Page 44 of The Beast

The man went to stand, but Duncan held up his right hand. “Please stay, I wish to inform ye about something.”

Both men looked up at him with curiosity. As Duncan explained about the horseman who’d appeared out of the woods, both Caelan and the other man exchanged looks of concern.

“One of my men told me about a man appearing after the night of the storm. Matches yer description. I assumed he was a traveler who may have taken shelter in my woods during the storm.”

Caelan frowned. “Perhaps, he is searching for work.”

“I thought the same,” Duncan replied and looked to their companion. “He did not come to ask for work, did he to ye?”

“Nay,” the man replied.

Duncan proceeded to tell them about sending guardsmen out to search. The others agreed it was best to find out who the man was.

“I will ask my workers if anyone has spotted him again and send word if I learn something useful,” the man said before taking his leave.

“A drink?” A busty woman came to the table leaning so far over that her breasts were on the brink of spilling from her bodice. Both he and Caelan stared at the offered view.

“Ale,” Duncan said dragging his gaze from the woman’s bosoms that suddenly brought the thought of having Beatrice’s in his mouth.

“Same,” Caelan said not bothering to look away.

When the wench returned with the drinks, she went to Caelan’s side of the table and he took full advantage pressing his lips to the top of her right breast.

The woman giggled with delight, and soon Caelan’s face was buried between them.

The woman gave Duncan a wanton look inviting him to join. For the first time in his life, he considered it, feeling experienced since he’d made love several times now. The woman was attractive, with green eyes and auburn curls. She was voluptuous and would make for good bedsport. However, he would not betray his vows. Just considering her invitation, he felt as if he’d been unfaithful, and it wasn’t a good feeling.

“I promise more later, Sariah,” Caelan said pushing her away gently. “Right now, I must speak with my brother.” The woman allowed Caelan to kiss her and then after a wink to Duncan walked away.

“Ye have laid with her before?” Duncan asked.

Caelan nodded. “Aye and so have others. For a price.” His brother turned his attention to Duncan. “What is this about guardsmen? Why did ye not inform me?”

“I am informing ye now. It is necessary, especially after realizing that sometimes wanderers are about.” Duncan took a swig of his ale. “Ye should also know that Beatrice wishes to hire a chambermaid and a lad to help with menial chores.”

“Do ye think it is absolutely necessary?” Caelan’s brows fell. “Ye are used to very few people being about.”

A part of him wondered the same. However, now that he was married, it was to be Beatrice’s home as well and he didn’t wish for her to want for anything.

“I married a laird’s daughter. I expect that she prefers to have help with things. I didn’t tell her that ye and I are who clean out the hearths and chop wood for cooking and for the fireplaces.”

Caelan chuckled. “I am going to miss my only form of exercise.”

“If she only hires a lad, then we can still chop wood. I do not plan to stop. The lad can take the wood inside and to the different rooms.”

“Different rooms?” Caelan asked. “Where do ye mean?”

“The great room, yer study, our bedchambers.”

“It is the same number of rooms as before, Gara and Firtha have always carried their own from what we brought into the kitchen.”

Duncan decided to gauge Caelan’s reaction to Beatrice sleeping in a separate bedchamber.

“There is also Beatrice’s room.”

His brother did not seem affected at all by the announcement. “That is one additional room. I do not see why ye and I cannot carry our own and ye to an additional room.”

“I will give her what she asks. It is not too much; however, I did advise against more servants or help.”