Highlander of My Heart (Mcardle Sisters of Courage 1)

“I will speak my piece to you,” Hugh warned bluntly, feeling life being restored in him, like he could be the man he once was even with a lifeless arm.

“I’d have it no other way, my friend.”

Hugh stretched out his hand. “I wouldn’t either, Ruddock.

Ruddock gripped his hand, giving it a powerful shake, then pulled him in for a hug.

“I’ll serve you with dignity and honesty, my lord,” Hugh said.

“Ruddock to you.”

“Only when we’re alone, otherwise I pay you the respect you deserve.”

Ruddock nodded. “Get yourself a new plaid from the weavers and anything else you and Lana need. And no heavy drinking, Hugh. I need you alert to everything that goes on around the castle. I’ll also need you to make some discreet inquiry regarding certain people, but we’ll discuss that tomorrow.”

“I look forward to it,” Hugh said.

“Do you know anything about the healer in the woods?”

“I don’t, but Lana has gone to see her.”

“Lana is ill?”

Hugh appreciated the concern he heard in his friend’s voice. “No. We remain childless and Lana has gone to see her in hopes she can be of some help. What reason have you to ask?”

“What we discuss is to be held in the strictest of confidence,” Ruddock said.

“You have my word.”

“My wife believes the drink Wilda gives my father is poison and she wants to see if the healer in the woods can tell her about what’s in the brew.”

“Wilda poison your father?” Hugh shook his head. “She can be a strange one, but I would never think that of her.”

“I would never think that my father would denounce me as his son.”

“Things have been strange here for a while now,” Hugh admitted.

“Can you say when it first began?”

“Lana and I were discussing this after you and I spoke. She made mention of something not being right here. I think it was when you and I were away for a month on your last mission. Let me speak to her and talk with you tomorrow about it.”

“Lana can tell me herself if she’d like.”

“She just might, since she is so pleased and relieved that you’ve forgiven my foolishness.” Hugh grinned. “I can’t wait to see her face when I tell her about this.”

“Then go and celebrate with her and I will see you tomorrow.”

“You will tell me then about the attack, since people will expect to hear the truth from me once they learn of my new position.”

“I will explain that and more to you.”

“Until tomorrow,” Hugh said and turned to leave but stopped. “Your wife, Lady Sorrell, is unharmed?”

“Unharmed, but battle scarred.”

“A scar that can’t be seen and never heals.”

Ruddock made sure to bathe and rid himself of the stench of battle before going to his wife. He stood at their bedchamber door, not sure if he would find her there or if she remained in her private bedchamber where she had been the last time he had spoken with Blodwen.

If she did, she would not be there long. He would not let her put distance between them, not now when she needed comforting… not ever.

He opened the door and stepped into the room.

Chapter 27

Ruddock exhaled his relief with a brief breath when he saw his wife standing by the fireplace. She was staring at the flames and he could only imagine what she might be seeing or thinking. She hadn’t heard him, since she hadn’t moved.

He didn’t want to frighten her, so before taking another step he gently called out her name. “Sorrell.”

She turned, her eyes wide and her face pale, and he was sure he saw tears shimmer in her eyes. That was enough for him, he went to step forward and go to her, comfort her, when she rushed toward him.

“Ruddock,” she cried out, a tremble in her voice.

He hurried to her, catching her up in his arms, and she threw her arms around his neck and pressed her face against his naked shoulder. He carried her to the bed and sat, moving them to the middle and resting his back against the headboard before settling her comfortably in his lap.

He felt her tears fall on his bare chest, and whispered, “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I would have done anything to spare you that terrifying ordeal.”

Sorrell raised her head, shaking it. “No, you kept your word and kept me safe. It is I who failed you. I always thought myself strong and capable of anything. Today I discovered that wasn’t true. I was so frightened and trembled with such fear, that I did nothing to help myself or you. How could I not be courageous enough to help you, the man I love? I’m so ashamed I failed you.”

Ruddock stared at her in disbelief. She was more worried about what she hadn’t done for him than what she had been through herself.