Page 18 of Never Fall for a Highlander

She headed to the kitchen once more, completely unsure of what time of day or night it was, but her stomach told her she’d missed at least one meal.

As she grew closer to the kitchen, the smell of some sort of stew and fresh baked bread had her stomach growling like an enraged animal.

Maude was still at the kettle and turned when Helena entered.“There ye are lass.How is our laird faring?”

“His fever broke, and I need more water to wipe him down.”As she filled the jug she asked, “What time is it?I fear I fell asleep and doona have any idea what time of the day it is.”

“’Tis getting close to the supper hour.”Maude turned from the kettle, shaking her stirring spoon at her.“Ye really need someone to relieve ye so ye can get some sleep and eat.”

Helena lifted the jug, and balancing it on her hip, picked up more cloths.“I did fall asleep, but I’m not sure how long.I could definitely use a meal, though.”

“Go ahead and take care of the laird and I will send a kitchen maid up to ye with food.”

“That would be verra nice.”As she trudged back upstairs, she remembered her sister, her new bairn, and her promise to help her once the little one was born.She hadn’t seen her since she left the new family.She thought it was the night before, but right now she wasn’t too sure about anything.

When tears filled her eyes as she entered the laird’s bedchamber, she kenned she was verra tired.He was still thrashing about and as she dipped the cloth into the water, the door opened, and Craig and Finn entered.

“Ach, lass have ye been here since we left ye this morn?”

“Aye.I got a bit of sleep though.”

“How is he?”Craig asked as they both moved to the bed.

“The fever has broken.I got him to drink some ale and now I need to wipe him down, dry him off and change his leine.”

“I am no’ healer, but I can do that while ye take some time to eat,” Finn said.

Before Helena could answer, a slight knock on the door was followed by a young maid who entered the room, carrying a tray.Just the sight of the food had her stomach rumbling.

“Why doona ye bring yer food to yer sister’s room and visit with her while ye eat?”Craig said.“We will stay with Robin.”

“That would be verra nice.I would love to do that.”

Just as she picked up the tray, the laird opened his eyes and looked directly at her.“I still remember, lass.”

Craig and Finn looked back and forth between their brother and Helena.“What does he remember?”

The laird smiled.“She owes me a kiss.”

Chapter eight

“Helena!”

Robin had shouted her name three times already.Where the devil was she?Just as he attempted to get out of bed and find the lass, the bedroom door flew open and Helena stomped in.“What?”She placed her hands on her hips and glared at him.

“Where were ye?”

She growled.Actually growled, which only made him smile.She glared at him.“’Tis no’ humorous, my laird.I heard ye screech like a banshee, but I was trying to get Arthur settled in bed.”

He frowned, no’ caring for the anger that statement brought.“Who is Arthur and why are ye ‘settling’ him into bed?”Had the lass already gained an admirer?

She walked to the bed, her expression no’ softening.“Arthur is my nephew.Jena and Blair’s wee lad.Did ye forget that was the reason I am here at Dun Ugadale?”She paused for a moment, taking a deep breath.“Now what was so verra important that ye needed to almost bring the walls down?”

Her eyes glowed with irritation.Damn, she was even more beautiful when angry.He’d been stuck in the bluidy bed for three days.His fever had come and gone and now he was ready to clean up, dress in real clothes and get back to business.

“Remember, I am yer laird.”He raised his chin and attempted to glare at her which wasn’t successful because the lass amused him so when she was angry.“I need a bath.”

She turned.“Fine, I shall send a maid.”