Chapter Twenty #2
Brenna did her best to soften the blow. “I agree with your father that this is not the time to refuse, nor is it the place to refuse. We are in their castle, surrounded by Buchan guards. The safest response is to agree to the match and then postpone the marriage for as long as we can. We all need to take a closer look at the implications of refusing before you make that decision. Mayhap Uncle Logan can speak to the king on your behalf. Or mayhap he will escort you to Edinburgh to talk with the king directly.”
Torrian let his breath out between pursed lips.
It seems he would be officially betrothed on the morrow.
Chapter Ten
Brenna helps Nellie and Heather.
The next day, Heather brought Nellie to the special healer’s building where Brenna did much of her work for the clan.
She was eager for Brenna to take another look at the bairn, and to confirm what Heather felt in her heart—that she was getting better.
And there was another issue she wished to discuss with Brenna…
one that embarrassed her more than she would like.
“I have never heard of a healer having a separate building,” she said in wonder as Brenna emerged from the front door.
The building was made of stone, but she could see Lady Brenna’s warm touches on the outside.
There was a small stone path to the door and around to the side with flowers edging the borders.
On the right side of the building sat a carefully tended rock garden with herbs and flowers flourishing amongst the stones, a stone bench off to the side.
“My husband had it built for me,” Brenna replied.
“Would you like to come inside?” In response to Heather’s nod, she ushered them in through the front door.
“I often take up too much space in the keep, so he thought it best to give me my own area. This way—” she swept her arm around the large chamber, “—I can see as many patients as necessary. I have room for five pallets and can squeeze more if necessary.”
“Aye, ‘twas a wise decision. ‘Tis quite clean here.
That must be comforting to those who are ill.
I know ‘twould be to me, Lady Brenna.” There was a small chamber in the center with several stools, probably for a waiting area.
A doorway to the back led to a chamber full of supplies and on each side sat a doorway to chambers with multiple pallets.
“My mother insisted on cleanliness, though every other healer says it matters naught. She raised us to believe otherwise. Even if it does not make a difference in a sick one’s care, I always feel better when ‘tis clean.”
“Why did you have Nellie stay inside the keep?” She held her daughter’s hand as they followed Brenna toward a chamber off the supply room.
“The bairns can be frightened out here, particularly if anyone else is recovering in the building with them. I prefer to treat them inside. She was more comfortable there, and I believe ‘twas better for you, also.”
Heather nodded, deep in thought. Brenna was a gifted person indeed. Only someone with a keen, sharp mind could heal people, let alone design this space. She followed Brenna to the chamber off the back.
“I have two chambers in the back, one for supplies, and one for my surgeries. Are you squeamish?”
“I am not,” Heather replied, “but I’m not sure about Nellie.” As they neared the doorway, Heather caught a strong odor. She glanced at Nellie’s furrowed brow, guessing she was noticing the same.
Brenna stood in the doorway, hesitating, and then shoved against it.
“I was doing a wee bit of surgery for Jennet. She is verra curious, so occasionally I practice after the men slaughter an animal, before they butcher it for meat. It helps me understand our bodies when I must cut inside, and she loves to observe. You’re welcome to come in and see, if you’d like. ”
Heather glanced at Nellie, who nodded, her face eager. “Aye, Mama. I’d like to go inside the chamber where Jennet is.”
“But there will be blood from an animal.”
“Do not worry. I’d like to see it.” Nellie squeezed her mother’s hand to convince her, but Heather believed her true purpose was to see Jennet.
She hesitated, but Brenna added, “Jennet loves it, but sometimes ‘tis too much for Brigid. I cannot decide for you.”
“We’ll try it. She has seen me gut fish and hunt before.”
They stepped inside, and were immediately hit by the wave of the odor of blood. Jennet stood on a stool, peering over the lamb carcass, a tool in her hand as she pushed into an open wound. “Mama, I think this is where the blood comes from.” She pointed to a section, her eyes bright with excitement.
Heather’s belly turned squeamish at the same time Nellie said, “Mama, it smells in here. Must we stay?”
“Nay.” Heather spun her daughter around and pushed open the door.
Brenna followed them out. “Do not feel bad. I understand. Verra few people comprehend our curiosity. Jennet follows in our family’s inclination for healing.
