A Highland Pearl (Highland Treasures Book 1) by Brenda B. Taylor Page B

like lightning through a summer
sky. He asked Gavin, “Do you have an idea who did the deed?”
    “I have nae idea.” Gavin shook his head.
    Andrew turned to Maidie, leaned forward, and took her hands. “Would
you care for a toddy, Madam? Your face is white and your hands tremble.”
    “No thank you, M’Laird. I canna hold anything on my stomach
now.”
    “Aye, you need rest, you and your son.” He released her hands
and looked at Sven. “The lad is pale too. Both of you have been through much of
late.” He stood and helped Maidie to rise. “You are under my care and
protection now. I’ll see naught else happens.” The chief led Maidie to the door
and then turned to Tavish. “I’ll talk to you later of the incident. For now,
stay close to the lass. I want Ullas with the lad. They’ll be a good match.”
    Maidie turned to Andrew before she left the chamber. “Is that
necessary? Tavish has more important things to attend than play my nursemaid.”
    Sparks flew from the chief’s eyes again. “Madam, I kindly ask you
not to question my orders to my men. Please rest now. I hope to see you at the
head table for the evening meal.” He spoke to Tavish, “Take Madam Munro to the
bedchamber she used last. I’ll send Nellie to her.”
    Tavish nodded and led the way down the dimly lit passage to
the bedchamber Maidie and Sven slept in while she tended the chief. She had no
choice. An image of her childhood home flashed through her mind. Mayhap her
father would welcome her return. She felt certain he would welcome Sven, his
grandson. But would his wife welcome them? While remaining single for several
years when her mother died from the fever, her da remarried after Maidie left
home. She felt his new wife was one reason she had not heard from her da in a
long time, and then the feud began.
    Tavish opened the door to the bedchamber. “I’ll be outside your
door, Madam.” He seemed hesitant to move from the doorway.
    “Thank you, Tavish.” She smiled at the young warrior. He was
loyal and now a true friend. “I appreciate all you’ve done for Sven and me.”
    “I’m happy to be of service.” His face brightened in a smile,
yet he stood without moving.
    Maidie didn’t know what to say. She turned away to find Sven
staring out of the window. Moving to stand beside him, she placed her arm
around his shoulder. The warriors were training in the meadow outside of the
bailey once again.
    Turning quickly to Tavish, who had not moved from the doorway,
she asked, “Shouldn’t you be training with the fighting men?”
    “Aye, Madam, except I’ve been assigned to guard you and the
lad.” His face beamed.
    Turning the warrior from his assignment was an impossible
task. Maidie took Sven by the hand and led him away from the window. Warriors,
weapons, and fighting surrounded them. She went to Tavish, put a hand on his
chest, pushed him out of the doorway, then closed the heavy door.

 
 
 
    Chapter Nine

 
    Andrew sat at the head table on the
dais, eating in silence and keeping one eye on the stairwell. Davina sat on one
side with Gavin, who conversed with Erskin, on the other. Maidie had not yet
made an appearance at the evening meal. The distraught lass must intend to take
food in her chamber. Gavin brought her to the castle just the day before when
her home was wrecked. After searching through the rubble of her cottage and
byre, Gavin said he had no idea as to the identity of the culprit.
    Andrew touched Gavin’s arm, so his brother turned to face him.
“I want to speak to you and Davina in the library after the meal. Too much
noise and too many ears to discuss the MacKenzie matter here,” Andrew said
while taking a bite of broiled trout.
    Gavin nodded then quickly turned away. Maidie came down the
stairwell with Sven in front of her and Tavish close behind. The young warrior
sported a beaming countenance. Andrew noticed the gleam in his brother’s eye
while he watched the healer descend the stairs. The