Page 48 of The Beast

She met his gaze. “I believe ye. I trust ye. Who I do not trust husband, are other women.” Beatrice finished eating and pushed away from the table. “It is best I go, do not wish to miss the best offerings at the village square.”

“Do ye require coin?”

Beatrice thought about it. She had money of her own but decided to save it just in case it was needed. “Aye, I do.”

She followed Duncan up the stairs to his bedchamber. When they entered, he avoided looking at the rumpled bed and instead went to the trunk. He lifted the top just enough to slide his hand into it and brought out a small leather sack.

“Let me know if ye require more.” He handed her the heavy sack.

“This is too much,” Beatrice said barely able to hold the coin bag in her hand.

Duncan pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Ye must have enough to get whatever ye need for the house.”

The village was much like villages near her home. It was smaller than the one closer to Keep Ross, but it was lively. The tavern anchored the square and several other familiar buildings completed it. There was a mill, a butcher, a blacksmith, and several others; all with their shingles ensuring visitors were aware of what was offered.

She and Orla asked where they might find a seamstress and then had to chase after an excited young lass, who raced up one street after the other until she came to a small house.

They entered a doorway to a large room filled with fabric and trimmings. A woman greeted them, her keen gazing moving over her dress.

After Beatrice informed her of what she wished to purchase for herself and Orla, the woman called for a younger version of herself to help with measurements. Beatrice enjoyed choosing from the assortment of fabrics, picking mostly browns, tans, and a few black items. For Orla, she chose a light-colored fabric for special days and then three service dresses in natural tones.

They stopped at the shoemaker’s, and each found a pair of boots that fit. Afterwards, they purchased, yarn, thread, several blankets, a pair of baskets, and wooden bowls to be used on the table for both food and flowers.

While the carriage was loaded, Beatrice returned to the square and to the delight of the merchants purchased something from each stand.

Beatrice followed Ella’s advice and introduced herself to the people as the new mistress of the Ross estate house. The villagers seemed to hold Duncan in high esteem and congratulated her while sending their regards to her husband.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of the same man who’d been to her house and Beatrice hurried to him.

“Ye left without responding to my invitation,” Beatrice said noting the man seemed discomfited by her sudden appearance.

Ensuring no one could see, he reached for her left wrist and pulled her closer. “Ye should forget to have ever seen me.” His face hardened. “Tis best if yer husband has no knowledge that we spoke at yer home or here at the village. I will not be coming to yer house.”

“Why would ye not wish him to see ye?”

The dark gaze locked with hers and his lips curled into a toothy smile. “When I said I knew everything and shared much with yer husband, I meant it. He and I grew very close while at sea for so many years.”

Beatrice attempted to snatch her hand away, but he did not release it. His face pressed against the side of hers and he whispered in her ear. “I fucked yer husband. Ask him about that.”

Her mouth fell open at the unbelievable words the man uttered. “Ye are a horrible person,” she exclaimed. “I will certainly not ask him that. Release me, sir!”

At her voice rising, he released her, but his lips remained in the evil grin. “Aye, ye are not the only one who knows Duncan Ross intimately.”

Beatrice’s heart thundered as Farlan Reid strolled away seeming happy to have shared what he did. The only reason she was aware of men laying together was because one of her cousins, Albert, preferred men to women and had once admitted it her.

It was whispered about during family gatherings when her cousin often attended with another man, who remained at his side. Despite the fact he preferred men, Albert was Beatrice’s favorite cousin to spend time with. He was entertaining and very charismatic.

“What did he say?” Orla whispered frantically. “Ye are very pale.”

Beatrice shook her head, unable to speak.

Could it be the real reason Duncan did not wish to marry? Did her husband prefer men? Beatrice returned to the carriage with Orla, both of their arms laden with purchases.

She sat back in the soft seat her mind awhirl. How would she bring it up to Duncan? Lead in with the fact she was aware some men preferred those of their same sex?

Farlan was the horseman who’d been watching the house. It could be he was heartbroken over losing Duncan.

What a mess she found herself in, if that man was truly who Duncan wished to be with.