The laird was not a protestant, but Ian was graciously received and offer was made to accommodate as many of the wounded as possible.
“You had liever pay special attention to those poor English varlets,” said Ian. “There will be few to give them heed.”
The Lady smiled a sad smile and led the way to a beautifully appointed room. “Your Grace has a wondrous fair child with you,” she said. “I marvel not at your care for him. Is he sore hurt?”
“I trust not,” said Ian, as he laid Aline gently down. He dared not let any one help him, lest Aline’s secret should be discovered; so he dressed her wounds himself and put her to bed.
CHAPTER XXVII
THE BIRTHDAY PARTY
AFTER the battle the Earl of Hawick disbanded the greater part of his forces, retaining but a small nucleus in case it should be necessary to bring military aid to the party of Argyle and Glencairn in support of their covenant against the regent. With this small force he moved northward. The Duke was far too sore hurt to travel and neither he nor Aline were able to move for some time.
As soon, however, as they could sit a horse they set out for the Castle of Menstrie, where they arrived in due course and were most warmly welcomed by the Duchess of Ochil and her daughter Shiona, who had been anxiously awaiting Ian’s return after they first received news of his arrival in Scotland.
His mother was overjoyed to see him and he briefly told her the story of the child. When he had finished she kissed Aline and said, “You poor sweet thing, now at last you have reached a haven of rest and you must count me as your mother as far as I can be one.”
Aline had not before felt shy of her boy’s clothes, but the gentle courteous lady made her long for her own things and she blushingly began to apologise.