“Arms up.” Margaret eased a day ruby-red dress over her head. The layers slid down her body and skimmed her ankles. Margaret nabbed the white ribbons dangling at her waist and laced up the front stays. She pulled the fabric snug and tied the bow along the low square neckline. “Let’s tidy your hair.”
She pocketed her pills and sat near the side table. “I’m so glad I met you, Margaret.”
“You’re a MacLeod, and kin. I’ll always stand by your side, whether you’re my cousin or no’.” She brushed her hair.
“I haven’t had family in a long time. Now I do.”
“You also have a man who cares for you. We all heard your scream and when I raced in here to find you gone, Alex was issuing orders to his men. He said he wouldnae rest until his wife was found, and he surely meant it. At dawn both my clansmen and his began searching the forest.”
Out the window, the sun was high. It was past midday. “When will he be back?”
“Once he finds you.” Margaret braided her hair and secured it with a red ribbon. “Rory is with him. He was certain Alex had something to do with your disappearance and didnae care to let him out of his sight.”
“Alex will be beside himself.”
“It appeared so.” Margaret gripped her shoulders. “What happened to you must stay between us. I believe because I saw you appear out of thin air. I know what you speak of is true, but no other will see it that way. I have to protect both you and my cousin should Annie return.”
A knock sounded on the door and Margaret called out, “Who is it?”
“Mary MacDonald. Has there been any word on Anne?”
“Just a moment, Mary.” Margaret held a finger to her lips. “She’s been so worried about you. We’ll say you walked in your sleep and I found you in my dressing room, that I didnae think to look there.”
“Absolutely. I must go to her.” She raced to the door and flung it open.
“Oh my, am I seeing things?” Mary staggered back. “Anne?”
“It’s me.” She pulled Mary into her arms. “I’m so sorry to have caused such an uproar. I’ve missed you.”
“Where have you been?” She caught Anne’s face between her hands, her gaze searching hers. “Last eve, I heard your scream. Were you hurt?”
“No, but I woke a little while ago inside Margaret’s dressing room. Sometimes I sleep walk.”
“You look exhausted, as if you’ve had no sleep at all.” Her gaze traveled over her body. “And thin. You’ve lost weight since I last saw you. Come, you should eat.” She wrapped an arm around Anne’s waist and guided her downstairs.
“I’ll organize a meal,” Margaret said from her other side. “Something simple. How does bread and honey sound?”
“Perfect.” Maybe she’d be able to keep it down. Oh, she was back. This was real. Her mind was still cloudy, but clearing more with each minute that passed. She hoped William and Donald would keep searching for her parents even though she’d gone.
“I willnae be long, and I’ll send one of the lads out to inform Rory you’ve been found.” Margaret rushed off toward the kitchen.
Mary urged her to sit at the dais. “Almost everyone has joined in the search.”
“I didn’t mean to cause such mayhem.” Gripping Mary’s hand, she whispered, “I saw Alex, ah, last night before I wandered off.” Great. She’d have to keep track of her days. So many lost, and her mind wasn’t where it should be. She needed sustenance, badly.
“He risks so much when MacLeod has already made his intentions clear.” Mary leaned in. “We dinnae need to have hostilities rise again between our clans.”
“What exactly do you mean? What’s Alex done?”
“Naught yet, but his mind is set. He wants you back.”
“I want him too.” She longed to be with Alex, although she was living in Annie’s world. “We’ll have to tread carefully.”
“Here we are.” Margaret bustled in and set a tray before her. Steam wafted from a mug of tea, and she longed for the warmth it would provide.
“Thank you.” She cupped the mug.
Margaret sat, gave her a nod. “Eat slowly.”
She tore the thick slice of bread into bites and tried a bit. This had to go down. She chewed and tentatively swallowed.
Her belly revolted at the intrusion of food, but she kept her lips clamped together.
Margaret rubbed her back. “I sent another lad to the healer, asking her to come.” To Mary, she said, “It must be a touch of sea-sickness. It’s no’ unusual for my cousin to suffer from it after such a long trip.”
“Oh, you should have said, my dear. No wonder you look so pale.”
“I’ll come right.” Or she better. Alex already worried enough without seeing her like this.
She prodded another piece of bread into her mouth then quickly washed it down with a sip of tea. This time her belly didn’t heave. Okay, good.
“Look at you.” Mary brushed her fingers across her cheeks. “Keep eating.”
She took another bite and again kept it down.
Margaret smiled. “That’s—”