Mrs. Rowan watched him carefully. The weight of her gaze was staggering, as though she were trying to look directly into his mind. He held his ground, though, refusing to budge.
“Ye ken, Me Laird,” she said finally, contemplatively, “some folks heal faster when they’re nae chased.”
The words unsettled him, making his back straighten. He itched to insist that his way of doing things was correct. He was the kind of man who solved problems, and he didn’t do so by sitting idly by.
“So,” he said, folding his hands in front of him on his desk, “ye mean to tell me that I shouldnae do a thing? I should let her family wonder where she is rather than gettin’ the answers from her directly?”
“Ye’re an impatient man, Me Laird,” she said, giving him a bittersweet smile. “Do ye nae think she has a reason for nae sharin’ her past with ye? I’m sure ye can tell she isnae fond of bein’ somewhere she doesnae want to be. If she wanted to be there, I’m quite sure she would have been forthcomin’ with ye.”
She stood then, nodding respectfully to Darragh before leaving the room. He stared at the door for a long moment after it closed, turning what she said over and over in his head. Combining it with Amelia’s reactions and what he’d gleaned ofher personality, he had to admit to himself that his healer might have a point.
“I’m nae givin’ up on her,” he said under his breath. It seemed that protecting her would bring trouble, but he welcomed it.
Chapter Seven
“Nay,” Amelia said stubbornly, glaring at Darragh. “I willnae be leavin’ this room. The healer told me that I need me rest.”
Darragh let out a noise that was a mix between a sigh and a growl. She took that as a sign that she was getting close to breaking his patience. Perhaps he’d finally leave her be.
“I’ve consulted with Mrs. Rowan and Hazel,” he said, each word coming out slowly, strained by his irritation. “They both agree that ye’re fine to go into the village to get yerself something to wear that fits ye properly.”
“Ach, but what did Isla say?” she challenged. “Does she agree? I trust her judgment.”
“Isla also thinks ye’d be much more comfortable in clothing that belongs to ye,” he replied.
Amelia scoffed. She desperately wanted to leave the castle, but she didn’t want his kindness, and she certainly didn’t want to risk another day of incessant questioning. She turned her back to him, afraid he’d see too much on her face. As she did so, she caught sight of herself in the mirror that was in her chambers. The clothing she wore, while nice, was too big for her. It wasn’t as comfortable as a well-fitted corset and a gown that didn’t threaten to trip her with each step she took.
“Leavin’ the castle will be good for ye,” he said when she didn’t protest further. “We’re nay goin’ to parade around. We’ll see the seamstress then return.”
“I suppose ye’re right,” she relented, refusing to look at him as she made the concession. “I would like to have a new gown.”
“And ye will have one,” he replied. “I will have a carriage for ye prepared for the journey. Jinny will come and fetch ye when it’s ready.”
When he left, Amelia let out a breath, her shoulders relaxing a bit. She supposed that she could stomach a trip to the village if she was able to ride in a carriage. She hoped, however, that Darragh wouldn’t be riding inside with her.
Jinny arrived to fetch her less than half an hour later, knocking on the door in that animated way of hers, saying, “Miss! Are ye ready?” She pushed it open slightly, peeking around the edge. “Do ye need me to help ye with anythin’?”
“Nay, I’m still dressed from earlier,” Amelia said, giving the woman her best approximation of a kind smile as she walked toward her. “I dinnae get a chance to shed any layers before Laird Fraser came to insist I go to the village.”
“Ach, for yer new wardrobe, he told me,” Jinny enthused, pulling the door shut when Amelia exited. “Are ye lookin’ forward to it? It’s quite balmy out. It’s an excellent day for gettin’ out of the keep.”
“I’m sure it will be nice,” Amelia agreed, though she didn’t really believe it. She wasn’t exactly looking forward to spending a day with Darragh, but her maid did have a point.
As they stepped into the sunlight, a carriage was waiting, and Darragh was blessedly on his own steed. She relaxed a bit, giving Jinny a curt nod as she approached the guard next to the door. Hesitantly, she accepted his hand, letting herself be helped inside.
Almost as soon as the door was shut behind her, the wheels began to turn. The ride was a bit bumpy as they traversed over the cobbled courtyard, but when they reached the dirt road, things felt a bit smoother. She leaned back, holding herself straight, but her eyes found the scenery they passed by.
It is quite bonnie. He couldnae have picked a better day to bring me out of me quarters.
The carriage came to a stop on a sparsely populated street, the door opening to reveal Darragh. He presented his palm and said,“We’re leavin’ the carriage here. Ye’ll be ridin’ with me to the seamstress.”
“Ye’re nae goin’ to tie me to the saddle again, are ye?” she asked, ignoring his hand and dropping onto the ground as gracefully as she could. The landing made a few of her bruises ache, but she didn’t let the discomfort show.
“Nae unless ye give me reason to,” he said, his tone serious but the corner of his mouth tugging upward.
She marched over to his horse and nearly threw herself in the saddle before she remembered the story she’d told him. Already, she’d made too many missteps. Another would attract more scrutiny.
I’m quite certain I’m correct in thinkin’an orphan wouldnae ken how to ride.
