behind. Rory was placed in the small room Anna used for healing. A small wooden box was placed in Nessa’s room for Trean. After seeing to his comfort, Anna left the drowsy pup in his new bed and dashed to Duncan’s room on the third level of the north tower, where she found the laird speaking with his son in private.
Waiting impatiently, Anna briefly related the story of the trip to the women, leaving out many details for Nessa’s benefit. Eyes wide, Lady MacGregor put her servants into motion as she hurried to her son’s side.
Pulling two chairs next to Duncan’s bed, Mairi took one. She doted over Duncan while Anna and Nessa prepared fresh poultices and dressings. Keeping their minds busy and away from the reality of their patient, Anna used it as a teaching opportunity, describing what she’d done thus far, and why. The laird glanced her way briefly, then left the room.
Duncan appeared better, but Anna knew infection from such wounds killed as often as the wound itself. Unable to stem her deep sense of blame to see him injured, Anna avoided eye contact, quickly glancing away when his gaze tried to catch hers. She knew he attempted to comfort her, but his need to make her feel better did nothing to assuage her guilt. With Mairi and Nessa present, there was no opportunity for private words between them.
A gentle knock sounded, and Mairi rose to answer the summons. Malcolm peeked in.
“Lady Anna, the laird bids ye join him downstairs.”
As she arrived at the lard’s solar, MacGregor rose from his chair in front of the fire.
He waved to the seat next to his. “Please sit. Can I offer ye wine?” His voice and expression gave her no clue as to his mood.
She nodded, wordlessly accepting the goblet. Taking a long drink, she allowed the dark liquid to warm her insides as the libation coursed its way through her blood.
“Ye had quite an adventure. I would hear yer version of it.”
Though his voice sounded gentle, the command rang clear. Taking a deep breath, Anna set her goblet aside and began from the day they left until they returned. When she reached the part of the attack, she handed him the bag of coins along with the note from the Earl of Northumberland.
They both stared into the fire for a long time. Fear of the laird’s anger for her responsibility, and the possibility of being asked to leave, gnawed at her gut. His prediction of her presence bringing enemies to his clan echoed in her ears.
“I understand ye are to become my daughter-by-marriage.” Kenneth still stared at the fire, his voice calm.
Of all the things she expected to hear from him, this was not among them, and it took a moment for her to recover. “Duncan asked me to marry him two days ago.” Anna held her breath, waiting for his reaction, wondering if recent events made their betrothal unacceptable.
The laird must have read her discomfort, for he smiled. “Duncan spoke to me a few weeks ago about his intentions. I am pleased the two of ye have come to an accord.”
She was surprised by this news, but upon reflection, she shouldn’t have been. She knew Duncan was close to his father and would seek his advice and approval.
“Is there no other match you wish him to make, then?”
“Nae. There are no daughters of marrying age among our allies at this time, nor among those with whom we might forge a new bond. Besides, I doubt it would make a whit of difference if there were.” His smile deepened, but the lines of worry still creased his forehead.
Anna wanted to return his smile, but her guilt shoved like a dagger in her chest.
Duncan’s father shrugged. “He is quite determined to have ye. My son has always been quiet, thinking through a situation before acting. I have never seen him so resolute and passionate about anyone or anything before.”
Knowing how important alliances were to the safety and well-being of the clans, Anna’s stomach twisted with guilt, realizing she brought nothing to this marriage. “I regret I bring no benefit to your clan, though I promise to serve faithfully.”
The laird’s eyes narrowed and his face folded into a frown. “Ye are mistaken. Already, ye have saved both my son’s and daughter’s lives, along with several of my men.”
Holding up his hand to halt her argument, he continued. “I understand ye think this ordeal is yer fault, but as with Shamus, ye