Page 43 of The Lion

When Isobel stood, the room went silent, every set of eyes following her to the stairs. It was then she realized Lilia was not present. To make sure, she looked over her shoulder to where the woman usually sat, and she was not there.

Perhaps Darach had kept his word and sent her away after all.

Her mother and Lady Ross came to her and walked with her up the stairs. No one else would be present when she prepared for bed, as she’d asked that only both mothers be there. It was embarrassing enough having to walk across the room as everyone speculated where exactly she went.

When she walked past the room she’d shared with Beatrice, Isobel blew out a breath. Tonight, her life would change. She was to be the new Lady Ross, taking her mother-in-law’s place.

“Will I be sharing his bedchambers after tonight?” Isobel asked, having heard that Lady Ross and the late laird did not share sleeping quarters.

Her mother-in-law smiled. “Aye, Darach had instructed that all yer clothes and such be moved here.”

They walked into the large room that housed an oversized masculine bed. The bed was the only furniture Isobel noted. A fire burned in the hearth, and it was obvious that the space was recently swept, the scent of lavender was fresh.

Spread on the bed was a beautiful white nightgown, which she ignored.

Her mother led her to stand in front of a mirror. Annis hurried in and helped her to undress.

Once her hair was brushed out and she sat on the bed in the new nightdress, Annis and Lady Ross went out the door.

Her mother remained and came to the bed. “What happens between a husband and wife is natural darling. Remember to relax and allow him to do what he will. I am sure the laird is experienced in this matter.”

Isobel gave her mother a droll look. “I am sure he is.”

“Do ye have any questions?”

In truth, she had many. She’d had relations once, with her last betrothed, who seemed pained by the entire experience. For her, it had been swift and confusing. After that one time, he’d not tried to touch her again.

“I suppose it’s like two horses when they mate?”

Her mother’s eyes widened. “I do not think he will be behind ye.” Her cheeks pinkened. “Yer husband will be over ye, he will guide himself to yer center and enter ye that way. Ye should be aware of this Isobel”

Isobel shrugged. “I suppose I am. Mother I assure ye, I can deal with it without embarrassing ye.”

Her mother took her hand and patted it. “I wish ye happiness and love. Because if ye love one another, what happens between a husband and wife will be much more pleasurable.”

Isobel followed her mother’s progress as she walked out. How exactly could love affect relations? What men and women did in bed was something in which only the men found pleasure.

The door opened and Isobel kept her gaze on the ceiling.

“Ye look as if laid out after death,” Darach commented, and despite her trepidation of what would come soon, a chuckle escaped.

“I am doing what I was instructed to by our mothers. To lay and wait.”

He neared the bed and took her arms pulling her up to sit. “We can talk while I prepare for bed.”

“Very well,” Isobel replied.

“Did ye enjoy the ceremony today?” he asked, pulling off his boots. “I have to agree with ye, I did prefer the smaller group attending.”

Isobel wasn’t sure what she’d been expecting, but small talk had not been on her list. “Aye, I did enjoy it. The food was good as well.”

“Ye looked beautiful today; however, in this moment, ye take my breath away.” Darach removed his plaid, leaving him in only his white tunic that fell just above his knees.

Isobel swallowed against the dryness that developed in her throat when he pulled the tunic up from the hem displaying strong thighs, narrow hips, and a flat rippled stomach.

Her eyes flew to the patch of light hair between his thighs and then just below to his manhood. He didn’t seem to mind her perusal and she took advantage, as she wasn’t sure to ever see him devoid of clothing again. Not unless he slept in the nude, which she very much doubted.

Darach was magnificently made. His body a depiction of masculinity and strength. At first, she was in so much awe, the idea of joining with him did not come to mind.