Page 74 of The Lion

Moments later, Darach came to view as he rounded the bed. Isobel made sure to keep her eyelids lifted just enough to watch him through her lashes.

He paced in front of the fireplace as if trying to decide what to do. Then he sat in a chair and began removing his boots. After that, he removed his breeches, remaining only in a tunic.

With measured moves, he neared the bed and lifted the bedding.

The warmth of his nearness almost made her move away, but she persisted in pretending to sleep.

Darach laid on his back and stared at the ceiling. Then ever so slowly, he picked up her left hand, held it against his chest, and promptly fell asleep.

If she were to snatch her hand away it would wake him, so instead, she lay still as his breathing evened out. Under her palm, the steady beating of his heart and heat soothed her. Despite herself, Isobel inhaled his familiar scent, realizing she’d missed him terribly.

With a herculean effort, she held back tears that threatened and forced sleep to come.

The door closing woke Isobel, she lifted her head to look and confirmed Darach had slipped out. Sighing she fell back onto the bed. She would have to inform him, he was not welcome to sneak into her bedchamber. Why bother with her own room if he was to intrude at will?

Admittedly, upon his coming to her bed, she’d fallen into the first deep sleep since the last time they’d shared a bed. However, she was not about to allow sentimentality to sully her convictions.

Annis entered moments later with a cup and saucer in hand. Behind her, a maid walked in with a pitcher of warm water for Isobel’s morning ablutions. It had been necessary when sharing a bed with Darach as they’d made love so often. Now, however, the additional washing was not as necessary.

Nonetheless, she did not say anything and went about preparing for the day.

“How would ye like yer hair today Lady Isobel?” Annis asked pulling her hair up and meeting her gaze in the mirror.

“Whichever way yer please. Something simple is fine.”

Once she dressed, again in a serviceable dress, as she planned to spend time reviewing the gardens, she lifted her shawl and opened the door.

Darach stood beside the door to his bedchamber. He leaned on the wall but straightened upon her appearance. Something in her stomach fluttered at seeing him.

“May I walk ye to first meal?”

“Yer mother has invited me to break my fast in her sitting room in the mornings.”

“It is customary for ye to eat with me,” he replied in a soft tone. “But if ye wish to eat with my mother, I will go with ye there instead.”

Isobel was at a loss. “Yer mother is expecting me.”

Taking her elbow, he guided her to the end of the corridor and then to the right where his mother’s quarters were. When they walked in, the table was set with four plates and cups, as Beatrice and Ella often ate there as well. If Lady Mariel was surprised at her son’s appearance, she did not act like it. Instead, she stood and went to him.

“Son, I am so glad that ye join us today,” she said lifting her face to accept his kiss to the cheek.

Darach guided Isobel to a chair and lowered to another next to her. A servant hurriedly placed a plate and cup before him. “We only have tea, Laird,” the girl explained. “I can go fetch ale.”

“Tea is fine,” he replied and lifted Isobel’s plate. Once he served her something of each item, a slice of cold meat, cheese, and bread. He left off buttering the bread knowing she did not care for it.

Beatrice met Isobel’s gaze with questions and Isobel gave a light shrug and a droll look.

“What will be done about the Uisdein?” Ella asked. Obviously the only one not ill at ease at Darach’s presence.

“I declared clan Uisdein our enemy. Therefore, we will not trade with them, nor will his people be allowed past our borders.”

“What of families?” Beatrice asked, unable to remain quiet. “Are there not families that are joined by marriage who belong to both clans?”

He nodded. “Aye. And they will have to choose a side.”

Lady Mariel changed the conversation to the normal talk of the daily duties, as Darach ate and listened in silence. Every so often he added suggestions, which surprised Isobel to the amount of knowledge he had when it came to running the household.

“All of my sons helped me when lads,” Lady Mariel informed her and Beatrice. “Ye see, their father would not have any duties for them until they reached ten and three, before then, he preferred I keep them out of the way. Therefore, they did household duties. In my opinion, it prepared them better for life on their own, if it came to be.”