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high enough, not close enough to noble blood, for this lady to consider him worthy? Was that why she’d run, with no consideration for her own safety or life? Would marriage to him be such a terrible thing to risk so much?
    The storm had blown itself out, its power seeping away as it crossed from the sea onto the land. Now, the sun shone as though it had not been dark and squalling for the last three days. In a way, the rainstorm had served a purpose, for the lady would never have been able to travel in her condition. As it was, she would not be strong enough for at least another two days.
    It was one matter to be with her so intimately when she was sick and unconscious. But to be in such small quarters with her awake and staring at him with those sky-blue eyes and that lush mouth would be torture. And knowing what curves lay hidden beneath either her garments or the plaid blanket that covered her made him restless.
    And so he walked.
    As he passed the door of the cottage, he noticed the young woman approaching along the road. The miller’s daughter had been a godsend to him, seeing to Eva’s more personal needs and care each day.
    â€˜Good morrow, Brita,’ he said. ‘I thank you again for your help.’
    â€˜Good morn, sir,’ she replied with a slight curtsy. ‘I am glad to help the lady. And my father thanks you for your coins.’
    â€˜She was awake for a short while just now. I gave her some ale.’ He walked along with the woman.
    â€˜A good sign, then. The fever has broken. My mam said she will be calling for food very soon now.’ Brita lifted the basket she carried so he could see in it. ‘She said to begin with the broth and then the stew if she keeps it down. There is bread, as well.’
    Rob reached out to take the basket for her. She smiled at his offer but shook her head.
    â€˜I can carry it, sir.’
    â€˜I will leave you to your ministrations then, lass,’ he said, stepping out of her way. ‘Call if you have need of help.’
    Brita reached the doorway and turned to face him.
    â€˜My mam also sent something more filling along for you, sir. She said a man cannot survive on broth and bread.’
    The miller and his wife had been most helpful. Aye, he had paid them well, but they seemed to genuinely want to. With a few exceptions that he needed to send to the village for, they’d provided the food and ale and blankets for the lady. Once they knew she was the MacKay’s daughter, they did whatever he’d asked them to do. Even if they did look askew at a man seeing to her care.
    Deciding that a ride might do them both good, Rob told Brita he would return shortly and went to get the horse. He wanted to see the cave in the light of day and see if she’d left anything behind. When she woke next, he had questions for her.
    Such as who was the Mairead that she called out for in her fevered state.
    * * *
    The young woman’s arrival both answered a question that loomed in her mind and allowed her to see to her personal needs without having to ask...him. Brita, as she was called, was the miller’s daughter and had apparently been helping her each day during her illness. The girl had a pleasant way about her and her quiet chatter made things much less embarrassing than they might have been.
    Within a short time of waking, Eva found herself washed and in a clean shift. The miller’s wife had sent some broth for her when she felt ready to try it. And a loaf of bread. But Eva had more questions than hunger at this point, so she asked about the man who’d rescued her from the cave and stood as her guard and caretaker these last days.
    â€˜Do you know Rob?’ she asked as Brita helped her to sit. The girl wanted to see to her hair.
    â€˜Nay, lady,’ Brita said as she took the braid and loosened the ties holding it. ‘He is from the MacKay, your father, and brought you here.’
    â€˜So, you’ve not seen him