Nay, Alaric could not know of what happened, but Caelen could step in and be her protector until the McDonalds were gone from McCabe lands. The sooner it happened, the better. For it was God’s truth, Caelen wouldn’t be able to look upon the bastard without seeing Keeley’s tear-stained face, and then he’d want to kill him all over again.

Chapter 33

CHAPTER 33

“Keeley, whatever happened to your face?” Mairin demanded.

Keeley touched the sore place on her jaw. “Does it look bad?”

Mairin frowned. “There’s a bruise. I didn’t see it at first until you turned a certain way in the light. What happened?”

“Oh, ’tis nothing,” Keeley said brightly. “ ’Twas my clumsiness. ’Tis the truth I’m embarrassed. I wasn’t looking where I was going. Thank goodness no one was there to witness it.”

Mairin didn’t look convinced but didn’t pursue the topic.

“Now tell me, how are you feeling?”

“Tired but otherwise I feel well. ’Tis some soreness, but I’m eager to be up from my bed.” She looked pleadingly at Keeley. “Ewan is about to drive me daft. I’ve told him that countless women have left their bed by now but he refuses to listen to reason.”

Keeley smiled. “I don’t see why a brief time to stand up and stretch your muscles would be amiss.”

“I’d like to sit by the fire and nurse Isabel. I grow weary of lying abed.”

“Oh, is that what you’ve named her? ’Tis a beautiful name.”

Mairin’s face shone with pride and love as she glanced down at the sleeping babe at her breast. “Aye. Ewan is going to announce it when the king arrives.”

Keeley swallowed and looked away, busying herself with straightening items that didn’t need straightening. “The king will be here soon?”

“Aye. Ewan sent word to him before Isabel was born. He wanted to attend Alaric’s wedding. We expect his messenger any day to announce his impending arrival.”

Steeling her features, Keeley reached for the babe. “Let me put her in her cradle and then I’ll help you to the chair by the fire. Would you like me to help you wash and change into fresh clothing while I’m here?”

“Oh ’twould be wondrous,” Mairin breathed.

After settling the babe in her cradle, Keeley helped Mairin sit up on the edge of the bed. She efficiently stripped the other woman down and helped her wash. Once Mairin was dressed in a clean, sweet-smelling gown, Keeley braced herself and helped the other woman to her feet.

“ ’Tis not so bad,” Mairin said in triumph. “I don’t feel weak at all.”

“Wife, ’tis clear I’m going to have to post a guard on you at all times to make sure you stay where you belong,” Ewan said from the door.