My sister Jennie and I were the same way, and we always liked to watch whenever our grandsire and our mother did surgery.
I miss Jennie dearly and named Jennet after her.
It seems appropriate she has the same curiosity. ”
Heather coughed twice and leaned against the wall, getting her bearings.
“Are you hale?”
“Aye. I will be fine. Nellie?” She checked her daughter. “Better now?”
Nellie scrunched her face together. “Aye, but I do not like it in there. ‘Tis much better here.”
Brenna laughed and ran her hand through Nellie’s thick yellow locks. “I am happy to see the wee one doing so well, but is there a particular reason for your visit?”
“Aye.” Heather cleared her throat again and looked pointedly at her daughter, who was leaning against her and clutching her skirts. “She seems better to you? Should I restrict her from aught?”
“Nay. Let her do as she wishes, just make sure she drinks often. Goat’s milk is fine. Are you eating well, Nellie?” she said, crouching down to speak to her.
“Aye, Cook has made me baked apples and porridge with honey. I like the warm food on my throat.”
“Good. I’m glad.” Brenna straightened and looked Heather in the eye, waiting for her to share her true purpose for the visit.
Heather’s eyes teared up. She thought about Torrian and how sweet he’d been, but her heart broke in two whenever she thought of him marrying another. It seemed like a situation with no graceful conclusion. “What should I do?”
“I think you need to stay here. Nellie is out of danger now, but since she has had this sickness twice, I would advise you to keep her where she can stay warm at night. I did not like the sound of her cough this time. I would advise you to stay until the air warms again. The nights are too cool for her.”
“But with the wedding and all…”
Jennet came barreling out of the surgery. “Mama? May I play with Nellie? I can put her on the pallet and we can pretend, can we not?”
Brenna crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Of course, if ‘tis what Nellie and her mama would like.”
Nellie nodded, peering up at her mother with an expectant gaze.
“Of course, you may. Go play with Jennet.”
“Jennet, wash your hands first, lass,” Brenna reminded her. “Sorry, Heather, ‘tis a wee issue for me. I must insist.”
While the lass set about her task, Brenna waited for Heather to continue.
Heather squeezed her eyes shut to hold back tears. “I do not know if I can watch the wedding. We have spent some time together, and I have discovered what a fine man he is.”
Brenna took her hand and cocooned it in her two. “Heather, some of us are doing all we can to stop this foolish marriage. If I were in your place, I would stay for two reasons.”
Heather waited, hoping the answers would give her the justification she sought.
Brenna continued, “First, you need to stay to keep your daughter from becoming sick again. A repeated illness can truly drain a bairn’s strength.
Second, if you have feelings for Torrian, stay and see what happens.
He does not wish to marry Davina, and he will do everything he can to stop it from happening.
There are many others who will support him.
There are other issues that I am not at liberty to discuss, but we agreed to the betrothal because of these issues.
Do not give up hope yet. We all still hope for an end to this match. ”
“I’d like to stay hidden, if ‘tis at all possible. I do not wish to be in the great hall to watch her arrival. I do not like crowds and Nellie is unaccustomed to them. Would that be acceptable?”
“Of course. You may stay in Nellie’s sick chamber.
Your daughter can sleep with you or with the lassies.
They all sleep in one huge bed that Quade built for them.
I’ll have Fiona tend to your needs when the large party arrives.
Until then, you may go to the kitchens whenever you’d like sustenance. We have the back staircase.”
“If that is agreeable to all, then I accept. I do not wish to risk Nellie’s health.” She glanced over at the two lassies, now playing on a pallet. Jennet had given Nellie a fabric doll to be her pretend bairn. Nellie watched Jennet’s every move with something like worship.
Jennet patted the doll’s arm. “You will be fine. I must sew up your wound, then I’ll cover it with salve. Once I’m finished, I’ll wrap it in linens until it heals.”
Nellie leaned down to her doll and whispered, “Do not cry, wee bairn. Jennet will not hurt you and I’ll hold you.” She kissed her doll’s head as Jennet adjusted her needle and thread, preparing to sew the wound.
“I’m glad we’re here,” Heather whispered, feeling her eyes tear up. “She needed to meet lassies her own age. Look at how much she enjoys Jennet’s company.”