Tavia allowed a small grin. "Can you turn onto your stomach so I can examine your back?"
Anna turned over, wanting to ask more about Neacal, but she wouldn't. Obviously, Tavia didn't want to discuss the details of his injuries, and Anna was unsure she was prepared to hear how awful they'd been, especially after dealing with such a traumatizing event only a short time ago. In addition, perhaps Tavia didn't want to be accused of gossiping… and neither did Anna. Still, she couldn't help that he'd peaked her curiosity. Especially his protective nature.
"He probably saved my life this eve," Anna said, turning her head toward the other woman. "Certainly, he prevented that beast from forcing himself on me. For that, I'll be ever in his debt."
"He would never expect repayment, lass. 'Tis simple—he doesn't want to see others harmed and abused as he was." Tavia pressed her fingers along Anna's backbone. "Are you married?"
Anna shook her head, thinking of John, her beloved husband, sudden tears stinging her eyes. Though he had been a decade older than her, he had always treated her with great respect and she'd loved him for it. "Not anymore."
"You lost him?"
"Aye."
"I'm sorry. I lost my own husband as well. In battle, years ago."
"Oh. I'm sorry to hear of it."
"Of a certainty, we understand each other." Tavia stepped back. "Well, the bruises appear to be the worst of your injuries, thank the heavens. Those should fade in a week or two."
"I appreciate you looking me over." Anna arose from the bed and started dressing, wincing when a stitch of soreness latched onto her shoulder. "Ouch!"
"Here, let me help." Tavia assisted her with the rest of her clothing. "If you would like an herbal tea to help you sleep, let me know."
"I would appreciate that."
"For your elbow and other bruises, apply the salve I gave you for your neck when you first arrived. If you can't reach the bruise, I'll apply it for you."
"Very well. I thank you."
A knock sounded at the door and it opened a crack.
"Enter," Tavia said.
A maid stuck her head in. "His lairdship wants to know how Mistress Douglas is."
"Tell him I am well," Anna said, warmth filling her at his concern for her.
The maid gave a nod. "He wishes to see you, Tavia, for a full report. And he requests that Mistress Douglas retire to her room and get some rest."
"Ah. I see," Anna said, hiding a smile. 'Twas only because of him that she would feel like smiling after such a disturbing attack. She didn't even mind that Neacal was being bossy. She couldn't argue with getting some rest. She was exhausted after fighting off that beast.
"Please tell him not to worry over me," Anna said.
Tavia sent her a crooked smile. "Very well. He'll no doubt want to see for himself how you are in the morn."
Anna nodded and headed up the back servants' stair. She would look forward to seeing him in the morn as well.
***
"How could you, Neacal?" Constance demanded. "How could you kill Farquar?"
Standing by the library's fireplace, Neacal glared at his cousin. Tears streamed from her eyes. Why was she behaving in this way? "What was he to you?"
She quickly swiped her tears away. "My… friend."
"Damnation, you were sleeping with him," Neacal growled.
"Nay," she blurted. An obvious lie.
