Page 24 of To Charm a Highlander

‘Twas verra quiet once Dorathia had left and the lass from the kitchen brought up the tea and broth, eyeing Donella nervously as she placed the tray on the table and hurried from the room.

Donella reached out and took Callum’s hand.“’Tis sad that I fell apart so easily when we were trying to cool ye off.I ken ye can’t hear me, but I want ye to ken that when ye awaken I will tell ye what I learned from Haydon.”

With a sigh, she leaned back and eyed the trencher of food the kitchen lass had brought up for her.Since her stomach was now settled, she might try to take the bit of bread on the tray.

She was chewing slowly, studying Callum’s face when he opened his eyes.“Ach, lass.‘Twas ye who cooled me off.”His voice sounded as though he’d swallowed a frog.

“Yes.Dorathia and I worked verra hard to do so.”She placed the bread back on the tray.“How do ye feel?”

“No’ as hot was I was feeling before.The pain in my arm is a tad troubling, but I think I am on the mend.How long have I been suffering with the fever?”

“I’m not exactly sure.I came here earlier today and ye were tossing and turning and burning up with fever.I went to Dorathia’s cottage to get something for ye and she was already on her way here.Between the two of us, we got ye cooled down and the sheets changed.”

“Thank ye.I shouldna’ e’en be here.They should have brought me to the warrior’s quarters.”

“Nay.There was no way ye would have recovered over there.”

Callum reached out and took her hand in his.She noticed it was dry and not as warm.“I’m glad yer here, lass, but I doona want you to get into trouble with the laird.”

“Do no’ trouble yerself over that.I’ve been here all afternoon and Ainslee stopped in once so Haydon kens I’m here.”

Donella took a deep breath.“I ken that we are only friends—”

Callum squeezed her hand.“—Nay, more than friends, I hope, Donella.As soon as I am on my feet, I intend to ask yer brother if I may court ye.”

She blushed, ‘twas what she wanted as well.She hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath.

“What is it, lass?

“Before ye take that step, I need to tell ye about a conversation I had earlier today with my brother.”

Callum frowned.“Ye look so frightened.”

“Aye.I am.‘Twas no’ a happy conversation, but if ye are planning to speak with Haydon about us, then ye need to hear what he had to say, and what Dorathia also told me.”