Page 106 of My Notorious Highlander

"Aye, I am here."

Frowning, and with seemingly great effort, he opened his eyes a crack. "Missed you."

Tears filled her eyes. "I missed you, too. You must get better."

"Aye."

"I've brought Flora, the healer, with me."

At the moment, she was conversing with another woman in the corner of the room, near the door. Another healer, perhaps.

Torrin's hand moved from beneath the layers of blankets and clasped onto hers.

"Have you eaten anything?" she asked, holding his hand tight.

"Not hungry."

"How long has it been?"

He shook his head a little and frowned. Saints! Could he not even remember when he'd last eaten? "Would one of you go see if there is any fresh broth in the kitchen?" she asked the two women. "And if there is, bring some. Some ale, too."

"Aye, m'lady. My name's Margie. We tried to get him to eat, but he'd have none of it." She hurried out the door.

Well, at least they'd tried. He would have to eat for her; she'd make him.

"Is she the healer for Munrick?" Jessie whispered.

"Aye. Their main healer passed a few months ago. Margie admits she isn't well trained."

"Saints! Torrin, why on earth did you not hire a competent healer?"

"Didn't ken I'd need one," he whispered.

She shook her head.

"I need to examine his wounds and see if they are festered," Flora said.

"Aye." Jessie said. "I'll help you." Knowing one of the injuries was on his left thigh, Jessie moved the blankets aside while trying to keep his groin covered, although she was certain Flora had seen countless naked men while performing her healing duties.

Flora removed the bloody linen bandage from his thigh, revealing a swollen, angry gash. It had been roughly stitched up. Jessie wanted to mutter several curse words, but kept her lips sealed tight.

"'Tis a festering wound. I must bathe it, then apply a poultice." Flora turned to the MacLeod maid who waited near the door. "I'll need a kettle of boiled water if you please."

"Aye." The maid hastened away.

"It looks bad, does it not?" Jessie asked.

Flora nodded.

"You can help him though, aye?"

"I will certainly try, m'lady. But you must pray. Your prayers seem to work miracles." Flora dug into her satchel and pulled out several wee cloth pouches of dried herbs.

Jessie nodded, her throat closing. Her prayers had been answered thus far. Torrin was alive, as she'd asked. Now, she must ask for his rapid healing.

Holding his hand, she kissed his overheated forehead, then silently said a swift but heartfelt prayer.

"Don't cry, Jessie," Torrin whispered. "Don't like it when you cry."