Page 53 of The Lion

“I want to travel to the village. I must go to several homes of prominent families. My brothers are all patrolling different areas, leaving just one that falls to me to do. Our land is vast and each of us were assigned a portion upon our father’s death.”

Isobel wasn’t sure she would agree to them parting ways before the fortnight ended. “Would ye be gone long?”

He shrugged. “It is about a two hour ride there.”

“I will come with ye.” Isobel lifted her chin. “I am an accomplished rider. I will not hold ye back.”

In the silence that came, Isobel prepared to argue her point. “Yer mother is of the opinion that Cairn’s weapon is his tongue. She says we should not fear him.”

“I do not fear him, but I do not know if he has others convinced to do his bidding.” Darach studied her for a moment. “Very well, ye will come with me.”

It was only a few minutes later that they were mounted and headed for a village north of the keep. They didn’t ride at an overly fast pace. Darach explained that several guardsmen had already headed there to search, but since there were important families there, it was best that he be the one to speak to them.

By the time they arrived at the third home, Isobel was sorry to have insisted on coming. Her bottom was sore, and her mood was dark.

They were ushered into a large entry and immediately the man, a wealthy merchant guided them to sit and offered refreshments. Isobel was already full, from the last two houses, but etiquette prevailed, and she made sure to eat and praise the food to the merchant’s wife who fawned over her.

By the time they left, Isobel was sure her stomach would burst. “How many more stops?” she asked Darach weakly. “I cannot eat another bite.”

“We head back now.”

A guardsman neared. “She insists on speaking to ye,” the man said sliding a look to Isobel.

“Did ye ask about Cairn?”

The guard nodded. “Aye, my laird, and she said to have information but will only speak to ye.”

Darach looked to Isobel, and immediately she knew it had to do with Lilia.

“Ye should speak to her,” Isobel said with a sinking feeling.

They arrived at a newly built cottage. It was quaint and obviously no expense was spared to ensure every part had been done well. When Lilia opened the door, her gaze went directly to Darach, and then upon seeing Isobel, her eyes widened.

She moved back. “Come inside, please.”

Taking her elbow, Darach ushered Isobel inside. The interior was neat as a pin, every item in its place, the faint scent of lavender from dry flowers in a basket wafted through.

“Why could ye not speak to the guard?” Darach said without preamble. “Do ye truly have information?”

Despite Isobel not caring for Lilia, she was surprised by Darach’s brashness. Lilia, however, did not seem bothered. Her lips curved.

“I do have news, but not about Cairn.”

Darach frowned. “What is it then?”

“Thought ye should know that I am expecting yer bairn.”

The floor shifted under Isobel, but she managed not to sway. Darach on the other hand did not seem as affected. “This is a conversation for another time.”

“Another time? Like when?” Lilia snapped. “Ye send me away but ye cannot ignore this.”

Isobel was at a loss. A part of her shattered, and as much as she wished to run away, she forced herself to remain still. Would it be proper for her to say something? Was it her place to tell the woman to be quiet and not make demands of her husband?

“I want our bairn to be acknowledged. For ye to claim ’im as yer own.”

Darach’s jaw flexed, his gaze pinning Lilia. “I am fully aware of many things, Lilia. Tread with care when making demands.”

Lilia seemed to lose some bravado for a moment, but then her lips twisted into a snarl. “I have said what I wish. I will go to yer mother, to the clergy…”