Page 30 of The Beast

“What?” Beatrice shook her head. “We are to live separately?”

“It is for the best.” He rounded her and walked toward the courtyard.

When she went inside, Lady Mariel was standing in the doorway, prepared to go out.

Beatrice gave her an apologetic look. “Every time I try to fix things, I only make them worse. Now he hates me.”

“I am sure he felt quite the opposite,” Lady Mariel said hugging Beatrice. “Now tell me what he said.”

“That once we marry, I will remain here, and he will continue to live at the other house.”

“We will see about that.” Lady Mariel lifted Beatrice’s chin. “Come, I am sure yer sister wishes to speak to ye.”

“This has been the longest day,” Beatrice said sagging. “I want to go to bed and begin the day anew.”

Chapter Eight

Duncan entered his brother’s study. “Ye know full well I will never marry. Why did ye make that statement.”

“Because it is obvious there is something between ye and her. Already she has been compromised. Someone else may have spied ye and her just now.” Darach met his gaze. “Sit down.”

His pulse raced as the reality of what was about to happen settled within. His brother would not relent in this and Duncan did not blame him. Their mother had walked in on what could only be described as a passionate interlude.

“Why do ye fight the idea of a future with a wife and family so much?” Darach asked while pouring whiskey into two glasses. He handed one to Duncan and sat across from him. “Tell me.”

Duncan blew out a breath. “There are many reasons.”

“He is a scared virgin,” Stuart said strolling in and went straight to the sideboard to get himself a drink. “We can get ye a woman to practice with.”

“I am not a virgin,” Duncan said staring daggers at their younger brother. Stuart could be his twin, with the same dark hair, and strong jaw. However, Stuart’s eyes were both hazel and he was built like the archer that he was, with slender hips, and strong shoulders and arms.

“When were ye with a woman last?” Darach asked, obviously believing Stuart’s statement.

“Before my entire body was covered in scars. Before a woman would scream in horror at the sight of me naked.” He set his jaw waiting for Stuart to make another humorous remark. He was prepared to punch him.

Instead, his younger brother shook his head. “Ye should not allow that to hold ye back. There are ways to enjoy lovemaking without having to remove all yer clothing.”

“I am aware,” Duncan retorted and swallowed down the contents of his glass. “I prefer not to.”

Darach looked at him. “Yer chest is not as scarred as yer back. When a woman is under ye or if she straddles ye, she will not see it.”

It was both embarrassing and endearing that his brothers began coming up with ways for him to enjoy bedsport without revealing his marred body.

“Ye cannot keep from marrying Miss Beatrice. She is beautiful and obviously taken with ye,” Stuart added. “Over time, ye can divulge more of yerself. Already she is aware of what happened to ye, that ye were stolen away when young.”

Duncan was sure once she saw what he looked like she would want nothing to do with him. It would be her choice and he would allow it. There would be no blame or resentment on his part because he already understood that most people would be repulsed at seeing evidence of torture.

“It isn’t fair to her. She deserves a husband to be proud of.”

“Let her decide, brother. I do believe she has a good heart,” Darach said. “The marriage will take place tomorrow.”

“I have to meet with the ship captain. We cannot allow him to sell the goods to someone else.”

Darach shook his head. “Stuart can go.”

“Stuart gets sick just looking at the sea,” Duncan argued. “It should be me.”

“I will go,” Stuart said, his face already seeming to turn green at the thought.