Alasdair nodded his agreement, his look deadly.
"We'll leave just before dawn," Lachlan went on. "By then,Claybourne'shorses will be exhausted and we should be able to overtake them easily."
"I thank you both for your help. I'll repay you someday."
"No repayment necessary, my friend." Lachlan clasped a hand on his shoulder. "You've helped me more times than I can count."
After everyone retired to their chambers for a few hours' sleep, Rebbie returned to Calla's room. He knocked lightly at her door.
One of the maids opened it.
"How is she feeling?" he asked Mistress Hillman, while his gaze drifted to Calla, lying on her side under the covers. They'd obviously helped her prepare for bed.
"She has a headache, so I'm steeping some willow bark tea for her."
He nodded and strode to the fireplace. Calla met his gaze and gave him a wee smile.
His heart gave a happy leap and he returned her smile. "Lachlan and Alasdair will ride south just before dawn in pursuit of Claybourne. They're going to determine whether the knave has your son or not. We'll meet them atDraughonas soon as we can. I don't want to leave here until you're up to traveling."
"Please thank them for me. I wish to thank you as well for coming to my rescue."
"I'm happy to help." He turned to Mistress Hillman. "You two, go find your beds. I'll sit with the lady tonight."
"Och,m'laird. I don't mind sitting up with her at all."
"If I need you, I'll come find you." He needed to hold Calla so badly his chest ached. He could've lost her so easily tonight. And if he had… just the thought sent a stabbing pain to his gut. He didn't know what the hell he was feeling.
"Very well. If you insist," Mistress Hillman said hesitantly. "Is that all right with you, then, m'lady?" she asked Calla.
"Aye, and I thank you for your help, both of you."
"We'll see you in the morn. Oh, and be sure to drink the tea."
When the two women exited, Rebbie barred the door.
"What are you about?" Calla murmured from the bed.
He moved toward her. "I want to hold you," he said, keeping his voice low.
"All night?" she whispered.
"Aye. What's left of it." He relished her smile and didn't think she'd object. "Are you in agreement?"
"I am."
"Well, then, you must drink this first." He helped her sit up and held her while she sipped the warm tea from the wooden cup. He kissed her cheek and smelled the scent of rose soap. The maids must have helped her bathe, too.
Blushing, she smiled. "You are too kind."
"'Tisdoubtful."
She sent him an amused glance.
After she finished the tea, he helped her lie down again on her side so as to not put pressure on her head injury. He blew out all the candles, leaving only the fireplace to light the room to a dim glow.
Having left most of his weapons downstairs in the armory, he removed hissgiandubhand laid it on the table by the bed. After discarding his doublet and boots, but leaving on his shirt and belted plaid, he climbed onto the bed behind her and placed his arms around her.
"Does your head pain you greatly?"
