Highland Love Song (DeWinter's Song 2) by Constance O'Banyon Page A

or life if she doesn't get the proper care."
    "But you are a doctor, you can help her."
    The doctor cleansed the head wound and applied ointment. "So I am, but I've never seen a worse break."
    "I have money, and I'll pay anything if you'll help her, Dr. Edmondson—anything!"
    He looked at her, bristling with indignation. "I'll not take that as an offense since you're obviously distraught, and on account of you being English and not knowing better."
    She realized she had insulted the man. "I'm sorry, Dr. Edmondson."
    He applied a bandage to Lady Mary's wound before he spoke again to Arrian. "I'd help your aunt the same if you owned the whole of England or if you were without funds."
    Arrian's cheeks flushed. "Forgive me. I was impertinent. It's just that I'm so worried about her."
    "Can't think why two females would be traveling alone in the worst storm of the season. I should have thought your aunt would be old enough to know it was folly."
    "It does seem a bit foolish now, but it didn't when we started out, Dr. Edmondson."
    At last he smiled, and his eyes softened with kindness. "Perky little lassie. Were you hurt in the accident?"
    "Nothing but bruises."
    He hoisted his bag on his shoulder. "I'll be back tomorrow to see the patient, unless her condition worsens sooner. I still strongly advise that she be moved to Edinburgh as soon as weather permits."
    "You aren't leaving, are you?"
    "I have other patients, and I don't expect to see my bed until morning." He looked at her. "You should get to your bed though, lassie, you look ready to collapse."
    "Thank you for your concern, but I'll remain with my aunt tonight."
    "You can't do anything for her that Barra can't. And you surely won't be helping her if you become my patient yourself."
    Arrian extended her hand. "You have my gratitude for ministering to my aunt. I'll expect to see you tomorrow."
    He shook her hand and gave a nod. As Arrian watched him leave, she moved to the fire and held her hands to the warmth, then glanced over her shoulder at her aunt. Lady Mary groaned, and Arrian ran to her. But her aunt didn't open her eyes, and Arrian feared for her aunt's life. At that moment Arrian longed for the strength of her father and the comfort of her mother. She did not realize that she had not thought of Ian throughout this horrible ordeal.
     
    Lady Mary slowly opened her eyes and blinked in confusion at the stranger who bent over her. Where was she, and who was this man?
    "I see you're awake." He smiled and patted her hand. "I know, I know. You're wondering who I am. Well, I'm Dr. Edmondson, and you have had me worried till now."
    "How did I—" She groaned suddenly, remembering the accident. "What's wrong with me? Why am I so weak? Why is there so much pain?"
    His soft Scottish accent was welcome to her ears. "You have a broken leg, m'lady, and a nasty bump on your head. Beyond that, I'd say you also have lesser cuts and bruises."
    Lady Mary tried to rise, but weakness pinned her to the bed. "Where is my niece?"
    "I sent her to rest. She was with you all night."
    "She is uninjured?"
    "I can assure you that she is only concerned about you. Your niece is a right spirited lass, going about demanding that we all help you. I'd like to have her on my side if I were ill."
    Beads of sweat popped out on Lady Mary's upper lip. "I am in a great deal of pain."
    Dr. Edmondson held a glass to her lips. "I'd expect you to be after what you've endured. Drink this."
    "What is it?"
    "It's opiate."
    "I don't want to be drugged."
    "Tis mild, but will take the edge off your pain. You'll need this many times before you heal."
    Reluctantly Lady Mary drank the bitter liquid, which began to take effect almost immediately.
    "To whom do I owe my thanks for their hospitality?" she inquired drowsily, looking about the room.
    "Why, m'lady, you're at Ironworth Castle, home of the chief of Clan Drummond."
    Lady Mary's eyes widened in shock. "No," she whispered, trying to fight off the effects of the