At this point, he blew out breaths, fighting the urge to moan out loud.
“Ewan,” Catriona said in a low voice.
“Aye.”
“I am going to have to take the bandage off and inspect the wound. It will hurt.”
With only the bandage around his midsection, he already felt naked in front of her. When she barely acted as if it were a strange occurrence, he dared to speak.
“Ye helped treat the many wounded after the Clan Mackenzie attack, did ye not?”
“I did,” she replied, cutting away the bandage. “I will not bother the healer. I can clean yer wound and make a tonic for ye.”
She looked him over. “Other than having someone tie ye to the bed, that is all that can be done for ye to heal properly. If ye insist on getting up and about tomorrow, the same result will occur.”
Properly chastised and barely able to breathe through the waves of pain, Ewan did not reply. Instead, he concentrated on the ceiling, counting planks of wood.
“Here, drink this.” Catriona lifted his head and helped him drink a murky liquid. It was not as vile as the one he’d had before but, within moments, the pain began to lessen.
From under half-closed eyes, he watched as a maid brought hot water. Together, the women cut strips of cloth. Then after the maid mixed a poultice, Catriona spread it over his midsection.
“It’s only one cut. Why do ye put so much on there?” Ewan asked.
Catriona looked up at him. “There is a lot of bruising. There are internal wounds, by the purpling of yer stomach. The poultice pulled it to the surface.”
“Th-that must be why I feel near death,” he said and then groaned when they helped him to sit so that Catriona could slather poultice on his back and finally wrap up his midsection.
Her amber brown eyes met his for a scant moment. “Ye are not going to die.”
“Thank ye,” he managed as the tonic began to lull him to sleep. “I am grateful.”
“Promise me ye will remain here tomorrow,” she said, meeting his gaze and holding it. “Promise.”
“Only if ye promise to come see me,” he replied and attempted to smile. Whether he was successful or not wasn’t clear as he could not control his expressions.
“I will come and ensure ye are alive,” Catriona replied. He wasn’t sure, but he thought she caressed his face. A warm touch to the left jaw soothed him. Whether it was Catriona or effects of the tonic, he wasn’t sure.
She was coming back the next day. For that, he’d remain there. Somehow, he would have to come up with a way to convince her to remain for longer than a few moments.
Perhaps he could talk her into traveling north with him when he left. She and his cousin Ruari’s wife were childhood friends. Surely the enticement of seeing Esme Ross would be a good way to do it.
The problem was that Catriona had not left the keep in over a year. The recent trip to the village had been an isolated incident and he’d been told by her companion that she’d instantly gone to her bedchamber upon returning and remained there.
If less than a few hours out affected her so, two days of travel would no doubt be intolerable. And yet, he would try.
Ewan would have preferred to remain there with his men at Fraser Keep, but having been asked to leave by the laird meant he was no longer welcome.
Somehow, he had to find a way to not leave Catriona behind. He wanted to spend more time with her, to get to know her better and help her in her recovery from the vicious attack at the hands of the Mackenzie guards.
What pained him the most about leaving was that he would not be able to hunt the man with the red birthmark. As long as that man lived, neither he nor Catriona were safe. It could be that local villagers were not safe either.
Ewan struggled to remain awake as he toiled inwardly on how to accomplish the two very important tasks.
When the first rays of sunshine woke him the next morning, Ewan turned onto his side and was instantly reminded of why he’d remained on his back all night. He groaned in pain and rolled to his back.
A male servant entered with a tray of food. “Miss Catriona sent me to help ye break yer fast.”
“Where is she?” he asked before considering it really was not a proper question to ask.
“In the great room,” the servant replied and neared the bed. “I will help ye to sit.”
Once the task was completed, Ewan felt rather awkward being fed in bed. Yet the thought that Catriona was to come and visit made him remain there. He blew out a breath and looked toward the window. What he’d rather be doing at the moment was to be on his horse, tracking down the man with the birthmark.
“Ye look unhappy.” Broden entered the room, his gaze moving to Ewan’s midsection. “Ye’re bleeding.”
Ewan blew out an annoyed breath. “I am not sure why it is taking so long to heal.”
“It's a deep cut. Ye were cut through.”
“What are ye doing today?” Ewan asked, not wishing to consider his injury. “Is anyone going after the man who attacked me?”
Broden met his gaze. “If ye were on Mackenzie lands, he did what he was supposed to do and keep ye from them.”
“I do not believe I was. Besides, he was responsible for the attack on the farmer.”
“There is little doubt in my mind,” Broden said. “But that is not what I come to speak to ye about this morn.”
“What do ye wish to talk about?” Ewan asked, looking to the man who seemed to dislike him for no apparent reason.
Broden’s jaw tightened. “Stay away from Catriona. Leave her be.”
The abrupt request made Ewan’s eyebrows rise. “What right do ye have to ask that?” The question was stupid as the man had known her their entire lives. And yet, something about the way Broden studied him made Ewan wonder if perhaps something had been said by Catriona.
“The Catriona that ye know is vastly different from the one I’ve known since childhood. She is fragile. I do not think she can withstand another incident.”
