathair gave unambiguous instructions on what he wanted them to fetch.
The result was, in a word, perfect. When William handed it to Nathair that morning, the Laird had known for sure that he had his best friend’s blessing.
I didnae ken how much I needed it.
“She’s a good lass,” William told him. “Even for an Englishwoman. Dae what ye need to dae.”
So he had. He’d spent the morning in the library, trying to find the perfect solution, and he’d come across it. He just hoped she found it funnier than she did teasing.
Nathair found Magnolia out by the loch with Elaine, teaching her how to swim in the shallows of the loch. Betty was with him, and she smiled at the sight.
“I guess the wee Maid’s less likely to drown if she can keep herself afloat,” she laughed. “Hail, Magnolia!”
Magnolia looked up, and her eyes widened in surprise to see the Laird and the maid. “Oh, Betty. Nathair. I wasn’t expecting you.”
Elaine jumped out of the water, sopping wet and exhilarated. “I did it, Dadaidh!” she cheered as they approached. “I can float! I can swim!”
“Well, with a little help,” Magnolia chuckled. “What can we do for you?”
Betty laughed again. “Well, as for me, I’m gonnae take Elaine to dry off a bit an’ then she an’ me are gonnae go steal some o’ me mammy’s sweetmeats. Ye should probably dry off too, Magnolia,” she told her.
“Sweetmeats!” Elaine crowed, forgetting all about the loch in her enthusiasm. The August sunshine beat down as Betty led her away and left Magnolia dripping with loch water in her underthings before Nathair.
“This feels familiar,” Magnolia chuckled, and Nathair was charmed by how carefree her laugh sounded, with no sense of embarrassment at all. “At least, this time, nobody was at threat.”
“That’s always a good thing,” Nathair told her, smirking. “But dae ye think ye can go dry off an’ come meet me in the library? I’ve got somethin’ I’d like tae show ye.”
