Blair gave her a smile. “Back to our original conversation. Did McKenzie face any repercussions for what he did to the doctor?”
“No, of course not.” Her shoulder rose up and then fell back down. “He gets away with whatever he wants because he has enough money and enough people depend on him—” She didn’t bother to finish. “And ye would be a threat to his position.”
“Aye. That I will.” He gave her another small grin. This one warm, comforting, and thrilling. “It could be argued that ye’ve helped me. I’ve a much better understanding of the one man who might try to challenge me.”
That made her smile in return. “I hadn’t thought of it like that. Me helping you.” It made it easier to accept his help to know that she’d done something for him.
“And ye cooked the st
ew. I’ll cook fer ye sometime and then ye’ll understand what a favor ye’ve done.” He bent over her then and picked her up. She’d gotten used to his touch and, though she had no idea where he was taking her, she didn’t hesitate when he touched her. Rather than fear, it was pleasure that heated her skin.
“Where are we going?” she asked even as she nestled into his broad chest.
A small laugh reverberated through him, she felt the vibrations more than heard them. “I’m taking ye to my room. Ye can’t be in blankets when yer neighbor arrives and yer clothes still aren’t dry. I’ll bring ye a bowl of stew and the doctor can see ye in here.”
“The doctor?” She yelped. “He won’t see me again. I’m sure of it. Not after what happened.”
“He’d better,” Blair rumbled. Then he gently laid her on the bed. “Ye rest now. Ailean and I will sleep in the loft. There are two beds. Ye won’t get better if ye don’t.”
He walked back out of the room and Elle blinked after him. His smell, like summer grass and something male, wrapped around her. This should have been the worst day of her life. She’d nearly drowned. So why did she feel happier in this moment then she had been for a very long time? It couldn’t last. She sighed. It never did.
Chapter Five
Blair sent Ailean to fetch both the doctor and the boat’s owner, Mr. McLaren. There was much to do and he was trying to be efficient with his time. Rubbing the back of his neck, he could admit to himself that after the story he’d heard, he was a little worried that the doctor wouldn’t come and Ailean’s trip to the village would be in vain.
The doctor did treat her in the end. Blair wasn’t sure if it was on principal, or fear of angering the new laird that motivated him but he examined her foot, then reported his diagnosis to Blair. “It’s not broken. She needs to rest it for a week or two and she should be back to normal.”
“Thank ye, doctor,” Blair opened the bedroom door to escort the doctor out as Elle peeked over the covers at them both. He had the urge to kiss her forehead before he left the room but, gritting his teeth, he stepped out and then closed the door behind him.
“Elle,” The doctor slowed his pace, scratching his chin. “Did she tell ye about her fiancé?” he asked, a pang of concern in his voice.
“I was under the impression that they were no longer engaged.” Blair straightened.
“That’s Elle’s impression. Mr. McKenzie made it clear that they will marry and that no man is to touch her in the meantime.” The doctor took off his spectacles and pulled a cloth from his coat to clean them. Clearing his throat, he looked over at Mr. McLaren, who sat with the boys at the table. “If you return Elle to her cottage tomorrow, no one will be the wiser. Everyone here will keep this all quiet.”
He swallowed the rumble that threatened to break free from his throat. Drawing in a deep breath, Blair considered his options.
Not what the doctor had said, of course. He’d met McKenzie. Few men intimidated him and McKenzie was not one of them. But he did want to protect the people who were now helping him.
“Elle and Ailean will be staying here. But no one need know you ever came.” He gave a nod to the doctor as he drew out his coin purse to hand him his payment.
“I’m not sure that’s wise,” the doctor mumbled.
Blair raised his brows. “You think it’s wise for me to cower in front of him?”
The doctor drew his brows together, looking pained. “I suppose it isn’t. But he’s a man who’s prone to violence.”
Blair gave a single jerk of his chin. “Thank ye fer the warning.” Then he turned to Mr. McLaren. “I’ll have yer boat ready by week’s end, good as new. I’ve got a slab of pork that ye can take to feed yer family in the meantime.”
Mr. McLaren also rose. “Fair enough, my lord.” Then he cleared his throat. “How will Elle make amends to ye fer fixin’ my boat? I don’t mean to pry but she’s a good lass. Works hard, values her family and friends.”
Blair softened. The man was looking out for her. “She and Ailean will work for me until the debt is paid. Then it’s up to them if they stay on or go to my brother for employment.”
Mr. McLaren gave him a warm smile. “I’m glad to hear it. Those two deserve a break.” Then he joined the doctor. “We’ll be taking our leave, my lord but I’m glad to have met ye.”
“Same.” Blair walked them to the door and waved goodbye. As he closed it behind him, the doctor’s warnings rang in his ears.
Elle was in and out of sleep for the next two days. She didn’t know if it was the recovery that made her so tired or the fact that for the first time in years she and Ailean were safe. She wasn’t worried about Malcolm coming after them while living in the cottage, or where their next meal might come from.