After soaking the filth away and rinsing her hair, Madeline and Brenna both had to aid Alice to stand. Her weakness frightened Maddie. She held onto her as Brenna applied salve and clean linen to her wounds. After Alice finally had a clean night rail on, they sat her in front of the fire so Maddie could brush her long locks. The soothing motion worked as she hoped as Alice’s eyes drifted closed. Brenna helped Maddie settle her in bed. Before exhaustion claimed her, she reached up, cupped Madeline’s cheek and said, “Thank goodness Laird Grant rescued you.”
Brenna stepped outside and sent Jennie off to bed. Maddie finally broke down and sobbed, unable to stop the torrent of tears on her cheeks. How many others suffered because of her actions? She could not bear the thought of her clan’s people punished because she wouldn’t do what her stepbrother bade her. How could she apologize to Alice? Mac must hate her, how could he bear to see his wife so? Relentless with his cruelty, Kenneth would never stop. What was she to do?
Searching for a solution, her head ached as she rejected possible recourses. Tomorrow, she would spend time in the chapel, hoping for guidance about her future path.
Lord, please help me. I know not what to do.
As Brenna and Maddie made their way to the great hall, Brenna rested her arm across Maddie’s shoulder and gave her a swift hug.
“Alice is very special to you, is she no’?”
Maddie wiped her tears away with a strip of linen. “Aye, after I lost my parents, she was the only one I trusted in the keep. I never had contact with many others when I was a child. My parents were a bit overprotective, I am beginning to realize.” She gave Brenna a weak smile as they headed down the stairway.
***
Mac jumped out of his chair at the sight of Maddie. “How is she, lass?”
“She is sleeping, Mac. What happened?”
Alex stood and ushered Madeline to a bench. Mac had informed them of the numerous beatings Kenneth inflicted on his servants in an attempt to get information about Maddie. In an effort to protect her, he had implored Mac to keep silent about the travesties committed by their laird. The lass already had too much guilt and pain in her life. She didn’t need any more.
However, one glance at the guilt in Maddie’s face was enough to tear his heart out. Alex’s need to avenge the cruelty the MacDonald delivered was growing daily. He had to put an end to this laird’s treachery.
Alex cut in before Mac could answer. “My lady, Laird MacDonald is anxious for your return, and is trying to find your whereabouts. Mac was able to get his wife away when the laird took his guards to the Comming Castle.”
“He doesn’t suspect that I am here, does he?” Maddie’s face crumpled, etched with concern and fear.
“Nay, no’ yet,” Mac answered. “He searched for you in the MacDonald lands, but has no’ learned anything. He is riding to the Comming for assistance. Who can predict what goes on in Kenneth’s mind? We know no’ what his next step will be.”
Maddie stood and paced in front of the table. She turned to Alex. “Laird Grant, what will you do? They could be on their way here with guardsmen from both clans. They may attack your keep. Surely, I must leave.” She wrung her hands together and glanced about as if searching for an easy escape. “I could not bear to see your clan attacked because of me. What if people get hurt? It would be my fault. Perhaps I will just go with the Comming if he comes for me.”
Alex strode directly in front of her and searched her clear blue eyes. “Maddie, calm down. If they do decide to come here, we are ready. I train my men every day for this reason. I will protect you as I promised. And you will not be leaving with the Comming.” Alex’s voice turned harsh when he mentioned Niles.
Maddie peered at him through tear-stained lashes. He read her thoughts, she did not trust him yet. What would he have to do to gain her trust? His eyes never left her face, although he forced himself not to gaze at her luscious lips, remembering her taste.
Maddie finally nodded her head. “Thank you, Laird. I feel I am exhausted by this day. I think it best to go to my chamber now.”
Alex reached to touch her cheek. When he remembered their audience, he quickly changed his movement from a caress to a brush, as if to erase her worry. She blushed a deep red.
Stumbling away from him, she gave Mac another hug. “Thank you for bringing Alice back to me.”
Without a glance at Alex, she fled to her chamber.
***
Maddie bolted upright the next morning, her hand touching the spot where Alex had caressed her in front of everyone. Her cheeks turned pink as she recalled how soft and warm his touch had been, spreading through her body instantly, heating her in places she had never experienced before. How was it possible she could still feel that touch today? She forced herself out of bed, finished her ablutions and dressed in a hurry to stop the carnal thoughts dancing through her mind.