Highland Thunder (Isle of Mull Series) by Lily Baldwin Page B

was pouring out of his body into hers this time, but it brought back the all too recent feelings. She swatted his hand away and immersed both of hers into the bowl. Her face twisted with pain, but she refused to utter a sound. She could not avoid his touch as he smeared the salve and wrapped her hands in fresh linen, but she knew he was just as eager to be done. Beneath his hurried motions, she detected a hint of desperation.
    “There,” he said after tying a final knot. Then he took a few strides back, away from her and closer to the door.
    “I shall speak to Bridget and tell her of your need. She will send a woman from the village to stay with you for a spell to help you tend house and care for Nellore.” Without another word, he was gone.
    She exhaled and slumped into her seat. Her mind was reeling like a wounded bird spiraling toward land. She put her head once more on the table as she prayed for God to restore her self-possession.
    ***
    Barely an hour past when help arrived in the form of Rona, the youngest daughter of the cottar who lived just beyond Brenna’s land. With an eager knock, she chirped, “’Tis I, Rona.”
    Brenna groaned before encouraging the lass to enter. Rona’s fine qualities could fill a room. Never could fault be found with her kind and hardworking nature, but her chatter never ceased. She would have preferred Rona’s older sister, Nessa, who guarded her words like precious keepsakes.
    “Good evening, Brenna,” Rona said as she danced inside. Brenna imagined Rona was grateful for her new duty. A change from the everyday routine was always welcomed by young lasses who craved excitement more than anything else, something Brenna never had time for in her youth.
    “Forgive me for saying so, Brenna, but you look terrible,” Rona said with gasp.
    “I’ve felt better,” Brenna said as she wondered exactly what about her looked unwell. Her hands were bandaged, but the rest of her should be just fine. Did her face reveal how unnerved she was by her last encounter with Duncan?
    Once more, she felt the heat of his fingers stroke her arm and the curious weight of his gaze. Unnerved, she decided, was a trifling compared to how she truly felt. Mortified was a more apt description.
    “You look as though you’ve not slept for days and days. You will never find a new husband if you do not rest.”
    Brenna lifted a chiding brow, “My husband passed but two months ago. Hold your tongue, Rona.”
    “Forgive me, Brenna, but a new season is at hand, and you have a home and family to consider.”
    Brenna took a deep breath as she tried to remember that Rona was little more than a child. Likely, she was repeating gossip said by her mother or some of the other ladies in the village. A tug on her tunic provided a necessary distraction.
    “My sweet lass,” Brenna said, smiling down at Nellore’s expectant face. Chubby, wee arms stretched high. “How did you know your mama needed a hug?” Suddenly, the peace Brenna craved returned. All that mattered was Nellore.
    Enough nonsense. Real concerns awaited her attention.
    “I thank you for coming, Rona. There’s much to be done before nightfall.”
    Brenna doled out chore after chore with the hope of silencing Rona’s wagging tongue, but much to her dismay, Rona seemed to pause for nothing. How she managed to breathe was a mystery.
    “Well, you ken ‘tis only a matter of time before men in the village make their intentions known. You should always put extra fish to fry so you are prepared for when a suitor decides to call. In fact, Tara told me that she overhead Jamie telling Duncan he intended to ask you to dance during the festival for Lughnasa. She also said that Duncan did not seem very happy about this, which of course I dread to consider. Duncan always smiles at me. I can’t imagine him unhappy. I said as much to mum who agreed that Duncan was the most affable of men.”
    “So I’ve heard,” Brenna said dryly.
    “Nothing could be truer. He is