Page 18 of The Lion

When the dog brought a stick to his master, Darach took it and threw it. At once, the animal raced after it.

She could not look away, it was the first time she’d seen him so relaxed.

There was something different about the way he stood there, his arms down by his side as he looked out to the sea, the wind blowing his golden tresses sideways. He didn’t seem to mind that his shoulder-length hair whipped about his head as he didn’t try to tame it. Instead, he crouched down and welcomed his dog against his chest when it returned with the prized stick.

Hugging the animal, the sound of his laughter wafted up to where she sat, and Isobel smiled at the sound. Even an unfriendly man like Darach seemed more approachable when alone outdoors.

Still, she did not care for him. Like Beatrice had said, he’d changed and was no longer the nice young man she once knew.

Darach, his dog beside him, raced in a large circle several times. The dog’s happy barks the only sound. He fell to the ground and again laughed when the dog pounced on him and began licking his face.

Isobel prayed they’d remain in that position as she hurriedly sketched. It was probably a rare moment for the new laird to be granted time alone.

From the side door of the home, two men emerged. Both Ross men. Stuart and Ewan, who were of similar build with broad shoulders and dark hair, approached their older brother. The stark difference in coloring between the two who approached and Darach was striking. And yet, all three had similar features.

As they began speaking, Darach pulled out a strap and tied his windblown hair back. He assumed a stiffer demeanor, his head bent forward as he listed to what his brother said.

A few moments later, the three walked toward the keep. The dog followed, its stick in its mouth but his tail no longer wagged.

Once the men disappeared into the house, Isobel again studied the surroundings. Soon the sun would disappear behind the trees and the day would end. She made a mental note to come back to the same spot another day at sunset.

For now, it was best she returned inside. Even though her mother and sister were used to her disappearing to spend time alone, the Ross women were not, and she did not wish to come across as rude.

Moments later, in the bedchamber, she put her knapsack away, rinsed her face and hands in the basin, and went to the sitting room.

The women were drinking honeyed mead and discussing the festival. It seemed she’d not missed much.

“There ye are,” her mother said with a smile and looked to her hands. “I’d hoped ye would bring yer sketchbook so Lady Ross could see how talented ye are.”

Isabel’s stomach lurched, and she was thankful to have dropped off her bag. Otherwise, they’d see the sketch of Darach and his dog.

“I only did a bit of sketching today. I promise to do something wonderful and gift it to ye, Lady Ross.”

Settling into a chair next to Beatrice, her sister filled her in on what was planned so far for the festivities. She loved seeing her sister so animated and couldn’t help but wonder if perhaps Beatrice chose to ignore the fact that she was there to find a husband.

Not only had Beatrice not spent time with Darach, but she acted as if there was nothing to worry about.

“I must apologize for my son,” Lady Ross said, looking at Beatrice. “Darach is so busy, he has not made an opportunity to spend time with ye.”

At once, Beatrice’s countenance changed. With a sharp inhale, she then forced a smile. “I do not mind at all. I am here to spend time with ye and the other members of the family as well.”

Lady Ross frowned and exchanged a look with her mother. “Ye are gracious. However, it is time for my son to marry and it would make me so happy if he were to choose ye or Isobel. Yer mother and I have been friends since childhood, we want our families bonded.”

At her name being mentioned by Lady Ross, Isobel’s mouth fell open. She looked to her mother, but she was smiling and nodding with a warm look to Lady Ross.

Perhaps her mother had not heard the second part of that sentence. “Mother, should we prepare for last meal?” Isobel said, hoping to draw her mother out of the room.

“Not yet darling,” her mother said with a dismissive wave. “Tell me, Mariel, why do ye think Darach is so reluctant to marry?”

“I suppose it must be the burden of his duty. Since before the late laird died, Darach has been shouldering the responsibility. My brave son has tried his best to keep our people happy. But it is a monumental task. Ye have been here just a few days and I’m sure ye’ve noticed how disillusioned our clan is.”

Isobel met the woman’s gaze. “Perhaps it is not his time to marry. With so many responsibilities, why add another.”

“My son will not be forced to marry,” Lady Ross said with a gentle smile. “I wish for all my children to marry for love. However, it is my belief that a love match will ease his burdens, not increase them.”

The woman’s statement definitely eased Isobel’s burden, she smiled widely at Lady Ross. The woman expected for Darach and the others to marry for love. The angry laird definitely did not love Beatrice, as he’d not even tried to make time to spend with her. And even better, he certainly did not love her.

Isobel let out a long breath, her lips curving. “I think we should discuss the rules for stoolball.”