That pleased Catriona very much. “Comin’ from ye, Mairead, I take that as a great compliment, thank ye. But there’s a good reason I mentioned it tae ye.”
“Oh?” Mairead looked at her enquiringly.
Catriona leaned forward in her chair, eager to explain the idea that had been forming in her mind while Mairead worked. She thought it quite brilliant.
“Ye see, Mairead, I’ll be stayin’ here at Castle Gordon fer a wee while, but I cannae be certain exactly how long. It might be just fer a few days, or it could be weeks. But however long it is, I cannae just sit around idle. I’ll go mad with boredom. I’m usedtae workin’ every day. Would ye consider lettin’ me come and assist ye in the infirmary? I’m sure I could make mesel’ useful.”
Mairead’s face lit up. “I’d be delighted tae have help from someone so experienced,” she replied at once. “Would ye like tae come by the infirmary tomorrow afternoon and see what I have in store fer ye? I’ve already got a wee list in me head of jobs fer ye tae dae,” she admitted, smiling playfully.
After agreeing to meet the following afternoon in the infirmary, Mairead took her leave.
Catriona picked up her wine and sipped it, feeling very pleased with herself. The work would be satisfying and keep her busy. It would also provide the perfect excuse to stay out of Malcolm’s way and avoid the confusing, embarrassing effects of his proximity.
She finished her wine, slipped off her robe, then got into bed. With a sigh of contentment, she got herself cozy and then promptly fell asleep.
When she awoke, the fire had burned low, and the candle by the bed was stuttering. Everything was quiet within the castle. Rubbing sleep from her eyes, she peered at the mantel clock, surprised to see it was almost midnight.
She tried to get back to sleep, but her worries soon came flooding in, and it proved impossible to rest.
I’ll go and have a wee drink.
Sliding carefully out of bed, she put on the woolen robe and slippers she had borrowed. Then, leaning on the walking stick, she set out gingerly in search of a soothing beverage.
Since leaving the council meeting, Malcolm had bathed, shaved, dined, then slept intensely for a few hours before waking up at about half past eleven. Within moments, all his concerns about Catriona and Sinclair rushed back into his mind, bringing with them a restlessness that would not allow him further rest.
Now fully alert, he decided to patrol the castle to make sure all was secure before heading up to the upper levels to join his men. He dressed and after strapping on his weapons, left his chambers and strode downstairs to the Great Hall to get a drink.
Catriona was very much at the forefront of his thoughts, hence his surprise at finding her sitting in a chair by the fire, staring absently into the flames, nursing a cup of something between her hands.
He halted mid-step, feeling a pleasurable warmth flow through him as he silently observed her for a few moments, wondering if she would welcome his company.
He let his gaze move slowly over her. She was wrapped in a scarlet robe, and her auburn hair was hanging in a long, thickplait over her shoulder, its color intensified by the firelight. He thought she resembled nothing so much as a princess from the pages of a storybook, beautiful and yet terribly sad.
Is she real or am I seein’ things?
His feet moved of their own accord, beating a path towards the vision. He was only a few feet away when she looked up. He saw recognition dawn in her eyes, her delicate brows arching in surprise.
“Malcolm, I didnae expect tae see ye here,” she said softly, and smiled up at him.
The smile was unexpectedly warm, and it did something to him, causing a sudden tightening sensation in his chest.
“So, ye are real and nae a mirage,” he said, standing over her, breathing in heady scents of lavender and… hyacinth?
She chuckled softly. “As real as ye, I suppose.”
He nodded. “Good answer. How’s yer ankle? Did Mairead come tae see ye?”
“Aye, she did, and fer yer information, she gave me ankle a thorough examination. ’Tis a sprain, just as I said, so all yer fussin’ was fer naught.”
“Ye cannae be too careful about these things,” he retorted, grinning as he parodied her voice.
Her lips twitched. “And what about yer hand? Have ye had Mairead look at it yet? We had a deal if ye recall.”
He held up his hand, now minus its bandage. “It came off in the tub,” he explained.
“So, ye havenae kept up yer side of the bargain, I take it?” she admonished playfully.
“I’ve been very busy since we got back. I havenae had time,” he defended himself, then admitted ruefully, “Tae be honest, I’d forgotten all about it. It daesnae hurt.”
