Page 47 of Cottage in the Mist (Time After Time #3)

Bram hadn’t looked at her, not once since the confrontation in the clearing.

Nor had he spoken to her or to Alec. She tried to give him the benefit of the doubt.

It had been a shock to find out who she really was.

But it wasn’t as if she’d lied to him or done anything to truly earn his wrath.

Except perhaps disobey his implicit demand for her to stay behind.

To stay safe.

The word whispered through her mind as she watched Bram question Alec’s man Geordie. They were huddled around the makeshift tent covering Robby. Not much more than a plaid stretched over a wooden frame, it at least provided a modicum of protection against the encroaching weather.

The last of the sun was sinking beneath the horizon, the beginnings of a mist twirling wraithlike across the ground.

She’d had no way of knowing her true heritage when she’d first encountered Bram.

And, even if she had, it wasn’t as if they’d taken time to ask a lot of questions.

Surely if he truly loved her, he’d have to accept her for who she was.

But then again, he obviously believed she’d betrayed him.

Intellectually, she knew that should make a difference.

That she should cut him slack. But her heart wasn’t having any of it.

Either he loved her or he didn’t. It was as simple as that. Some things had to be taken on faith.

So maybe he didn’t love her at all. Maybe in truth he wasn’t any better than Justin.

But even as she had the thought, she knew that it wasn’t true.

Sucking in a breath, she looked to Jeff for reinforcement.

Elaine’s husband smiled at her reassuringly and immediately she felt better, containing a smile at Bram’s immediate scowl in Jeff’s direction.

Maybe he did care—at least a little.

Jeff stood with Iain and Alec just at the boundary to the makeshift tent, giving Geordie and Bram room. Bram squatted down by his friend, his eyes on the healer. Lily sat near Robby’s head, feeling protective even in the face of Bram’s concern.

“How long has he had the fever?” Bram asked the healer, his voice harsh with emotion.

For his friend, Lily reminded herself, containing a shiver. Even angry, the sound of his voice curled deep inside of her, sending heat washing across every inch of her skin.

“Since before I was summoned,” Geordie was saying. “But he’s resting easier now than he was. And in truth, your friend needs sleep to help him recover.”

Robby moaned and twisted, and Lily reached out to stroke his brow. He calmed but Bram’s scowl deepened and she noticed his fingers clenching and unclenching.

“He doesn’t feel as hot as he did,” Lily said, lifting her gaze, praying that he’d meet it. But instead he returned his attention to the healer.

“Is he still in danger?”

The older man shrugged. “I canna pretend that it doesna worry me. Although ’tis to be expected after all that he’s been through.

The injury itself was grievous enough, but being out here exposed to the elements hasna helped things at all.

As I’m sure Alec has already told you, your friend owes his life to Mistress Lily. ”

A muscle ticked in Bram’s jaw. “And to you, I’m told. I’m grateful.” Again he refused to meet Lily’s eyes. Behind him, Jeff blew out a disgusted breath. At least she had someone on her side. “When can I expect him to wake?” Bram asked.

“’Tis no’ something I can predict. Mayhap the sound of your voice will call to him. I’ve seen it work before when a man is lost to this deep o’ sleep.”

Bram shifted so that he was leaning over his friend, his body so close Lily could feel his warmth. Her breathing stuttered and she forced herself to focus on the injured man.

“Robby?” Bram called softly. “Can you hear me, man?”

Robby moved slightly, but there was no answer.

“’Tis I, Bram. I’ve come to bring you home.

” The skin around his mouth tightened and Lily squelched the urge to reach for him.

He wouldn’t appreciate her touch. Not here.

Not now. But she could feel his pain. “You canna tell me you’d rather lie here in this nest of vipers.

Comyns aren’t known for extending hospitality to Macgillivrays.

No matter how comely the man’s face might be. ”

He waited, his fingers clenching again, his eyes fixed on his friend. “Robby. Please. Open your bloody eyes. I need to see that you’re all right. That these bastards haven’t been feeding you poison.”

Geordie tensed, his hand moving toward the knife at the waist of his plaid. Apparently even healers were warriors in these times.

“Hold.” Alec’s deep voice filled the little space, brooking no argument. “He’s grieving. Let him be.”

Geordie settled back. “I’m no’ poisoning him. If he dies it’ll no’ be on my head.”

Bram’s gaze shifted to Lily. She could feel the heat of it. Feel his anger.

“Nor will it be hers,” the healer said, his voice taking umbrage with Bram’s obvious conclusion. “Whatever befalls yer friend, ’tis the fault o’ those who attacked him. So save yer retribution for them.”

