Keegan had checked on Dirk several times throughout the day where he’d been lying in a hammock style bed used by the sailors. Half the time, Dirk had been sleeping, most likely due to the whisky, or because he’d lost sleep the night before. At least, if he was asleep, he wasn’t feeling pain. Keegan hoped the MacKenzie’s healer could help Dirk recover.
Rebbie entered the room, his dark eyes concerned. “How is the pain?”
“No’ so bad.” Dirk winced as he moved his leg.
“You’re a bold-faced liar, my friend, but I’ll overlook it this time.”
“Aye, you’d best do that.”
“I’ll send Isobel in. She’ll cure what ails you.”
Dirk actually grinned at that. “Both of you… update Cyrus on everything that’s happened.”
“We will,” Keegan said. “Get some rest.”
“Aye.”
Keegan and Rebbie left the room, bypassing Isobel, her two maids, and an older woman, perhaps the healer, just as they arrived. At the bottom of the steps, MacMillan approached, carrying Lady Patience, her face white, eyes closed tight, and her hand pressed tightly against her stomach. Keegan cringed, imagining how miserable her extreme nausea must be. But MacMillan was taking good care of her. Keegan suspected the guard did not mind helping her. In fact, he seemed rather taken with the lady and was greatly protective of her.
Seona followed a few feet behind them. When her eyes met Keegan’s, she gave him a brief, shy smile. He had come to depend on those to lighten his mood. He winked in return. Even in the dimness, her blush was evident.
“How is your aunt?” Keegan asked, glancing at MacMillan carrying her up the steps.
“Not so well.” Seona shook her head. “She’s very seasick and her ankle still pains her.”
“I hope she recovers from both ailments quickly.”
“I thank you. She will be wondering where I am.” Seona hastened up the steps.
He stared after her, wishing they could’ve talked longer about… anything. The topic didn’t matter to him. He simply loved listening to her light, feminine voice and looking into her eyes.
He caught up to Rebbie and they headed toward the great hall. “Lucky bastard,” Rebbie mumbled.
“What?” Keegan asked, even though he knew what Rebbie was referring to.
“I saw the way she looked at you with that seductive smile.”
Keegan couldn’t help but grin in response. “She is lovely.”
“And you are smitten, my friend.”
“Guilty as charged.” Keegan only hoped he would find another opportunity soon to talk to Seona and spend some time with her. Their kiss the night before, combined with that revealing conversation, had kept him awake most of the night.
∞∞∞
Seona entered the chamber Hugh MacMillan had carried heraunt into. Patience now lay on the bed and the guard waited a few feet away.
“Is there anything else I can do for you, m’lady?” he asked.
“Nay. I thank you, Hugh, for all your help. I don’t know how you put up with me.”
“Och. M’lady, ’tis no hardship. Would you like me to get a fire started?”
“Nay. Millie will do that. Where is Millie anyway?”
“Here, m’lady.” She rushed in from the corridor along with their other maid, Edwina.
MacMillan left and the two maids fussed over Lady Patience, preparing her for bed.
