~~~
Dawn bounced out of bed feeling remarkably well. The babe no longer troubled her in the morning and her appetite had turned hardy. She was happy to see that Flanna brought her morning meal and urged her to sit and visit for a moment.
“I cannot stay long,” Flanna said, taking a seat at the table and pouring them both hot cider. “There is much to do with the McClusky’s here.” She rolled her eyes. “And then there’s the soon-to-be mistress of the keep who is making it known how displeased she is with Cree’s decision to punish her servant Bree.”
Dawn scrunched her brow and shrugged.
“The servants have been talking and they agree that Cree punished Bree to keep her safe from her mistress.” Flanna shook her head. “A day never went by that she didn’t have a bruise on her. Cree ordered her to tend Old Mary until he says otherwise. I tell you, that Lucerne is a mean one.”
Dawn smiled. Cree would do something like that and she now was even more eager to visit with Old Mary.
“The lassies’ tongues are wagging over Torr. Even with that scar he’s a handsome one, though he keeps to himself. He could have had a choice of some fine women last night but he paid no heed to a one of them. He was concerned for your safety and glad when you were found. He seems a quiet one.” Flanna popped up out of her seat. “I have to get back to the keep. I or another will bring you the noon meal.”
Dawn pointed to the food she had taken from the kitchen yesterday and shook her head letting her friend know that she had food aplenty and that no one needed to bring her anything.
“You may have enough food, but the order comes directly from Cree, you’re food is to be brought to you today since you will be resting.”
Dawn smiled and Flanna grinned.
“I had a feeling that you might have different plans, especially since there’s no guard at your door.”
Dawn’s eyes turned wide along with her smile.
Flanna laughed and the two women hugged. “Be careful, I don’t trust Lucerne and while the McClusky’s seem nice enough, they’ve asked a lot of questions about the mute lass.”
Dawn didn’t give the McClusky’s much thought, perhaps they were simply curious. She hurried through breakfast eager to see how Old Mary was and meet Bree.
The snowstorm had dumped a good amount of snow, though paths had been made so that daily chores could be seen to. She made a quick stop at Lila’s knowing her friend would be worried about her.
“You shouldn’t take such foolish chances,” Lila scolded her after hugging her tightly. “One of these days you’ll find yourself in a situation you can’t get out of.”
She already was in one of those now that she carried Cree’s child.
They chatted while Lila tried to get a fussing Thomas ready to take along to her daily chore. Dawn scooped the babe out of Lila’s arm and he instantly settled when she hugged him against her.
“I swear that babe loves you more than anyone,” Lila complained, though with a smile.
Dawn gestured with her one hand and Lila easily understood.
“Aye, take him for a while; it will give me rare time to myself before I’m off to tend to my daily chore.”
Dawn layered clothing on the babe, and then wrapped him in a warm wool plaid. Out they went with a smile and a wave to Lila. Thomas was fascinated by the snow and squealed with delight when Dawn cupped some in his hands to feel and then she tossed some in the air.
She smiled wide and he laughed.
They soon were at Old Mary’s door and it was a young lass with curly red hair that opened the door and, of course, she could not help but smile at a red-cheeked Thomas and bid them to enter.
“Dawn,” Old Mary cried out in delight from the bed. “Bree, you must meet this courageous woman who so bravely saved my life. She is valiant beyond words for she has no voice and would never be able to call out for help and still she didn’t hesitate to help an old, foolish woman.”
Dawn waved her praise off as if it were unnecessary and unwrapped Thomas, removing some of his garments since the small cottage was toasty warm. She removed her own cloak as well and sat on a chair that Bree had moved by the bed.
“Give me that little lovey,” Old Mary said, reaching out for Thomas who went willing into the old woman’s arms.
“It is pleased I am to meet you,” Bree said with a bob of her head. “Old Mary has told me much about you and I envy your courage.”
Dawn gestured and Old Mary interpreted, not many knowing how well she understood Dawn.