Page 37 of The Lion

“This seems quite serious,” Isobel said by way of opening.

He sat in a chair to her right. “I wish to speak about our marriage. There are certain things that must be discussed.”

Isobel waited for him to continue.

“I will be traveling to see yer father and make an agreement regarding the alliance of our clans. Although I do not foresee any complications. I wish ye to be aware that if an agreement is not made, we will not marry.”

Her chest tightened. Of course, he would not marry unless it was beneficial to his clan. Despite being perfectly aware of the transactions that occurred between lairds, it being stated so plainly made her feel like a bargaining chip.

“Anything else?” Isobel said, not caring to remain in the room. However, she had to make her clan proud and ensure not to tarnish the arrangement.

He shook his head. “The day after tomorrow, ye and I, our mothers, and my brother Stuart will discuss the matter further.”

“My father will be in agreement; it was his idea that we come. Although he expected ye would wish to marry Beatrice, that it is I ye picked will not affect his approval. After all, that is what daughters are for. Tools to be used as currency when lairds make alliances and such.”

“Ye are not currency.”

“Do not say it because ye wish to make me feel a certain way. I assure ye, I am perfectly aware of my lot. As a laird’s daughter, I was trained since a wee lass to be a laird’s wife.”

Darach’s face hardened. “My family does not believe in a bedding ceremony and I do not wish to do the presentation of bloodied sheets. Therefore, ye can ease yer mind about that.”

It made little sense to her that there would be no proof of the consummation. “How will we prove that we are indeed husband and wife in body?”

“My word that it occurred. I do not lie, Miss Isobel.”

For some strange reason, the conversation made her feel differently about Darach. It wasn’t that he stated anything that she didn’t expect or know. Perhaps it was his tone, every word spoken so plainly, without emotion or warmth.

Whatever romantic fascinations had begun to spring within her that day, were dashed by the conversation. In a way, she was grateful as just thinking about this evening, would assure that she kept her heart protected.

“If there is nothing else, Laird, I would like to seek my bed.”

He studied her for a moment. “Ye are upset. I did not wish to ruin yer day. However, it is necessary that ye understand…”

“Ye did not enlighten me to anything I did not already know.” Isobel stood and he did as well. She met his gaze, ensuring to keep hers expressionless. “I bid ye a good night.”

When he reached for her, she pretended not to notice and walked out of the study. She wanted to run, to race up the stairs and get into bed.

However, she made sure to walk up at a normal speed, even stopping to speak to a maid who wished to share an anecdote about the stool race. Isobel forced a chuckle and told the young woman she enjoyed it as well.

Inside the bedchamber, his mother, her mother, Ella, and Beatrice sat waiting for her. As soon as she entered, her mother motioned for her to join them. “What did he speak about?”

She let out a long sigh. “He wished to inform me that he plans to travel to North Uist to speak to Father. Also, he said that if they do not reach an agreement, he will not marry me.”

“Do not worry, lass, he will marry ye,” her mother said with a comforting tap to Isobel’s shoulder. “What else?”

Her temples throbbed. “That ye, Lady Ross, and he will sit down to talk the day after tomorrow.”

Her mother smiled. “Nothing out of the ordinary. Why do ye look so glum?”

Beatrice huffed. “Because she feels sad that he did not declare love or speak of things that lighten a woman’s heart. Men are imbeciles.”

When her sister neared and wrapped her arms around Isobel’s shoulders, it was as if something burst and Isobel began crying. As silly as it was, what Beatrice had stated was true. She’d expected that Darach wished to sneak a dalliance. To kiss her and at least pretend to be attracted to her. Instead, he’d calmly informed her of plans that made it clear, she was nothing but a means to an end. An alliance between lairds.

“Oh dear,” his mother said, tugging her hand and kissing it. “It is obvious that my son finds ye fascinating, otherwise why would he pick ye? If ye were but a mere task, he would not have made a choice.”

“I just want to sleep,” Isobel said, wiping her face and blowing her nose into a cloth Beatrice provided. “It must be the fatigue of the day that has me overly sensitive.”

After a few more assurances that in truth made Isobel feel worse, everyone left.