person was suffering so.
Changing the subject for now, he asked, “Why was she brought here? And how did Madam Euphemie know where to find ye?”
“Women know about Euphemie’s good heart. She has helped more than one woman escape the horrors of a bad husband.” She sniffled and snuggled into his chest. “And she knew how to find me because I used to work here.”
It took every ounce of energy he had not to react to the news. Here? Of all places?
He supposed he should find some comfort in knowing she worked here instead of the dark alleys and dangerous streets. His encounter with Euphemie had been brief. Brief as it was, he felt certain she was a good woman who would protect those who worked for her.
“That surprises ye, aye?” she asked. Afraid to look into his eyes, she remained firmly rooted with her head against his chest.
“Truth be told lass, it does. But it matters not.”
He felt her relax against him further. He was truly glad he had come here and for the wise advice Euphemie had given him. Had he not come when he did, then Keevah would be grieving all alone. The thought of her going through this by herself made his heart ache.
“How did ye get here?” Certainly, Richard hadn’t allowed her to come all this way alone.
“Aeschene made Richard give me an escort. They are stayin’ at an inn down the street.”
Although he knew Richard wouldn’t have allowed her to come alone, he was still relieved at the news. “My men and I will escort ye away from here.”
“I cannae leave just yet,” she said. “I must tend to Kiernan’s burial first.”
While he wanted nothing more than to leave Inverness, he wasn’t about to leave her alone. “I understand. But ye look done in, lass. Mayhap ye should rest, just a bit?”
Before she could protest further, Euphemie came into the room. In her hands a silver tray filled with the promised warm cider. She placed it on the table in front of the chaise. “He is right, Keevah. Ye need rest.”
When she tried to argue against leaving, Euphemie simply smiled. “Think of Brigid. She will need ye well rested in the hours to come.”
“Brigid?” Lachlan asked.
’Twas Euphemie who answered the question. “Kiernan’s daughter.”
The more he learned, the more questions he had. The poor woman. Not only is she quite literally beaten to death, she also leaves behind a daughter.
“I will be takin’ her with me,” Keevah told him as she sat up. She was staring at the crackling fire in the hearth.
He almost asked about the child’s father, then realized the idea of turning the child over to such a vile man was repugnant. Even if there were other family members who could or would take the child in, she was undoubtedly safer with Keevah.
There were dark circles under her red, puffy eyes. Quietly, he wondered when she had last ate or slept. The sheer determination in her countenance told him there would be no arguing with her on the matter of Brigid. The only thing he would argue was that she would not be going home with Keevah. She’d be going home with them. He’d explain the rightness of it later, after she’d had a hot bath, a hearty meal, and a good deal of sleep.
“We will keep the child safe,” he told her as he took her hand in his. “No matter what.” ‘Twasn’t a promise lightly made. He meant every word of it.
Her shoulders relaxed ever so slightly. Finally, she turned to look into his eyes. “If he could kill his own wife, I doubt he would draw the line at killing her daughter.”
She’d gain no argument from Lachlan.
Euphemie cleared her throat to garner their attention. “I think ye and Brigid would be safer here,” she told them. “Dermott could verra well be lookin’ for Kiernan and Brigid now. I suspect he would look at the inns first.”
Lachlan wasn’t certain the Tickled Pickle was the best place for a child, however he knew there was merit in what Euphemie was saying. “I have men with me,” he said as he stood up. “I will have them stay at the inn down the street. I will stay here with Keevah and the child.”
Euphemie tilted her head ever so slightly. “Forgive me, but I am surprised ye would agree.”
Keevah was just as surprised as her old friend.
He shrugged his shoulders. “Even I can see the rightness in it. We must protect the child at