Read Online The Accidental Scot by Patience Griffin - Free Book Online Page A

and inhaled. Even lying there, helpless as a run-over otter, the man was overwhelmingly beautiful. But life had shown her that beautiful men were usually jerks. She stepped into the hallway to call her father about Max before he heard it elsewhere. News, especially bad news, traveled fast in Gandiegow.
    When Da picked up, Pippa made sure to speak with a calm, matter-of-fact voice. “Da, Max has come down with the Highland flu.”
    There was a long silence before her father exhaled. “Did you get the remedy from Bethia?”
    â€œAye. He’s taken the first dose.”
    â€œGood.” Da sounded concerned but satisfied. “Daughter, ye’re not to worry about me today. Freda called and she’ll be by to warm my soup.”
    â€œAye.” Pippa rolled her eyes. If Freda was known for anything, it was for peddling her soup.
    â€œI shan’t expect you back tonight either,” Da added. “Stay with the lad and make sure he’s comfortable.”
    â€œBut—”
    â€œI mean it, daughter. Don’t leave his side.” Even though her da wasn’t quite himself, he still had the wherewithal to order her about. “We both know how serious the Highland flu can be.”
    â€œYes, Da.” Pippa never knew her mother but her father still carried a torch for her . . . even after all these years. It must have been some love that they’d shared.
    Her father broke in to her thoughts. “The whole village is watching out for me. I don’t want you to worry about our Max McKinley either. He’s a strong lad. We’ve come a long way in treating the illness. Stay with him tonight and he’ll be better by morning.”
    Pippa agreed, hung up, and went in search of a cot for herself to put in Max’s room. She found one in the storage area of the basement and dragged it back up the stairs. Max was still sleeping. She set her phone alarm for two hours and pulled out the massive stack of financial papers on NSV.
    At some point, Deydie stopped by with a plate of scones and oolong tea.
    â€œI thought ye’d be needing some refreshment. Would you like to stretch yere legs for an hour? I’ll sit with him.”
    Pippa glanced over at Max. “No. I’m good.”
    â€œWell, he better get well soon,” Deydie said gruffly. “If he perishes, it might ruin Christmas.” She stopped suddenly as if remembering how Pippa’s mother had died.She cleared her throat, then diverted her attention to the sick man, regarding him with concern for a long moment. “I’ll fresh-kill a chicken for the Yank. My healing stew will be just the thing to get him back on the mend.”
    â€œWhat about the quilters who are coming for the retreat?” Pippa asked.
    Deydie shook her head, her wrinkles jiggling. “No need to worry about the lad being contagious, lassie. We’re just hosting a quilt guild from Glasgow. They would’ve all been vaccinated.”
    â€œBut you’ll check all the same?” Pippa asked.
    â€œAye. I’ll call before I wring that chicken’s neck.”
    Deydie said her good-byes and was gone. Pippa ate two of the warm scones and then got back to NSV’s financials. Freda stopped by with an extra sweater and Pippa’s favorite quilt. Bethia brought more tincture and instructions. When the time came, Pippa woke Max and had him drink another goblet. Then she put away her papers and pulled her chair close to listen to him breathe.
    Sometime later, she heard footsteps ascending the stairs. She scooted away and struck a nonchalant pose. Deydie traipsed in with the promised chicken stew, which smelled of vegetables, protein, and goodness. The old woman didn’t stay long, whispering she had to get back to the final preparations for the quilting retreat.
    Pippa gently woke Max and helped him into a sitting position. He seemed weaker than earlier, but Bethia had warned her to expect that.