“Believe me, that’s exactly what I intend to do,” Bram said, pushing to his feet, fingering the hilt of his claymore as he turned to face Alec.

“I believe you and I have things to discuss. Iain?” His cousin nodded, and the three men strode a short distance away to the shelter of a small stand of trees.

Alec’s second, Dougan, followed close behind.

Lily resisted the urge to run after Bram. Better to let him deal with Alec on his own. Still, it pained her that he’d walked away without so much as a backward glance. Pained her that he could dismiss her so easily.

“He’s just angry and confused,” Jeff said, dropping to his knees beside her.

“He thinks I betrayed him,” Lily said, emotion clogging her throat. “That I’m working with his enemy.”

“But Alec isn’t his enemy. And you didn’t even know you were a Comyn when you met Bram. None of this is your fault.”

Lily felt tears threaten and brushed angrily at her eyes.

“Give him time to think. To assimilate all that’s happened. Then you can talk to him. Explain about your family. About the legend and the ring.”

“We already know what he thinks about the legend. He thinks my family killed his. And now he believes I’ve been trying to do the same.”

“But you haven’t.” Jeff reached over to squeeze her hand. “And he’ll see that. He cares about you. A lot. Otherwise he wouldn’t be so angry.”

“He wouldn’t even look me in the eyes.”

“True, but he also couldn’t take his eyes off of you. Let him sort it out. It’ll be okay, you’ll see.”

Robby moaned, and Geordie lifted his head to meet Lily’s gaze, a smile spreading across his weathered face. “His fever is breaking.”

“Thank God.” Lily answered his smile just as an older man ducked beneath the woolen tarp.

Lily frowned up at the man. Frazier. “You work for Bram,” she said, taking in his stocky, well-muscled build. The graying hair and bushy beard were indicators of the man’s age, and yet it was clear he was a warrior still. His faded blue eyes were wary.

“I was his father’s captain,” Frazier agreed, his voice holding a warning. “But I am my own man. I work for no one.”

“I’m sorry.” Lily held up a hand in apology. “I meant no offense.” Something about Frazier bothered her. Maybe it was the fact that his eyes glittered with dislike. Although considering the circumstances, she wasn’t certain she blamed him.

“Bram allowed you to stay with Robby, then?” Frazier asked, his gaze falling to the injured man.

“I’m not sure he really had a choice,” Jeff said, his tone congenial, but Lily could hear the undernote of caution. So she wasn’t the only one with misgivings.

“Bram was right; you’ve betrayed Iain and allied yourself with her .” Frazier sent a contemptuous nod in Lily’s direction. “And the rest of the Comyns.”

“I’ve betrayed no one,” Jeff said, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. “And neither has Lily.”

“Aye,” Geordie said, fingering the little knife again. “She’s been nothing but steadfast when it comes to yer man.”

“I meant no disrespect.” Frazier waved a hand, his lips lifting in the semblance of a smile. “Only to say that I canna understand why Bram would leave Robby here with the en—“ He stopped, frowned, then amended his words. “—with people he distrusts.”

“And I told you,” Jeff said, “he didn’t have a choice.

Besides, even if he did, he’d find no one better than Geordie and Lily.

Geordie is a healer. And as Geordie alluded to, Lily has been with Robby continuously since he was found.

She refused to leave him. Even when Fergus wanted to move on to try and find Iain. ”

“There’s no need to defend me, Jeff.” Lily sent her friend a smile and then lifted her head to meet Frazier’s gaze. “Robby will come to no harm in my care. Of that I can assure you.”

As if to underscore her words, Robby moaned and automatically Lily smoothed back his hair, her gentle motion quieting the thrashing man.

“Is he waking, then?” Frazier stepped forward, his focus now on the injured man.

Geordie touched his cheek. “Nay, only fighting off the last of the fever. With the crisis past, he should settle in and sleep until morning at least.”

“Mayhap I should be the one sitting with him,” Frazier offered. “After all, he’s my kin.”

“That he is,” Geordie said, his narrowed eyes making him seem more dangerous. “But what the lad needs now is peace and quiet. So I’ll thank you to take your leave. If he wakes I’ll call for the Macgillivray.”

Frazier’s frown deepened and he seemed about to say more, but then abruptly he turned on his heel and left the lean-to.

“Not a man to trifle with,” Jeff observed.

“Nor a man to trust,” Lily noted, watching as the older man strode away.

“Ach, you’re a stubborn man.” Alec threw a rock across the clearing, shaking his head. “You’ll believe Lily’s story about where she came from, but you willna believe it when I tell you it wasna my men at Dunbrae.”