"I detest a drunken woman even more than a weeping one. I will give you more when I think you need it."
"You are the most stubborn, mule-headed, horse's..."
"Aye, try to remember that." He submerged the cloth in the water, washed it and wrung it out. "I suggest you drink your fill. It will be a while before we see water again." He wrapped the bandage back around her arm and tied it.
"Where are we going?"
"You will see."
*
Laird Ferguson was back and Kenna was excited, scared, nervous and confused all at the same time. She saw him ride into the courtyard with his guard and managed to dart out of sight before he spotted her. Why had she done that, she wondered. Then she hoped Kevin would send for her. But why would he? Laird Ferguson did not want to marry Charlet, he said so himself.
The other lairds were gone from the meadow and so were their guards. Kenna had been tempted to take Julie through the forest with her so she could go to the Ferguson hold in hopes of at least seeing him from afar. She could always say she wanted to talk to her Uncle. But Kevin might need her, so she gave up on that idea. Now Ferguson was here and she wondered why.
If she could find a place closer to hide, at least she would see him again when he left. But when Kenna backed up, she bumped into Duff. His broken nose was still healing and he had faded black marks under each eye.
"I choose you," Duff announced.
Kenna rolled her eyes and walked away. "You and half the world."
Duff shouted after her, "Kevin wants you."
Don't run, she reminded herself. A woman does not run, she walks slowly, especially where a man is concerned. Isn't that what Rachel told her? But her heart was beating fast and she couldn't remember exactly who told her that. She took her time climbing the steps, but it seemed like there were twenty more than before. Don't run, she reminded herself again.
She opened the door and walked in, but Kevin was not there. In fact, she was alone with Laird Ferguson and it surprised her. She walked toward him, stopped and curtsied. "Have you killed my laird?"
He smiled. "Kevin remembered something he meant to ask his wife. He is upstairs and will be back in a moment. Are you afraid to be alone with me? I do not mean to frighten you."
"I would not wish to be in the shoes of a lad who harmed me, Kevin would kill him and not think twice about it. So would Connor." She was uncomfortable and didn't know if she should stand there or sit down. She looked up and his eyes were glorious, so she quickly looked away.