him to a sitting position. The chieftain’s head dropped forward and he snored. Such a display of exemplary boorishness.
Helen clapped a hand to her chest. “How do you think you’ll lift him? Sir Aleck’s an awfully large man.”
Eoin grinned. “After years of rescuing your brother from every peril imaginable, I think I can carry this bear to the next room.” But it’s damn near going to break my back. Eoin planted his feet and heaved, swallowing his urge to bellow as he lifted.
Once Aleck’s body was up, Eoin crouched and slid his shoulder under him. “Go,” he strained through gritted teeth.
God’s teeth, the bastard must weigh twenty stone.
Helen pattered ahead and opened the doors. The sinews in Eoin’s neck strained. He either was going soft or Aleck MacIain was the heaviest blighter he’d ever carried.
Once inside the chieftain’s chamber, Eoin staggered to the bed and unfolded MacIain onto the mattress.
Helen lifted the man’s legs and pushed them onto the bed.
Watching her touch the overstuffed codfish made his gut clench. He didn’t care if MacIain was Helen’s husband, the bastard hadn’t earned the right to be tended by her loving hands.
She removed his shoes and covered him with the plaid from the end of the bed. “I don’t suppose there’s much else we can do for him.”
“Nay. The best thing for him is sleep.”
Again she wrapped her arms around her midriff, then turned full circle as if looking at the chieftain’s chamber for the first time. Lit only by the fire in the hearth and a candle flickering on the mantel, she shuddered. “I hate it in here.”
Eoin didn’t need to ask why. He placed his palm in the small of her back and ushered her through the passageway to the lady’s chamber door.
Helen placed her hand on the latch but hesitated. “I do not know how to thank you, Sir Eoin. Your kindness has exceeded all bounds.”
He brushed the back of his finger along her smooth, unbruised cheek. “If only I could do more.”
She caught his fingers and brushed her lips over them. Then with a squeeze, she released his hand. “Sleep well.”
He bowed. “I shall see you on the morrow, m’lady.”
He waited until she slipped inside. Then he raised the hand she’d kissed and pressed it to his lips. The lady mightn’t ever end up wrapped in his arms again, but after this eve’s events, Eoin vowed to henceforth protect her.
Helen awoke when Glenda drew aside the window furs. A cock crowed and Helen pulled a pillow over her head. “It cannot possibly be morning.” Helen’s throat hurt and her voice rasped.
“’Tis time to break your fast m’lady,” the chambermaid said with too much enthusiasm.
With a groan, Helen sat up and pushed the bedclothes aside. “Brr. There’s a cold wind coming from the window.”
“Aye, it looks like it might rain.” Glenda held up Helen’s dressing gown. “Are you still planning to go to the village today, m’lady? You sound like you might be coming down with a sore throat.”
“I’m fine.” Yes, her voice was a tad gravelly, but it was Saturday. Helen visited the village with food and her medicine basket every Saturday. “Everyone would miss me if I didn’t go. Besides, I’d like to spend a day away from Mingary.” If only I could tell her how much I’d like to get away. Helen donned the dressing gown and then grimaced, tapping her fingers to her tender jaw.
“Are you hurt, m’lady?”
“I’ll come good in a day or two.”
Glenda placed her palms either side of Helen’s face. “Let me have a look.”
Helen flicked up the neckline of the robe to cover her neck. No use causing a stir about the fingerprint bruises as well.
“Lord in heaven, he’s given you another bruise.”
Helen pulled away. “’Twas just a slap.”
“Just? Pardon me for speaking my mind, m’lady, but Sir Aleck should never raise a hand against you. ’Tis just not right.”
Helen looked to the tray with a bowl of porridge and a cup of mead awaiting her on the table by the hearth. “I’ll set to eating if you could brush out my blue kirtle and cloak.”
Glenda didn’t budge. “I do not understand why you always pretend nothing is wrong. From the noise coming from this chamber last eve, I was afraid Sir Aleck was going to do more than slap you.”
Helen sat and stared at her porridge. “It was that bad?”
“Why else would I barge in with an armed knight in my wake?”
“Thank you.” Helen sighed and looked her chambermaid in