The thought tightened his gut. He didn’t want his father to die, not before they settled things between them, and not if it couldn’t be helped. He was relieved to see his eyes flutter open.
“Something important brings you to me?” Finn asked.
“Did you order Wilda to let it be known that Sage, the healer in the woods, was not to come near you?”
“I did,” Finn said firmly. “She’s a witch and I’ll not have her around me.”
“What if she can help you?” Ruddock argued.
“She can’t and I’ll hear no more about it,” Finn snapped sharply.
Ruddock went to argue with him.
“You can command others all you want, but you will not command me.”
Finn’s firm, terse tone had Ruddock holding his tongue. It was the same tone his father had used when he had been younger, stronger, and in command. And oddly enough, Ruddock was pleased to hear it.
“I trust Wilda and no other to tend me,” Finn ordered.
“If that is your wish, and there is no reason otherwise, I will abide by it.”
“It is,” Finn confirmed with a nod. “Is there anything else to tell me?”
“Hasn’t Erland reported back with whatever he has learned?”
“If my son would confide in me, Erland wouldn’t need to sneak around,” Finn accused.
Son was all Ruddock had heard.
“It’s been two years since you’ve called me son,” Ruddock said, a heated glare in his eyes. “I’d prefer that you mean it when you call me that.”
“Then find me the proof that you are my son,” Finn said.
“You really need proof, Da?” Ruddock all but growled at him.
“I’d prefer you mean it when you call me da,” Finn said.
Ruddock left the room, anger simmering in him. Da had slipped from his tongue without thought just as son had slipped from his father’s tongue. He promised himself that when this was done, he’d give his father what he deserved.
Sorrell wasn’t as knowledgeable when it came to healing as her sister Willow. She knew some rudimentary practices, but no more. She wished Willow were here now to speak with Sage, but then if she had been here, there would be no reason for her to speak with Sage, since Willow would probably know what was in that malodorous brew. The thought reminded her of how much she missed her sisters.
“I am so pleased to finally meet you, Lady Sorrell,” Sage said with a bob of her head.
“And I you, Sage,” Sorrell countered with a smile and pointed to a chair before the hearth in her husband’s solar for the woman to sit.
Sorrell glanced over her as she did. She was fairly tall, slim, her face touched with few wrinkles and she wore her pure white hair in a long braid. She spoke softly and maintained a pleasant smile and her garments were clean and well-mended.
“Lana has told me how skilled you are in delivering bairns,” Sorrell said after sitting.
Sage’s face glowed with a wide smile. “You are with child already?”
Sorrell shook her head. “No. No, I’m not with child.”
But could she be? She hadn’t given it a recent thought and her bleeding time was near. The thought that she might be thrilled her.
“I’m sure you will be soon. From what I hear, Lord Ruddock is a virile man,” Sage said.
Sorrell grinned. “There is no doubt about that.”
“Is there another reason you wished to meet with me?”
Sorrell reached for the tankard she had taken from Finn’s bedchamber this morning. “I was hoping you could tell me what’s in this brew.”
Sage took the tankard and sniffed.
Sorrell didn’t expect to see the anger that flashed in the healer’s eyes, and her brow wrinkled in surprise.
Raised voices beyond the closed door drew both women’s attention.
“Let me in now or I will go to Lord Finn and see you punished.”
Sorrell went to the door and opened it to find Wilda arguing with Hollis. She rushed past Sorrell into the room. Hollis entered as well, but stopped from going after Wilda seeing Sorrell shake her head, though he remained in the room.
“Lord Ruddock may be foolish enough to have you here, but I’m not. You’re no healer and I’ll not let you touch any member of this family,” Wilda threatened, her aging eyes wide with anger.
Sage stood, her own anger showing. “I’m no healer, you say? You are no healer. No healer would give Lord Finn poison?”
Chapter 29
“You are not to go near my father,” Ruddock ordered Wilda after being summoned to his solar and told what had happened.
“I can prepare a brew that will prevent any more damage the poison has already done,” Sage offered.
“Lord Finn does need something to help with the pain,” Erland said anxiously.
“You trust that she tells you the truth?” Wilda challenged.
“Lord Finn’s own body is poisoning him,” Erland argued. “He suffers with the pain of his illness and needs something to ease that pain.”