Read Online X Marks the Scot by Victoria Roberts - Free Book Online Page B

way into the room. Declan grabbed him with a firm grip, but it was too late. The damage was already done.
    “Viscount Cranborne?” The healer colored fiercely. If she tugged up the blankets any further, they would be completely over her head.
    Cranborne froze and Declan released his arm. The man whipped his head around and glared at Declan, a probing question coming into his eyes.
    “’Tisnae as ye think. Her chamber was—”
    “I don’t have time for this now.” Cranborne turned back to Liadain. “Elizabeth is unwell and has not felt the babe since last eve. She is asking for you. Could you please come at once?”
    “Of course. I will meet ye in her chamber. Give me but a moment.”
    There was a heavy silence.
    Cranborne pursed his lips as though he was about to speak, but simply gave a brief nod and walked out. The door was not even closed when the healer flipped back the blankets and sprang from the bed with purpose.
    “Turn around, MacGregor. I need to dress with much haste.”
    He turned away from her. “After ye care for his wife, I will speak with him regarding your chamber and that this,” he gestured with his hand, “wasnae as he thinks.” He heard rustling from behind him.
    “I donna have time to worry upon your pride or mine. I must see to the babe,” she said hurriedly.
    “I will come for ye there. I donna want ye wandering off without an escort, especially after last eve. I will also make certain that your chamber is cleaned of the beautiful flowers that someone so kindly left for ye.” A feminine laugh answered him and he turned when she brushed up against his arm. The healer graced him with an enchanting smile, and he rewarded her with a larger smile of his own.
    “I truly thank ye for last eve. Ye were a gentleman.” Standing on tiptoe, she brushed a soft kiss on his cheek. “I shall see ye later.”
    Declan felt his heart lurch. For a brief moment, he was somewhat shaken. What the hell was that ? He nodded and mumbled the first words that came to mind. “Aye. Make her well.”
    She moved impatiently toward the door. “I will try my best.”
    ***
    Liadain raced to Lady Cranborne’s chamber and prayed that all would be well. Even if Liadain did not currently view Robert in a favorable light, Elizabeth was certainly not to blame. The health of Elizabeth’s babe was far more important than Liadain’s own feelings or lack thereof for Robert.
    When she reached the hall to Elizabeth’s quarters, Liadain hurriedly passed a man and smiled in greeting. Was it her imagination or had he deliberately stepped away from her? Spinning her head around, she spotted him folding his hands as if he said a prayer. What was that about? She did not think they had ever been introduced.
    Shaking off the odd encounter, she was greeted at the door by Robert, who hastily ushered her in. He was clearly shaken and concerned about his wife. Lady Cranborne was abed, her color pale as the fresh morning snow. Liadain approached the bed and offered her a comforting smile while Robert stood close to Elizabeth’s side.
    Reaching out, Lady Cranborne clutched Liadain’s hand. “Thank you for coming. I am so worried about the babe. I have not felt him since last eve.”
    “I donna mind that ye called for me, but why didnae ye seek the midwife, Elizabeth?”
    “I have been ill for months and you are the only one who helped me. I much prefer you are here,” she said with resolve.
    Elizabeth’s head was clammy with a cold sweat. Liadain grabbed a cloth next to the bed and dampened it in a large bowl. Gently, she wiped Elizabeth’s face. “It will be all right. Are ye in pain?”
    “I have a slight ache in my stomach,” she said, instinctively placing her hand over her rounded belly.
    Liadain nodded and cleaned her hands in a bowl of water. “What kind of ache? Is it a sharp pain or a dull pain?”
    Elizabeth shrugged. “It comes and it goes, but when it comes, it is a sharp pain and then turns dull.”
    “I just