A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

worse or his fever
gets higher. Keep bathing him in the cool water.”
    “Yes, Madam,” the gille answered and then closed the
door.
    Maidie made her way along the passage. She passed Gavin’s door
and paused when she heard his deep voice within. He laughed and then a woman’s
giggle came from the chamber. So the castle intrigue is lustful in nature. One
of Gavin’s trysts was taking place right under the nose of his stricken
brother. Shameful. Maidie wondered if the female were Flora. Surely her friend
would not leave Phillip alone at night to meet her lover.
    Maidie rushed on, opened the door to her chamber, and entered
quietly so as not to wake Sven. The lad slept soundly, tired from the day’s
activities. She felt exhaustion and hurriedly removed the robe and slippers to
climb into bed. She remembered her prayers and slipped out of bed onto her
knees. The floor felt cold, but she said a prayer for the wounded, especially
Andrew. Dear Lord in the highest heaven, heal Laird Andrew’s wound and renew
his strength.
    Sven whimpered so Maidie climbed back into bed and snuggled
close to her son. She wrapped her arms around him, then drifted to sleep.

 
    ***

 
    A knock sounded on the door. Maidie
opened her eyes to sunlight streaming into the chamber from its one window. The
leaded glass of the windowpane bent the sun’s rays into a rainbow of color
across the bed. She couldn’t linger to enjoy the beauty but sprang to her feet,
donned the robe and slippers, and hurried to open the door. Nellie stood in the
doorway with her hands full of folded clothing. A bright colorful kertch topped
the pile.
    “Your clothes, Madam. May I come in and help you dress for the
day? Comb your hair?”
    “No, Nellie. Sven’s still asleep. He had such a hard day,
last, that I want him to rest. I’ll take our clothes.” Nellie held the bundle
out to Maidie. “Where did this kertch come from?”
    “Master Gavin sent it. He said you needed one made of Munro
tartan.” Nellie smiled.
    “Where is my Cameron kertch?” Maidie searched through the neat
pile of clean smelling clothing.
    “Sir Gavin took your kertch. He said he wanted to use it. He
needs a bright target.” Nellie’s mouth widened to show straight white teeth.
Her dimples deepened. “Shall I go fetch it for you?”
    “No. Let Sir Gavin have it. It will be of little use when he
finishes with it.” She looked into Nellie’s dimpled face and could not help but
return the maid’s infectious smile. Let Gavin have fun at her expense. She didn’t
care, or maybe she did. “How is Alan this morning?”
    “He’s up and about, Madam. I tried to get him to stay in bed,
but had no luck. He’s a stubborn mon.” A frown formed on the young woman’s
face.
    “Most men are, Nellie. I would like to check his wound after I
tend the laird. Where might I find him?”
    “He’s out in the training field with Sir Gavin and the other
warriors.” The maid’s hands fisted, then released and twisted the material of
her skirt.
    “What!” Maidie couldn’t imagine the young man being able to
participate in any kind of rigorous training activity with such a deep wound on
his leg.
    “Angus looked at him early this morn and said he could resume
his daily tasks.” Nellie’s eyes brimmed with tears. “His leg hurt awfully bad.”
    Maidie couldn’t stand the sight of the young wife’s tears. “I
want you to show me the place where they train when I finish tending Laird
Andrew. I’ll judge when Alan is ready to resume regular activities. After all,
Angus put me in charge of him.”
    “Yes, Madam. I’ll be going now, and will be in the kitchen
when you need me.” Nellie nodded, turned and walked down the hallway.
    Maidie watched until the maidservant descended the stairway.
She felt the heat of anger rising in her face. Her hands shook the bundle of
clothing. Angus might be the cause of Alan losing his leg if infection set into
the wound.
    “Mam,” Sven called to Maidie. She