Page 27 of The Beast

“He has told us a few of the experiences he went through. Many of them I cannot repeat. However, I will tell ye that he was tied to a post and whipped for simple misdeeds and left without food and water for days. As a result, my son has internal scars that may never heal.”

Beatrice’s heart broke for Duncan. She wished nothing more than to go to him and give him comfort. Although, he would probably not welcome it.

Her sister hugged Lady Mariel. “We should discuss Beatrice’s situation more. There is time. Mother will not arrive anytime soon. Hopefully, we can come to a solution.”

“I am going to rest. We should expect a lively last meal as the people wish to welcome Darach back,” Lady Mariel said as she stood. Her warm gaze met Beatrice’s “Do not worry yerself overly about this. It is not as bad as it seems.”

Left with her sister, Beatrice became animated. “Surely ye do not think I should have to marry. I do not wish to anger our parents further. Being married when Mother arrives will send her to madness. I am sure she is already furious at my staying here longer.”

“What explanation did ye give?”

Beatrice sucked in air. She’d forgotten about the excuse. “I told her I was being courted.”

“By whom?” Isobel closed her eyes for a moment and opened them slowly. “I hope ye did not say Duncan.”

When Beatrice didn’t reply, her sister blew out a breath. “Beatrice, ye wish to be taken seriously. Ye claim to be mature, but yer actions are not those of someone who considers the consequences of their actions.”

“Being impetuous does not make me immature,” Beatrice shot back. “I admit to making mistakes and am doing what I can to come up with a way to not have to marry and not anger our parents at the same time. If ye would stop scolding and help, I am sure we can come up with a perfect solution.”

“There is no other solution than for ye to marry. If not Duncan, then another of the brothers. Although displeased that ye do not marry a MacLeod, Mother at least will be pleased at a furthering of our attachment with Clan Ross. I am sure eventually she and Lady Mariel will be very glad for it.”

It was left unsaid that Evander and their father would not be as thrilled. They needed a strong bond with the MacLeod. The man had two sons and one daughter, who was to be married off to another clan.

“Do ye wonder how clans would become united without marrying off their offspring?” Beatrice said while tapping a finger to her chin. “If ye ask me, they should not involve us. They should trade cattle or something.”

“Beatrice, this is a very serious situation, we have to consider that we’d rather ye marry another of the Ross brothers than be forced into a life with a damaged man.”

The word made her cringe. “Duncan is not damaged. That is a horrible thing to say.” Beatrice blew out a breath. “Allow me a day, or two to consider things. I would like to speak to Stuart. I’d rather marry him than Caelan, mainly because he lives with Duncan and that would be… awkward.”

“Very well,” Isobel replied and stood. Beatrice was glad when she left, and she was allowed time alone again.

There was a solution they’d not considered. She could travel back to North Uist immediately. Her family would not hear about any rumors if they remained there. With her back, her mother would have no reason to come there for a few months.

At the thought of leaving and not seeing Duncan again, she became sad. In truth, she was very attracted to him and despite Lady Mariel’s revelations, Beatrice felt a kinship with him. Interesting since she’d never suffered any type of injustice and lived what one could call a sheltered life. However, something deep within called to him and she could only suppose it was that with him, she felt safe.

He’d kissed her. Perhaps it had been an impulse. Obviously, he’d been very shocked by his actions. Had he done to soothe her feelings and then realized it had the opposite effect? Whatever the reason, she wished it had lasted more than a second. In truth, it barely counted as a kiss.

Beatrice huffed and looked toward the window. How hard would it be to get him to kiss her again? Not because she wanted to force him into another awkward situation, but because the short interlude made her curious to know what his kisses would be like.

First, she packed all her clothes, and upon Orla entering, she instructed the maid to finish. “I will see about returning home in the morning. Ye should pack yer belongings as well.”

“Does Lady Ross know?” Orla said referring to Isobel.

“Not yet, I will inform her as soon as she is rested. I do not wish to disturb her right now.”

Once the packing was done, Beatrice went to find Ella.

She found her outside in the side garden looking off into the distance.

“What are ye doing looking so forlorn?” Beatrice asked.

“Do ye ever wonder what else there is to life?” Ella replied, her gaze still off into the distance. “I find myself growing weary of the same thing, day in and day out.”

Beatrice took Ella’s hand. “Come with me to North Uist. I have a grand idea. If I return immediately, my family will not learn of what happened. No knowledge, no forced marriage.”

For a long moment, Ella studied her. “I agree. It is a grand idea. We must tell Mother at once.”

“Allow them to rest. There is time. However, I do wish for ye to come with me. It will give ye opportunity to get away for a bit and to see different dull views.”