Page 32 of Bride takes a Scot

The maidservant nodded enthusiastically. “I shall, Milady.”

Noah hopped off the stool and wrapped his arms around her body. Isabella was taken aback by his show of affection, but her heart felt ready to burst with happiness. Perhaps there was a chance at winning him over after all. Now if only the rest of the clan followed suit, she might find warmhearted happiness there in the freezing cold Highlands.

Chapter Eleven

The last stretchof the ride was the most difficult for Declan. He grimaced at the movement of the horse and groaned as pain throbbed in his thigh. At last, the gate came into view. He was never so happy to see his home. Once through the gates, he kept riding until he reached the front of his cottage. There, he dismounted and Anse quickly caught up to him. His cousin took his arm and was about to lead him inside when Isabella came from around the side of the building with Noah walking beside her.

When she caught sight of him, she sprinted toward them. Declan wasn’t prepared for her show of affection when she threw herself into his embrace. He leaned on her, wrapped his arms around her, and took in the bonny scent that was Isabella.

“I am so happy you are home,” she said, continuing to embrace him.

“Lass…” His voice came out in a pained whisper.

“There’s so much I must tell you. But you must be hungry and tired from your journey.”

“Wife…”

“I hope your trek was successful. You must tell me everything.” Isabella finally pulled back and looked at his face. Her smile faded and she pressed her hand on the side of his face. “What’s wrong? Something troubles you. I see pain in your eyes.”

“I am injured.”

Anse spoke up then, “Aye, our laird got himself nicked and needs to be tended to. I will get him inside and retrieve the healer.”

Isabella helped Anse guide him inside. By the time they reached their bedchamber, Declan huffed. He could barely put any pressure on his leg and groaned with each movement. Once he reached the bed, he fell onto it and rolled to a sitting position.

“There is no need to send for the healer,” she said and crossed the chamber.

“But, Milady, his wound might need a stitching, and the healer will aid him. I should go.”

“Wait, don’t leave. I might need your help, Anse.” She returned to his side and his cousin slunk toward the door intent to leave and fetch the healer. “Declan, lay back and let me have a look at what you have done to yourself. Anse, you stay put. You can help me.” She pushed Declan back by pressing his chest and he did as she instructed.

“Are ye a healer, Milady?” Anse asked in awe.

“Somewhat, uh, I suppose so. I dabbled most of my life in caring for wounds and injuries. My da, you see… Ah, well he often got hurt and, well, never mind. Let us just say that I have vast experience in caring for injuries he and his men incurred.” Her face colored but then she appeared to shake herself into action. She pulled Declan’s tartan away from his leg and drew in her breath in a hissing sound.

“Is it as bad as it feels?” Declan asked. He resisted the urge to moan or look at it when she gently prodded the wound with her gentle fingertips.

“It is not good, I’m afraid. Anse, give him something to ease him. Something strong. I’ve tended to similar wounds and will do what I can to ward off infection. I’ll have you mended andpatched up as quickly as I can. You are fortunate, Declan, that your leg wasn’t sliced deeper. It could’ve been fatal.”

But Declan wouldn’t allow his cousin to offer him spirits. He wanted to watch his wife and view her every movement. Not because he mistrusted her, but because he appreciated her take-charge attitude and her healing ability—an ability he was unaware of until now.

“It’s going to feel worse before it gets better. I am sorry if I hurt you.”

“Worry not, Wife, I can bear the pain. Just do what ye must and be quick about it.” Declan prepared himself and gritted his teeth so he wouldn’t shout or cause her worry. “Like ye, I can handle the pain if it is over quickly.” He grinned at throwing her words back to her. Declan recalled her saying that to him when they were first together, and he was about to join with her.

Isabella retrieved cloths and set them beneath his leg. Declan thought she meant to support his leg, but then she snatched a pitcher of water from the basin area and poured warm water over his thigh. At first, it stung but then eased to a throb. Then he realized the cloth was meant to catch the water.

She continued to wipe the sore, dab at it, and poured more water over the gash. Oddly, the water eased the throbbing.

Isabella rummaged through a satchel, he’d only just noticed, and retrieved items from within and set them on the nearby table. Then she mixed a concoction of herbs and used a pestle to grind them. She made a paste and laved it over the wound.

“This will help you to heal and it will numb the area so I can stitch it closed. I’m always careful not to use too much of this medicinal because henbane can be lethal. The woman who trained me was very specific about the dosage. She’d told me that many could easily perish if one is careless. I try not to use it, but you’ll need it to ward off infection.”

Isabella was diligent about her task but took overlong to finish. She didn’t make a sound the entire time she plied the needle. By the time she dressed his wound with a wrapping, he had almost fallen asleep. He was lulled by her gentleness and the quiet in their bedchamber.

“There. You will have to take it easy for the next few days. No gallivanting about the lands. Give your leg a little time to heal before you walk too heavily on it. But otherwise, you should be well in no time.”

Anse pulled her into his embrace and hugged her with vigor. His burly arms wrapped around her. “I am astounded, Milady, and thank ye for helping him. I could not do anything for him.”