orders. Maidie swiftly turned and walked to the door. Gavin rushed to open it for her and bowed when she swished through the portal. He walked beside her down the passage. She refused to look in his direction, knowing a smirk covered his face. Gavin moved forward to open the chamber door so she could step inside. She gave him a bow of the head and immediately began searching for her leather bag. He assisted. The bag could not be found in the chamber. Who would take her healer’s bag? Angus. A picture of his dark, sinister face immediately formed in her mind. “No question Madam, your bag has been taken. That is if you, yourself, dinna take it off somewhere and forget where you put it.” Gavin stood with hands on his hips. “I would never be so careless with my bag, Sir.” Maidie shook her head at the big oaf. “I left it sitting here beside this chair.” She pointed to the chair beside the fire. “I took salve and bandages out just this morn to use on Alan’s leg.” She thought for a moment. “I can use the same salve on the laird as I used on Alan, but I need more bandages, and I will need to fetch the salve from Alan’s chamber.” “I shall fetch the salve after I escort you back to my brother’s side. Nellie and Davina can assist with more bandages. I shall also tell Sister to help you with the chief. Tavish will be your escort around the castle. I have other things to tend before noon.” Gavin’s orders sounded as commanding as his brother’s. Maidie knew better than to question. Mayhap, she would be allowed to return home this day and have little else to do with the Munro brothers. She had promised Davina to visit Andrew daily, but others in the village needed her assistance. She could not stay at Fàrdach Castle. “After I change the dressing on the laird’s wound, I shall gather my things and return to my home in the village.” She wanted Gavin to understand her stay at the castle had ended. “The villagers need my help also, and I must gather supplies for another bag.” Gavin held the door open for her to exit the chamber. “We’ll see what the chief has to say about you returning to the village. Maighstir Tam can take care of the villagers. He kens a lot about healing.” Maidie sighed. Does the chief control my entire life now? Must I be at his beck and call and not allowed to tend to the others who so desperately need my help? “I am the midwife for the ladies of the village and those of Fàrdach Castle. Maighstir Tam, as good as he is, dinna deliver their babies nor tend to their female conditions.” The lout. He and his brother think they are the only ones who deserve care and kind treatment. Maidie felt shame for calling the tanist a name for the second time, even in her thoughts. She hated name-calling and tried to teach Sven the same. Maidie’s father and her uncles were notorious for belittling with derogatory names anyone who crossed them, including her mother and herself.
Chapter Six
Andrew sat up in the bed waiting for his brother to return with the healer. Women could be so exasperating. He hated to order the lass around like a servant, but he didn’t feel like explaining his reasons and it was for her own safety. She must obey him. He would have naught happening to the woman under his roof. Someone in the castle wanted to be rid of her. After all, she is a Cameron and many of his people hate the Camerons now. He could take no chances. The door opened and Maidie entered, followed by Gavin who grinned from ear to ear. His brother had an eye for attractive women, and the lass was one of the prettiest Andrew had seen in awhile. Even through the pain of his wound, he recognized her womanly qualities. Having someone kind and gentle to care for him was a treat after Angus’ brutal treatments. Maidie walked to the bed and curtsied with her face rosy from vexation. “M’Laird, I will change your bandage when I acquire more. Sir Gavin is going now to