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The earl’s frown deepened. He peered at Robbie. His mouth worked, though no words were formed, at least, nothing that made any sense. Eventually, he turned back to gaze into the fire once more.
“I had a son, once. A fine wee laddie he was, too. Younger than ye, though.”
“I know that. I…grew up, Papa.” Surely there would be some spark of recognition, some glimpse, however brief, of the man who had once inhabited this body. “An’ Flora, too,” Robbie added. “She wants to come and see you.”
The earl made a growling sound in is throat. “I dinnae ken any Flora. Tell your mother tae come an’ help me tae my bed. Damn fool woman, never here when she’s needed.”
“I can help you, Papa.” Robbie did not see any point in trying to convince his father that his mother had been dead for more than a decade. “Here, you can lean on me.”
The earl permitted Robbie to help him to his feet but let out a sharp cry as soon as he placed his weight on them. He would have crumpled to the floor had Robbie not slung his arm about his waist and half carried him across the chamber. It was only as he helped his father onto the mattress that Robbie saw the weals and redness on the soles of the earl’s feet.
“Papa, your feet are burned.” Gently, he lifted one of his father’s feet and examined it more closely. Blisters, some of them already burst and becoming infected, covered most of the skin. The earl must have been in agony every time he attempted to walk. No wonder he had not been seen about the castle. It was obvious his father had been left to himself in here with no one to watch over him and ensure that he came to no harm. Robbie did not suspect foul play. Rather, he believed his father had sat with his bare feet too close to the flames and if he felt any discomfort had not known what to do to alleviate it. He had allowed his skin to scorch and blister, and no one had even noticed. This was yet another score to settle with Angus, but first, Robbie must see that the earl’s injuries were attended to.
He strode to the door and yelled into the empty corridor. Moments later, one of the few remaining maidservants scurried around a corner and rushed to him.
“Where is Mistress Hollett?” Bridie Hollett was the housekeeper and cook at Roxburghe, as had been her mother and grandmother before her. She had a clever way with herbs in her cooking and could put her skills to equally good use in healing also.
The maid bobbed before him, close to tears. “She…she be gone, my lord. Sent back tae ’er cottage…”
“She does not have a cottage. She lives here.”
“Sir Angus told ’er she wasnae needed an’ sent ’er tae stay wi’ ’er sister.”
Robbie flexed his jaw. “Where does this sister live?” he demanded.
“I am no’ quite sure, my lord. Jedburgh, I think…”
Robbie heaved in a sigh. “What is your name, girl?”
The maid bobbed again. “Agnes, my lord. But most call me Aggie.”
“Aggie. I have an important task for you. First, you will go and find clean linens, then return tae tend tae my father. His feet are injured. Do what ye can tae clean the wounds, then make sure he eats something. It is your responsibility, from now on, tae take care of him.”
“Aye, my lord, but what about—?”
“Never mind any other duties. Your sole task now is to see to my father’s comfort and safety. Is that clear?”
She nodded hard. “Aye, my lord. I shallnae let ye down.” Aggie scuttled away.
That most pressing of matters settled, Robbie returned to his father’s bedside. “I am here now, Papa. I shall see to things, until you are feeling a little better.”
The earl met his gaze, his eyes lucid suddenly. He reached across the blanket and took Robbie’s hand. “Aye, lad, I ken that ye will. It be right good tae see ye safe home again…” He closed his eyes and drifted into a deep sleep.
Robbie remained where he was until Aggie came back with the linens and a bowl of fresh water. He left her to her task and went in search of Charles.
He found his cousin in the hall, still directing the efforts of the servants to restore something akin to order. Charles glanced over at Robbie and raised one eyebrow.
Robbie just shook his head. No words were required. They both understood how dire the situation was.
“I need you to go to St Mary’s and bring your wife and my sister home,” he said. “And on the way, please call at Jedburgh and seek out the dwelling of Bridie Hollett’s sister. I gather that is where our cook and housekeeper now resides. Ye will send her straight back here.”
“Aye, Robbie. I shall leave at once.”
“Charles…”
His cousin halted on his way to the door.
“Thank you. For everything. I dread to think how all of this would have ended had you not come to find me.”
