She rose from her seat on the bed and swayed as her knees bobbled. Caelen caught her arm to steady her and frowned fiercely at her.
“You should remain on the bed. You’ve suffered a terrible fright.”
“I must go tend to Mairin’s needs and see how the babe fares. I need to go about my duties, or I’ll sit here and cry.”
“As soon as you’ve tended to Mairin, you’re to return to your chamber and rest,” he said sternly. “If you don’t, I’ll tell Alaric what occurred.”
Her scowl was every bit as ferocious as his. “All right. I’ll retire after I’ve seen to Mairin.”
Caelen watched her walk from the room, noting her unsteady gait. She was daft if she thought he’d tell no one what happened. Ewan needed to be aware of the viper in his keep. He’d do as she wished and not tell Alaric only because she was right. There would be no calming his brother’s rage if he knew of Gregor’s attack on Keeley. War would be declared and everything the McCabes had worked for over the last years would be for naught.
For the first time he felt sadness for the position his brother was in. ’Twas obvious Alaric cared deeply for Keeley, and the lass cared for him in return. The fact that she didn’t leap on the opportunity to ruin his match with Rionna earned her his deep respect.
Nay, Alaric could not know of what happened, but Caelen could step in and be her protector until the McDonalds were gone from McCabe lands. The sooner it happened, the better. For it was God’s truth, Caelen wouldn’t be able to look upon the bastard without seeing Keeley’s tear-stained face, and then he’d want to kill him all over again.
CHAPTER 33
“Keeley, whatever happened to your face?” Mairin demanded.
Keeley touched the sore place on her jaw. “Does it look bad?”
Mairin frowned. “There’s a bruise. I didn’t see it at first until you turned a certain way in the light. What happened?”
“Oh, ’tis nothing,” Keeley said brightly. “ ’Twas my clumsiness. ’Tis the truth I’m embarrassed. I wasn’t looking where I was going. Thank goodness no one was there to witness it.”
Mairin didn’t look convinced but didn’t pursue the topic.
“Now tell me, how are you feeling?”
“Tired but otherwise I feel well. ’Tis some soreness, but I’m eager to be up from my bed.” She looked pleadingly at Keeley. “Ewan is about to drive me daft. I’ve told him that countless women have left their bed by now but he refuses to listen to reason.”
Keeley smiled. “I don’t see why a brief time to stand up and stretch your muscles would be amiss.”
“I’d like to sit by the fire and nurse Isabel. I grow weary of lying abed.”
“Oh, is that what you’ve named her? ’Tis a beautiful name.”
Mairin’s face shone with pride and love as she glanced down at the sleeping babe at her breast. “Aye. Ewan is going to announce it when the king arrives.”
Keeley swallowed and looked away, busying herself with straightening items that didn’t need straightening. “The king will be here soon?”
“Aye. Ewan sent word to him before Isabel was born. He wanted to attend Alaric’s wedding. We expect his messenger any day to announce his impending arrival.”
Steeling her features, Keeley reached for the babe. “Let me put her in her cradle and then I’ll help you to the chair by the fire. Would you like me to help you wash and change into fresh clothing while I’m here?”
“Oh ’twould be wondrous,” Mairin breathed.
After settling the babe in her cradle, Keeley helped Mairin sit up on the edge of the bed. She efficiently stripped the other woman down and helped her wash. Once Mairin was dressed in a clean, sweet-smelling gown, Keeley braced herself and helped the other woman to her feet.
“ ’Tis not so bad,” Mairin said in triumph. “I don’t feel weak at all.”
“Wife, ’tis clear I’m going to have to post a guard on you at all times to make sure you stay where you belong,” Ewan said from the door.
Keeley grabbed the startled Mairin and then turned to scowl at the laird. “Come in or go out, but shut the door and keep your voice down. The babe is sleeping.”
Ewan didn’t look happy to be ordered about, but he complied with Keeley’s order and then returned to stand a few feet away from Mairin, his arms crossed over his chest.
“Oh, do quit standing there frowning,” Keeley said in exasperation. “Help her to the chair by the fire. She’d like to feed your daughter in comfort.”