Page 26 of Secrets of a Kilted Seduction

CHAPTER TEN

The healer turned out to be a kindly woman in her fifties, with a lined face that once might have been beautiful, graying hair, and bright green eyes. She had a plump, matronly figure that reminded Alana of her mother’s. She felt an instant connection to her.

“Lady Alana, is it nae?” the healer asked when she entered the infirmary, her eyes wide with surprise as they landed on Alana. As if remembering herself, she immediately bobbed a small curtsey.

“Aye, but please, plain old just Alana will dae. I’m nae used tae bein’ called ‘lady,’ nor havin’ folks bowing’ and curtseyin’ tae me,” she explained, eliciting a beaming smile from the woman, which she immediately returned.

“Very well, plain old Alana,” said the healer, nodding and coming closer. Her eyes searched Alana’s face as though she were seeking something there. “I’m very pleased tae meet ye. I’m Moira, the healer here at the castle.”

“How dae ye dae, Moira? I’m very pleased tae meet ye too.” They pressed their hands together in friendly greeting.

Then, Moira’s expression turned more serious, and she said, “Now, ye seem in rather a rush. What’s the matter? Is it somethin’ I can help with?” Her lively eyes were full of concern and curiosity which Alana found reassuring.

“Aye, I am rather. I’m sorry tae burst in on ye like this, Moira, but ’tis a

bit of an emergency, and I need yer help,” she explained, full of anxiety over Tadhg.

“Och, an emergency, is it? Of course, I’ll help if I can. That’s what I’m here

fer. What’s happened?” the healer asked in her soft throaty voice.

“’Tis me husband Tadhg,” Alana told her. “He’s been hurt, and I need some

salves and a few dressings and such like tae treat his wounds. And maybe some willow tea if ye have it.”

“I’m sorry tae hear about yer husband. He’s the big braw fella, is he nae? A fine figure of a man fer sure,” she said, her eyes twinkling.

“Aye, that’s him,” Alana replied, feeling a flash of unaccountable pride in her handsome so-called husband, which she knew was ridiculous and instantly crushed.

“How did he get himself injured?” Moira inquired, tilting her head in a birdlike manner.

“Och, the fool decided he and Blaine should go head tae head in a sparrin’ match,” Alana explained what had happened as briefly as she could, leaving out what had sparked the fight.

“Oh, and did he lose, yer man?”

“Nay, he won.” Alana replied. Again, she felt that stupid flash of pride in Tadhg. Again, she deliberately squashed it.

“Mmm,” Moira murmured thoughtfully. “That means the loser will be along shortly tae have his wounds seen tae as well then.” She sighed and shook her gray head. “Well, that’s the men fer ye, eh? Always lookin’ fer an excuse tae fight.”

“Aye, ye’re right there, Moira,” Alana agreed. “I told him nae tae dae it, but he wouldnae listen. So, could ye give me some supplies?”

“Mayhap it would be best if I came and looked at his wounds mesel’, bein’ a healer and all,” Moira suggested.

Alana smiled. “’Tis a very kind offer, but that will nae be necessary. Ye see, I’m a trained healer too.”

Moira’s eyes widened in surprise. “Ye’re never!” she exclaimed.

“Aye, I am, just as me maither was before me. I work fer Laird Lennox, at Lennox Castle further north from here.”

“Well, the Lord be praised!” Moira cried, clearly delighted by the discovery. “What a coincidence. I’m always ready tae help a fellow healer.” She turned to the crammed shelves lining the walls and made a sweeping gesture with her arm. “Take whatever ye need, Alana. Everything’s clearly labeled, so ye should be able tae find what ye want quite easily. While ye’re doin’ that, I’ll make yer man and Blaine some willow tea tae help with the pain and make them sleep.”

“Thank ye, Moira, I’m very grateful.”

Alana went to the shelves and set about gathering the few things she required to clean Tadhg’s wounds. Moira prepared the tea, bending over the fire in the hearth, asking how Alana was finding her stay at the castle. She reminded Alana so much of her mother, she felt like spilling the whole sorry tale and confessing that she and Tadhg were not man and wife. But she stopped herself. Tadhg had told her he trusted no one in the castle, and neither should she.

Just as she was leaving the infirmary, carrying a tray full of the medical supplies she needed, Moira stopped her and added a large, covered beaker full of the hot willow tea to her load.

“Come and help yersel’ tae more if ye need it,” she said with a warm smile. “And make sure tae come back and have a wee talk with me when ye have time. I ken yer faither very well, and I’m very worried about him. I’d like tae have the chance tae talk more with his daughter.”