Page 47 of The Lion

His brother had been reclusive for a long time. The night they’d caught their father with Ewan’s first wife, Duncan had taken Ewan’s side. The late laird had secretly thrown Duncan into the dungeon for it. Duncan had been imprisoned before and often suffered night terrors because of it. Their father locking him up was the most horrible of punishments after not having fully recovered from his previous imprisonment. Duncan had remained in the dungeons for a week without food or water, until Darach found out about it and released him one night.

Once free, Duncan had gone to live in the southern portion of the land in their other estate with Caelan. It wasn’t until their father died that Duncan returned, and even then, it was only for short visits.

“I know ye do not like being here. I understand…”

“Ye do not,” Duncan said. “Stuart would be better suited to take yer place.”

Darach huffed. “Duncan, what if something happens to me? Ye are the next in line for lairdship. It is time ye begin to fulfill yer duty to the clan.”

The muscle in Duncan’s jaw flexed as he tried to control his temper. “If it comes to be, which I pray it never does, I will not take lairdship. I never wish to take the place of a man I detested.”

“He is dead. I am not our father. Neither are ye.”

It was no use arguing with Duncan. He was as headstrong as a mule.

“Tell me what ye know about the MacNeil,” Darach said.

Duncan shook his head. “Not now brother, ye have enough of a burden with Cairn’s betrayal. The MacNeil is not an immediate threat. They are at a disadvantage as they have to traverse water to form an attack.”

“True,” Darach said in agreement.

“When do ye go to see the Uisdein?”

“In thirteen days.”

Duncan gave him a confused look. “That is a strange number of days.”

“A part of my marriage agreement. That my new wife and I remain near each other for a fortnight.”

“Sounds like an intelligent rule. We should adopt it,” Duncan said, surprising Darach. “A good way to establish a relationship. Especially in an arranged marriage.”

Darach had to agree.

Five days later.

Darach went to the great hall to find food. It was past the midday meal, which meant he’d been in his study too long. He only stirred because his stomach growled.

He stopped when he saw Isobel sitting at a table with his mother, sister, and her sister. Since he was late to the meal, no one sat the high board. He went to sit next to her.

His mother beamed at him. “I am glad that ye join us for the meal, son.”

“It looks as if all of ye are finished,” he replied looking to their empty plates.

Isobel met his gaze. “We are enjoying conversation and will keep ye company while ye eat.”

The husky undertone of her voice brought an immediate reaction. Something in his stomach fluttered making him feel like an adolescent lad. Darach cleared his throat and motioned for a servant.

While he ate, he listened to them talk about practical matters that he’d not considered. Interesting how the women could be so aware of the people’s wants and needs. Things that did not include just food and housing. They spoke of visiting expectant women to ensure the midwives were aware of their upcoming births. The subject of clothing and blankets as well as basic schooling for both lads and lasses in the village was discussed.

Both Isobel and Beatrice spoke of the work they did back at North Uist caring for the elderly and the preparation of baskets with specific items that would ensure they were taken care of during the winter months.

As he listened, it became apparent how much his mother and the women of the keep did for others, while representing him. These works had not been done while his father was laird.

“Mother?” he interrupted.

Her gaze moved to him, lips curving. “Aye.”

“All of this that ye’ve started doing, where are the supplies ye need coming from?”