Perhaps it was the fear that she was destined to end up with Laird Johnson that frightened her in that moment. There had been so many occasions it had come close to happening. If Kendrick was right, maybe it was only a matter of time before he did eventually capture her and take her for himself.
After what the laird had said yesterday, the idea of him taking pleasure in beating her into submission or the fact that he would think little of killing a newborn baby for his own ends made her shiver inside. She did not want to think that in the end all this fighting against him and the loss that had been incurred because of it had all been a great big waste of time. Putting off what would eventually and inevitably be her own future just seemed so pointless and terrifying at the same time.
Or maybe her fear had more to do with Maxwell and the fact that no matter what she did, even if she knew what might be about to happen to him, she could never protect him from any further pain and hurt. After what had happened out there on the glens, she knew that she loved him with every fiber of her being. She simply could not lose him. Besides, had the poor man not suffered enough?
Kendrick was looking at her thoughtfully. “Ye dinnae like the idea that ye have nae control over yer own destiny.”
“Nae, I dinnae. My gift was given tae me for a reason. If I cannae even help the man I love, what use is it tae me?”
Kendrick did not answer for a long moment and instead sat in deep thought. She could only guess, in his wisdom, that he was considering her words. After a little time, he took a deep breath in and then released a long sigh before lifting his eyes to her once more.
“Then perhaps I am wrong, my lady. It happens sometimes, ye ken,” he said with a crooked smile.
Skylar could not help but smile back at him, even in her slightly agitated state. With all his knowledge and the years it had taken to acquire the wisdom he possessed, he still retained a grasp on humility she had not seen in many people before him.
“Perhaps it is I who can learn from you.” He gestured toward her. “Ye make a valid argument, and in my consideration of yer words, I struggle tae find something tae counter it with. It doesnae make any sense that ye have been given a gift if ye cannae use it for good.” He paused for a moment, taking his time to formulate his next words. “Perhaps, on this occasion, it was simply the situation and the odds that resulted from it that were stacked against ye, for if Maxwell had done as ye had asked him in that letter, he would never have been injured.”
“Which was my intention in the first place,” Skylar confirmed.
“Aye, I kent that when I spoke tae ye last night. But I have tae add tae that. Had Maxwell nae come tae save ye, yer future would be looking very different, for ye would have been captured by Laird Johnson. So, one has tae wonder. If some action is taken tae prevent a tragedy, is there then some rebalancing where someone else has tae lose?”
Skylar was now the one who had nothing to counter his argument with. Considering his postulation, she was reminded of what he had said to her the night before as she departed.
“Perhaps ye were right with what ye said tae me when I was leaving, Kendrick. There has tae be a sacrifice,” she said thoughtfully. “If one wins, then another must lose.”
They were both still considering Skylar’s words when, from the other side of the bed, Katherine slowly stirred. It took her a moment to fully wake, but when she finally opened her eyes, she looked a little surprised, for both Kendrick and Skylar were peering down at her.
“Oh, God. Did I fall asleep? I’m so sorry, my lady. It’ll never happen again,” she babbled, jumping up from her chair.
“Katherine,” Skylar said kindly. “Dinnae worry. Ye’ve done naething wrong.”
“It’s just that I have been running about the castle all day with the turmoil, and then I sat with ye all—”
“Katherine,” Skylar said again. “Please. Kendrick has told me how busy ye have been, as well as having tae look after me. Ye have naething tae be sorry for.”
“How are ye feeling, my lady?” the maid said, having now stood and straightened her frock. “We were so worried about ye,” she continued, not allowing Skylar to answer. “Ye came in here in such a state. When we washed and dressed ye, there were bruises all over—”
“Katherine,” Kendrick said calmly. “I think Skylar has suffered enough already without having tae hear the tiniest details of her injuries.”
“Och, aye, of course,” she said a little absently. Well, all o’ that,” she swiped a hand, omitting the details, “and then and ye’ve nae moved for a whole day and night.”
Skylar was a little surprised at that information, for Kendrick had not yet told her how long she had been there, and with the discussion that had continued, she had not really thought to ask. She looked at Kendrick then, feeling a little concerned. “Is such a length o’ time being unconscious normal for my injuries?”
Kendrick nodded. “A knock tae the head is always a little tricky, my lady. But I have already ascertained by yer conversation,” he smiled, cocking an eyebrow and clearly referring to her fiery disposition only a moment ago, “that ye’ll be grand.”
She might be grand, but it was not only herself she was concerned about. Her body would heal, but only time would tell if Maxwell would pull through. She had to believe he would. He was strong and had survived many battles before now.
“When can I go and see Maxwell?” Skylar asked.
“Maybe another night’s rest might be advisable,” Kendrick offered.
“Ye cannae expect me tae lie here for another night and nae see how my husband is doing, Kendrick.”
The older man looked at her, though he showed no surprise at her feistiness. Skylar assumed he had become well used to her by now.
“When do ye suggest then, my lady?” he replied.
“Surely I can go and see him now.”
