Page 142 of The Highlander's Kilted Bride
“He’s better than he was,” Melissa said. “At least he’s now awake and talking.”
Angus joined them and leaned in to peer at Johnny. “Can ye open yer eyes wider, lad? Just for a wee second or two.”
Johnny opened his eyes, hissing with the effort.
Angus studied his face for a few seconds and then patted him on the shoulder. “Ye can close yer eyes and rest now, young fella. Ye’ve nothing to worry about.”
With a grateful sigh, Johnny did just that.
Charlie rose, took the water glass from Melissa, and helped her to stand. They moved out of the way as Mrs. Martin brought over a light blanket and gently tucked it around Johnny.
“Is he really better?” Charlie whispered to Melissa.
“Yes. At first, Mamma and I couldn’t even rouse him. We finally just hauled him up, and Mamma splashed cold water on his face. That did the trick, thank heavens.”
Angus stroked his chin. “Do ye ken what time he went to bed last night?”
“The same time as the rest of us,” Charlie said. “Mamma insisted on it.”
Melissa nodded. “That’s right. In fact, Colin helped him up to bed before coming to our room.”
Angus flashed her a smile. “He’s a good one, is your Colin.”
“I think so, too,” Melissa shyly replied.
The housekeeper joined them. “Mr. Johnny is dozin’ right now. But his breathin’ is better. Regular, as it should be.”
“Havin’ trouble breathin’, was he?” Angus asked.
“Yes,” replied Melissa. “That’s what really worried us. He wasn’t in a natural sleep.”
“Hmm,” Angus murmured. “I dinna remember him being in his cups last night.”
“I’ve seen Johnny in his cups,” Charlie said, “and it’s nothing like this. He’s actually got a very hard head.”
“Mr. Johnny did ask for a glass of wine to bring up to bed, though,” Mrs. Martin said. “To help him sleep.”
Angus frowned. “Does he often do that?”
“Nae, sir.”
“Is that the glass?” Angus asked, glancing at the bedside table.
“Yes.” Mrs. Martin quickly fetched it.
“Thank ye,” he said. “Now, will ye be so kind as to bring wee Johnny a pot of tea? Make it nice and strong.”
The housekeeper bobbed a curtsy. “Aye, sir. I’ll bring it right up.”
Angus waited until she left the room and then held the wineglass up to the light. There were only dregs left in the bottom.
“It simply looks like red wine,” Charlie said.
“Aye, but looks can be deceivin’.” He sniffed the contents. Frowning, he dipped a finger into the glass and took a cautious taste of the dregs.
Melissa gasped. “Was the wine bad? I do hope no one else drank it!”
“Easy, lass,” Angus replied in a soothing tone. “It’s nae the wine that’s the problem.”