Ewan straightened, ignoring the pain. “I would never dare touch her or attempt anything like what ye are insinuating. There is no need for any warnings.”
It occurred to Ewan that Broden was there for more than just intervening for a friend. The man was romantically interested in Catriona. By the way he acted, it was possible that Broden was jealous of the attention Ewan had been receiving from Catriona.
He didn’t blame Broden. However, the fact that the man had feelings for Catriona did not give him the right to threaten.
“Despite what she’s been through, Catriona is a strong woman, much more capable than ye give her credit for.” Ewan returned to his meal, but at the other man’s silence, he looked back up.
Broden’s eyes narrowed and he blew out an annoyed breath. “Ye cannot claim to know her better than I do.”
The guard walked out before Ewan could say anything else.
They must have passed in the corridor because it was only a moment later that Catriona entered. “What happened between ye and Broden? He seemed angry just now.”
Ewan shrugged.
Catriona neared and looked to his midsection. “Although it is worrisome to see blood, the fact that it is light in color is a good sign. The healer is here and will come momentarily.”
“The sooner I am healed the better,” Ewan replied. “I have been asked to leave.”
Her expression of consternation gave Ewan hope. “What do ye mean? Surely ye are not able to ride for long in yer current state.”
“I cannot linger here much longer. Laird Fraser asked that I leave as soon as the healer allows it.”
“What is the reason?”
Her question made Ewan scramble for a reply. He could tell her the truth, of course, but she was not ready for any revelation of the sort. “It could be that on my trek back from patrol, I was on Mackenzie lands and fought one of their guards. If I had killed him, the tentative truce between the clans would have crumbled.”
“Ye
were attacked.”
“If I was on their lands, he had every right to defend his clan’s territory.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I know there is more to the story. Ye should tell me.”
His lips curved. “I should. But I will not. Ye do not need to worry yerself with all of this.”
“I am not as delicate as everyone thinks. I am overcoming my fears...”
“It is natural for someone who’s been through such a trial to be affected. Keithen himself admitted that he often dreams of what happened to him.”
Catriona walked to the edge of the bed. “And so ye are leaving?”
He couldn’t look at her, scared that she’d see how much he didn’t wish to. That he’d give anything to remain near her. It was stupid, of course. She had much more in common with Broden than she’d ever have with him.
“I am.”
She shook her head slowly. “Where are ye going.”
“I will travel north back to Clan Ross.”
“I see,” Catriona replied, her gaze lifting to him.
His heart hammered. “Ye should consider coming with me and the men I will be traveling with. It would give ye an opportunity to visit my cousin’s wife. Ye and she are very close, are ye not?”
Catriona bit her bottom lip. Just as she opened her mouth to say something, the healer entered.
The man went directly to the bed, which made Catriona move aside. “I will need clean bandages and some hot water. Can ye see about it?” He slid a look to Catriona.
Although they were not of the elite class, it was still not customary for a single woman to be in a man’s bedchamber. However, in the case of healers and caring for the sick, it was overlooked.
By the healer’s disapproving expression, he was not of the mind to overlook the fact that Catriona had been in there alone.
Surprising him, Catriona went to the doorway and called to a maid, giving instructions to bring the necessary items. Then to make matters worse, she rounded the bed and came to the other side.
Her gaze lifted to the healer in challenge. “I understand that the bleeding is expected. Do ye plan to stitch it closed? I had the maid boil some herbs so that the wound can be cleaned out.”
The healer nodded in approval. “I have heard that many in the southern regions are using different herbal mixtures boiled in water for medicinal purposes. I plan to travel soon to learn more about it.”
As Catriona and the healer continued the discussion, tonic was poured down his throat, his wound was washed and stitched together. By the time they wrapped his midsection, Ewan was in pain and very sleepy.
The healer and the maid walked out, and Catriona lowered to a chair that she’d pulled close to Ewan’s bed.
“Ye do not have to stay here,” Ewan said, annoyed at how hard it was becoming to keep his eyes open. “I will probably sleep until last meal.”
Catriona’s lips curved. “I doubt that it will be that long.”
“I do not wish to take any more of whatever that was. It’s not only vile, but also the room is swaying.”
Instead of responding, she leaned back in the chair, seeming comfortable. The fact she remained in the room with him was astonishing. Just a few months earlier, she’d barely speak to anyone. She’d spent months locked in her bedchamber, unable to leave and now the same woman sat in a chair alone with him.
“How was yer visit to the village?” Ewan asked, forcing himself to remain awake.
Catriona gave a barely visible shrug. “I enjoyed seeing my parents and sister. She has five children.”
“Five,” he repeated.
“Yes,” Catriona replied. “Four boys and an infant daughter.”
“Do ye wish to have children one day?” The moment he asked the question, Ewan realized what a mistake it was. The unspoken, but very real reality of Catriona’s tragedy surfaced, bubbling over the edge like a pot of boiling water.
Catriona jumped to her feet. “I should go and allow ye to rest.” Her wide eyes met his. “I will send someone later to ensure ye do not need anything.
She would not return, nor speak to him again unless he said or did something then. Unfortunately, nothing came to mind.
