“Thank you, Alex,” she whispered.
“This is just for the day. I will return you to my chamber tonight. ‘Tis where you belong. But I will give in to your tender sensibilities during the day.” He deposited her on the bed and propped her arm with a pillow. “Brenna said to keep your arm supported for awhile. I will send her up to check your arm while I see Cook about some food. Are you hungry, sweeting?”
“Aye, I could eat a little something, thank you.” Her eyes rested on her betrothed’s mouth, remembering his kisses at the loch.
“Please don’t look at me like that, or my intentions will no longer be honorable.” After a quick kiss on her lips, he turned and left the chamber. Maddie sighed, wishing they were already married so she could stop worrying about her reputation and conduct herself as she wished, which would be near Alex as much as possible. She supposed she needed to focus on healing first, and also wondered how Jennie fared this morning.
A few minutes later, Alex burst into her chamber with a huge smile on his face, carrying wee Jennie in his arms.
“Hi, Maddie,” Jennie said weakly.
Alex set her on the bed in front of Madeline.
“Jennie, are you all right?” Maddie cupped her face with her right hand.
“I am fine, but my big brother will not let me walk yet. He does not believe me. I am a little tired though. And my head does hurt sometimes. And I think I have some bruises, but I will get better. Alex said I could have pastries to break my fast and Cook made me the biggest pastry I have ever had and it is covered with icing! I didn’t eat it yet as I wanted to come and see you first but I did lick some icing off already.” Jennie’s words flew as if she hadn’t talked in days.
“Is your arm all right, Maddie? What is that thing on your arm? Does it hurt very much? How can you take a bath with that thing on your arm?”
“Och, little flower, slow down or you will give Madeline a headache, too,” Alex smiled. “Give her a kiss so I can return you to your room to eat your pastry. Maddie needs to rest.”
Jennie leaned over and gave Madeline a big kiss. “Thank you for saving me, Maddie MacD.” Alex picked her up and left. Her chatter continued and he shook his head, chuckling as he walked.
“I think she is feeling better.” he shouted back to Madeline.
***
The next few hours flew by. Brenna and Alice helped Maddie bathe the best they could. She ate in her chamber as she was still in a bit of pain and not quite ready to face everyone yet. Robbie and Brodie stopped in briefly to see how she was doing. They all filled her in on wee Jennie and how much she enjoyed being the center of attention.
Alice came in frequently and clucked her way around the room, fixing everything. At one point, Alice talked about the wedding, but Madeline just could not keep her eyes open any longer.
It was several hours later when she awoke and saw Alex seated at her bedside.
“How long have I been asleep, Alex?” she asked.
“Quite awhile, but your body needs it. What you did yesterday was no small feat for a lass your size. Your body needs to heal itself, especially your arm. Is it paining you much, lass?”
“Nay, only when I move it certain ways. I think I am ready to walk a bit, I cannot sit here forever.” Maddie moved herself to the edge of the bed.
“I think you could go down to the hall for supper. There are some people who are anxious to see you are all right.”
“Well, I do not know who could be interested in my welfare. I have seen all of your family and most of the servants today. But I would like to go to the hall and eat with your family. If you would send Alice in, she could help me get dressed into something more appropriate. I still have my night rail on.”
“I will help you,” He walked over to her chest. “What gown do you want?”
“Alex, you cannot help me. It would be improper. You cannot see me naked.” Maddie blushed and Alex stared at her.
“Maddie, in a sennight I plan to see you naked every day. Every inch of your body that I have seen is beautiful, so don’t be shy. But today, I promise just to help you into your gown. You have a chemise on underneath, aye?” Alex asked.
Maddie glanced at the determination on her betrothed’s face. His arms were crossed in front of him and she probably could not sway him. She finally conceded by standing up.
“All right, but do not dawdle!” she said with a firm set to her jaw.
Alex turned his back to her to reach into the chest. He pulled out a lavender gown. “How is this?”
“That will be fine,” she said as she clenched her teeth. She turned her back to Alex and tried to remove her night rail, but only managed to tangle it.