She closed her mouth and he smiled at the weary set to her eyes. She was fierce with regard to her duties, but she was also exhausted and she wasn’t going to further argue the need for her rest.

Her shoulders sagged and Alaric motioned for Gannon to come closer.

“Have a bath drawn for Keeley,” he murmured to his man. “You can have the tub brought up here and placed in the corner so she has privacy.”

Gannon raised one eyebrow but didn’t argue. He turned and left the chamber and Alaric settled back onto the bed, content to watch as Keeley puttered around the room doing this and that in a clear effort to avoid him.

When another knock sounded, Keeley frowned but went to answer. Alaric grinned when she backed away, eyes wide at the men who carted the large tub into the room. They were followed by a parade of women, each bearing a steaming bucket of water.

Keeley shot Alaric a frown. “You cannot wet your stitches.”

“ ’Tis not for me.”

Keeley’s brows drew together. “Who is it for then?”

“You.”

Her eyes widened and she glanced between where the water was being emptied into the tub and Alaric, as if she had no idea what to say. When she opened her mouth, he brought his finger to his lips in a motion to silence her.

She marched across the room and perched on the edge of his bed. “Alaric, I can’t bathe in here!”

“I won’t look,” he said innocently.

She glanced longingly at the tub. Steam rose as the last of the water was poured in.

“If you don’t hurry, the water will grow too cool,” he said.

Gannon came in then with a tall wooden barrier that folded in the middle. “I’ve borrowed Mairin’s privacy board,” he said to Keeley.

Alaric shot him a glare, but Gannon made certain not to meet his gaze.

“Privacy board?” Keeley stared at the contraption in puzzlement.

“Aye, she had it built to shield her tub so she could bathe in private,” Gannon explained.

Keeley smiled in delight as it was set up and completely obscured the view of the tub. “It’s perfect!”

Gannon returned her smile and then extended a bundle of clothing toward her. “Mairin sent you a new dress to change into. She said to tell you that on the morrow the ladies will have more to give you.”

Warmth suffused Keeley’s eyes and cheeks. “Thank Mairin and the other women for me,” she said softly.

Gannon nodded and turned to follow the women out, shutting the door behind him.

Keeley fingered the material of the dress, a wistful expression on her face. Then she glanced up at Alaric. “I’ll hurry.”

Alaric shook his head. “No need. Take as long as you like. I’m feeling much better after taking sustenance. I’m just going to lie back and get comfortable.”