Timothy obeyed without further protest, and Lily knelt and untied the bandages. The wound was clean, the skin drawn together at the edges. She studied it with a careful touch, then looked up.
“It is healing well,” she said. “The pain is part of that. The skin is only tightening as it mends.”
“So, ‘tis normal?” Timothy asked, the hopefulness in his voice rather evident.
“Very. All ye need to do is keep yer leg elevated at night. Place it straight against the wall if ye can, and that should ease the strain.”
Timothy let out a breath. “So I have nothing to fear?”
“Nothing but impatience,” Lily replied, a smile on her face as she rose and dusted her hands. “I shall give ye roots for the pain. Steep them in hot water and take them before bed. Over time, the pain will fade.”
He nodded gratefully.
“And how is Clara?” Lily asked. “That is her name, is it nae?”
Timothy’s eyes widened. “Ye remember?”
“Of course I do.”
“She is well,” he said quickly. “Stronger than I hoped. And the bairn grows fast. She is nearly eight months along now.”
Lily’s lips curved. “Then ye will be a faither any day.”
“Aye.” His voice carried both pride and fear. “But I am nae sure if I am ready. At least, nae truly.”
Lily sat beside him, her voice low and kind. “Nay one is ever ready for parenthood. Even those who seem to be arenae. Ye learn as the days go by. The child will teach ye as much as ye teach him or her.”
Timothy looked down, smiling faintly. “I pray that is true.”
“It is,” Lily said. “And when Clara’s time comes, send word to me. I will come to her meself.”
Timothy’s eyes widened in alarm. “Me Lady, ye cannae. Ye are the lady of the clan. It wouldnae be right for ye to wander to the homes of folks like us.”
“Rubbish,” Lily said firmly. “If a woman is in need, I shall go. It is as simple as that.”
“But—”
“Would ye rather drag Clara here while she labors? Make her walk five miles with pain tearing through her body?”
His cheeks reddened. “Nay. Yer way is fairer.”
“Of course it is.” Lily signaled to a maid across the hall. “Fetch some roots and give them to Timothy. Make certain he has enough for several nights.”
The maid nodded and hurried off.
Lily turned back to Timothy. “Ye may go when ye are ready.”
He bowed his head. “Thank ye, me Lady.”
Lily excused herself then, slipping through the side door and climbing the stairs to her chamber. She felt the weight of the day pressing on her shoulders as she reached her door and pushed it open.
Daisy was already there, preparing the bath. Lily crossed to the window and pulled it open for air. The sky outside was dull and heavy with clouds.
Her gaze fell on the courtyard below. Alasdair stood with Nathan. Their voices did not reach her, but their faces told the tale. His eyes were hard, and Nathan’s jaw was tight.
Lily’s chest tightened. What were they talking about? Had something else happened?
Then, Alasdair lifted his head, catching her completely off guard, and his eyes found hers.
