Page 73 of The Lion

He waited for what she’d say next, hoping for enlightenment.

When she sighed, his hopes were dashed. “The only advice I can offer is that ye give her time. Do not press her to forgive ye. Remain near at all times and do yer best to remain pleasant to her. It may be difficult as she will not make it easy for ye.”

The room seemed to close in on him after she walked out. The silence made the humming in his ears sound louder. He wanted to race up the stairs and find out Isobel’s reaction to his gifts. However, if he were in her place, the gifts would probably make things worse at this time.

When Annis, Isobel’s companion rapped at the door and stood there with a bundle, his thoughts were confirmed.

“My laird, Lady Isobel requested that I bring this here,” she said with a hint of disdain in her voice. “Where should I put them?”

He motioned to the table where he and his council sat around to hold weekly meetings. “On the table.”

With measured steps, she placed the bundle down with care and walked back out.

He drank the rest of the whisky and slammed the glass on the sideboard just as Duncan entered.

His brother looked at the glass that his mother had left. “Drinking with a ghost?”

“Mother was just here.”

“If she drank, she must be very cross with ye,” Duncan said lifting the same glass and pouring more amber liquid into it. “What does she advise?”

“That I give Isobel time and be patient.” Darach raked fingers through his hair. “I should have thought this through. There are so many other things I should be doing, but my mind cannot rest knowing I’ve hurt my wife so publicly.”

“Do ye think she will be forgiving?” Duncan asked, sitting. “Ye must know her enough to discern.”

“I have not been married to her long enough to be able to assume anything about my wife. She is kind, but this has wounded her deeply.”

“All ye can do is wait and do as Mother says.” Duncan changed the subject. “Darach, I am returning to my home after last meal tomorrow. I will spend a day there to prepare for travel and hope to head to North Uist by mid-day the day after.”

On his desk, two letters were already written. “Come and fetch the missives before leaving. One is for the Macdonald, the other is for the ship captain that ye are meeting. Ensure he is aware we are to be the only investors in his shipment and should be informed immediately upon his return.”

“I will,” Duncan replied. “One more thing. Yer wife’s sister does not wish to leave. She is sending a letter to her parents requesting to remain longer. Wants to be here for yer wife.”

“I am not surprised.”

“I am sure this will resolve itself over time. For now, be on yer best behavior, brother.”

Trudging up the stairs, Darach did not look forward to sleeping in his empty bed again. However, it was too soon to ask for Isobel’s company.

When arriving at his door, he looked to his wife’s and took a step toward it. And then another.

Chapter Twenty

Isobel tossed and turned, unable to sleep. Her mind raced over the events of the last few days. So much had changed between her and Darach, while at the same time everything else remained the same.

There were tasks to see to. After all, the keep would not run itself, and Lady Mariel had begun the process of handing more responsibilities to her. Starting the next day, she would no longer hide in her room.

She had nothing to be ashamed of.

If her husband was unfaithful and disloyal, it was he who should be embarrassed by his actions and lack of propriety.

It didn’t matter that her heart was broken, or that sadness filled her. One day it would become normalcy. There was only one way to continue. With dignity and bravery. If Lady Mariel had shown her anything, it was to turn one’s focus elsewhere. To pursuits that gave satisfaction and joy.

She considered the beautiful art items that Darach had purchased. She would have to ask the peddler to purchase duplicates. It would be too much of a reminder of what he did, to use the ones he’d bought.

Turning to her other side, Isobel closed her eyes and tried to calm her thoughts, but immediately, she pictured Darach across the corridor. Sleeping in the large bed they once shared. How long before he shared it with another woman?

The door opened with a soft creak. Isobel didn’t bother to look. If Annis or Beatrice came to check on her, she would pretend to sleep. They would then leave satisfied she was well.