Ewan tried to get up, but his recently cleansed and stitched side injury protested, and he groaned.
Rushing to him, Catriona pushed him down on the bed. The action made her arm fold under her weight until she fell flat against Ewan’s chest.
Her reaction was the opposite of what Ewan expected. Instead of withdrawing or jerking away, she froze like a small animal attempting to gauge which way of escape proved lifesaving.
“Ye have some very sharp elbows,” Ewan said to break the awkward silence.
“I-I...” Catriona broke off and shuddered.
Ever so slowly, Ewan took her by the shoulders and helped her to straighten. It wasn't until she sat in the chair next to the bed that she finally let out a long breath.
“Tis best I go.” She got to her feet and stopped, seeming to consider if she could indeed walk.
“Be with care,” Ewan replied and yawned. “Please consider traveling north.”
Chapter Four
The walls of the corridor closed in and Catriona stretched her arms out to ensure the walls were not moving. Despite the familiarity of the great room, the path to the stairwell was not clear and she stopped just past the entry.
A few people mingled about, most seeming content to sit and talk and did not seek time with the laird.
Laird Fraser, along with Keithen and the new constable, sat at the head of the room, listening to a pair of farmers. Whatever the men’s issue was would be dealt with. One problem solved only to be replaced by another person or people presenting a new one.
“May I speak to ye?” Catriona started and turned at the sound of Broden’s voice.
Keeping her gaze forward so that he would not notice her lack of focus, Catriona nodded. “Yes, of course.”
Thankfully, with the large warrior at her side, the path across the room past people she barely knew was easy. Broden was tall, muscular and broad-shouldered. His brown hair often lightened significantly during the summer months. Despite having known him all her life, Catriona still noticed how handsome he’d become in the last couple of years.
There was a deep cleft on the center of his chin, his lashes were thick and long, and Broden had perfectly straight teeth. Even though many a maiden sought his companionship, there was little gossip about him.
Despite all the battles he’d fought and the many times he’d gone north to work as guard at the guard post, Broden remained quite unchanged. He was loyal, caring and one of the few men who admitted enjoying cooking.
“Ye can walk with me to my table,” Catriona replied, following him to a table away from others. It was her preferred place to eat at last meal because it was away from the others. Broden motioned for her to sit and he lowered across from her. His gaze met hers for a moment longer than normal.
Chills traveled down her spine. Was he about to impart bad news? Was he to leave as well?
“It is best that ye stay away from Ewan Ross. There are things ye do not know, reasons why the laird has asked that he leave.”
For a moment, relief fell over her, but it was replaced with ire. “I know why he was asked to leave. He told me about the man who attacked him.”
“That is not the only reason why ye should keep yer distance. It is obvious the man has feelings for ye. He is about to leave, and the situation may bring him to make untoward advances to ye. I know ye are not prepared for it.”
In truth, she’d given everyone reason to see her as vulnerable. Before the incident, she’d been independent, quick to speak her mind and not keen on anyone telling her what she should or should not do. That part of her was resurfacing and it made her want to laugh.
“I am intelligent enough to know if a man is interested in me or not. I assure ye that Ewan Ross is not.”
Broden’s face hardened. She reached for his hand and
squeezed it. The action, in and of itself, surprised her as much as him. “Thank ye for being a good friend and for yer protectiveness. I must move forward and am becoming stronger every day.”
“I am yer friend, but do not wish to be...”
“Are ye threatening to end our friendship?” Catriona teased, but kept a stern expression.
“No. What I wish to tell ye is that...” Broden stopped mid-sentence, his gaze moving from her and up to someone who approached them. “Lady Fraser.” He stood, to allow Lady Fraser his seat. Then looking back to Catriona, he gave her a quick nod and stalked away.
“What was that all about?” Lady Fraser asked, looking to where Broden went to join a pair of guards who’d entered the room.
“He was being a big brother,” Catriona replied. “Warning me against this or that.”
The laird’s wife’s lips curved. “I believe Broden wishes for more than just a brotherly relationship with ye.”
Catriona’s breath caught and her throat went dry. “I hope not. I do not wish to hurt him in any way. I have never felt more than one would feel as a good friend to Broden.”
When Lady Fraser sighed, Catriona gave her a questioning look. “What is it?”
“Ye have yer eyes on someone else. I have a feeling I know who it is.”
“Are ye going to tell me to stay away from Ewan Ross? That is what Broden asked me to do.”
“I see. So then he is who ye have feelings for?” Lady Fraser seemed to find the news to be good, because she grinned and held her hands up to her chest. “How delightful that ye are in love.”
Love. The word sunk like a pit in her stomach. “I did not say love.”
“Of course not, darling. But we know how strongly ye feel once ye set yer mind to it.”
A hot flush crept up her face at the reminder of the many years she’d pined for Keithen. Since she had been very young she’d convinced herself that she was in love with him and had not wasted a moment to ensure he well knew it. It wasn’t until the last couple years that she’d come to realize it was a fanciful thing of youth and what she’d considered to be love was truly more of a deep caring.
A Fierce Archer (Clan Ross Book 6) Page 4
