Page 5 of The Beast

Everyone knew the reason. Isobel, her sister and Darach, his brother, were going through a rough time. Isobel was not in good spirits and Beatrice wished to be there to comfort her sister. It was the second time she’d extended her visit, which was good news for both Isobel and Duncan’s sister, Ella, who’d become very close to Beatrice.

Obviously, Lady Macdonald had been misled to think he was to court Beatrice.

Duncan sighed and looked around the bedchamber. The Macdonalds did not spare expense in furnishings. Nor in any other manner from what he’d seen. The men were dressed in fine fabrics and Beatrice’s dress, the day he’d spoken to her, had been exquisite.

They were wealthy and had no need for an alliance, other than to ensure future peace. It would be in his clan’s interest to remain closely bonded with this clan. However, he was not the right man to marry the beautiful Beatrice.

Never once, since his escape from capture, had he ever considered courting a woman with the intent to marry.

As a matter of fact, he didn’t allow himself to dream of a normal life, with a wife and bairns. That was not to be his reality.

Courtship to a laird’s daughter was an impossibility. One did not court such a woman unless with the intention of marriage. And the one thing Duncan was sure about was that he would never marry.

Chapter Two

Dún Láidir, Keep Ross, South Uist

Beatrice Macdonald paced the parlor impatient to know what would happen upon her mother opening the letter she’d sent. It had been four days since Duncan and Stuart had gone to North Uist and they were expected to return this day. The next day at the latest.

If her mother returned with them, she wasn’t sure what would happen. Of course, she’d immediately inform her that she’d not been truthful in stating that Duncan was courting her. No sooner had he left with the letter than she’d realized what a dreadful mistake she’d made.

What if her brother read it and demanded Duncan marry her immediately? Or if her mother returned with him and insisted there be a wedding? Goodness, the things she got herself into by being so impetuous.

“I have been searching for ye everywhere,” Ella Ross said as she walked in and came to stand next to Beatrice. “Should have known ye would be here, as much as ye like the view from these windows.” Ella reminded her so much of her brothers with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. She was tall for a woman, but unlike the muscular Ross men, she was curvy.

“How can ye not?” Beatrice replied with a smile. “The waves are mesmerizing.”

“Indeed,” Ella said following her line of sight to the darkening waters as the sun had recently set. “I do love it. However, I am not here to speak of the view, but to make plans for our traveling to the village tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

Ella gave her a quizzical look. “There is to be a festival at the village square, and Gideon has agreed to escort us.”

“That is wonderful,” Beatrice replied with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. “It will be a distraction from worry. I am so very anxious to hear what Mother’s reply will be. I know she will be displeased at me for extending my visit.”

“Bah!” Ella exclaimed with a wave of her hand. “I am sure she will be glad to come to fetch ye as she and Mother enjoy spending time together.”

“If she comes right away, yer mother is gone. The only ones here are ye and I.”

Laird Darach Ross, Beatrice’s sister Isobel, and Lady Mariel Ross had all gone to the Isle of Barra to visit Clan MacNeil. They were not expected to return for at least a sennight, perhaps longer.

It was best to make the most out of her time there Beatrice considered. “Tomorrow we go to the village and we stay as long as we wish because if Mother arrives, my freedom may well be over.”

“Ye fret too much. I am sure yer mother will not mind traveling here. Duncan and Stuart return soon and once they do, ye will see that all is well.”

Her friend studied her for a moment and then smiled. “I bid ye a good night.”

Once Ella left, Beatrice settled into a comfortable chair and continued her perusal of the darkening view. Her friend was right. Other than her mother possibly being annoyed with her; she’d spend a few days there and then she and her mother would return to North Uist together.

The thought of returning home made her sad. Not only would Isobel not be there, but she’d be without her new friend Ella.

Her acquaintances back in North Uist would provide a good distraction. Although in fairness, they did little more than gather for tea, needlework, and walks.

For some reason life at Keep Ross was much more entertaining. There were the morning visits from villagers, a parade of peddlers, the siblings’ interactions at dinnertime. They squabbled and always debated different topics over last meal.

In comparison, her home life was more what she would describe as peaceful. Her brothers and father kept from discussing anything of importance at the table. Usually, it was her mother who carried the conversation, which centered on what needed to be done around the keep.

At Keep Ross, the views of the sea from almost every window were enchanting. The beauty of it never waning. Beatrice could spend hours just looking out at the never-ending ebb and flow of the waves.