Page 56 of The Beast

“A handfasting would have been good enough,” Beatrice replied at this point becoming too angry to care if her mother did not speak directly to her. “However, we had little choice as the storm brought attention to our being forced to spend a night alone in an abandoned, dirty, cold building.”

“What about yer mother?” Lady Macdonald asked Ella. “Where is she?”

Ella beamed, seeming to enjoy the fact Beatrice and Isobel were in trouble. “She should be at the keep by the time we arrive. She was at Ewan and Catriona’s home. Now that she is a grandmother, she is often there to see the bairns.”

Her mother’s face finally softened making Beatrice wish she was with child. It would make things easier. It was too soon to know as she was due to start her monthly courses any day.

Once they were well on their way, her mother asked about her home and about what help she had available. Lady Macdonald was very interested in the distance between where she lived and Isobel’s home and was glad to hear it was less than a day’s ride.

Upon entering the gates, her mother beamed when seeing Lady Mariel and demanded to be assisted down immediately. She hurried to her friend and they disappeared into the house.

“Goodness,” Isobel said. “I am sure we have not heard the last of it.”

“Ye are correct,” Beatrice replied. “Now please help me to ensure Evander does not try to start a fight with Duncan. Our brother is a well-proportioned man, but Duncan is huge and very strong. I would hate for Evander to spend his time here recovering.”

Carts with the trunks entered the gates, followed by her and Duncan’s carriage, and finally by Duncan and Evander, who frowned in her direction.

“He does not look especially angry,” Isobel remarked.

“How can ye tell?” Ella asked studying Evander, whose light brown hair glimmered in the sunlight.

Beatrice giggled. “Because he is not yelling and hitting things.”

“I am sure he is not that horrible,” Ella replied. “He seems a bit annoyed, but I would not say angry.”

Her sister huffed. “How about ye be the one responsible for showing him his bedchamber. Come, sister.” Isobel grabbed her arm and they raced into the house and directly to the kitchen. “It is best to avoid him until Darach speaks to him about what has occurred.”

“I really should check on Duncan,” Beatrice said. “He could tear open his wound.”

“If he hurts himself while tossing Evander across the room, I will help ye tend to him,” Isobel remarked. “Our brother needs to learn to keep his temper in check.”

“I agree,” Beatrice said and sat down across the table in a small room that was usually reserved for the servants.

Her sister studied her for a moment. “Ye look well. How does marriage suit ye?”

She had so many questions and so many things she wanted to speak to Isobel about. But it wasn’t the time or the place.

Instead, she just said. “I am enjoying settling into our home and we are both getting to know one another. I still have much to learn about… things.”

“Me as well,” Isobel said. “Give yerself time.”

“I hired a chambermaid. It is a widow and her son, who is about ten and five. They have been a huge help. We have decided to keep the staff small, as there are only three of us there most days.”

“That must be an adjustment,” Isobel said. “We both grew up in a place like this with people constantly about.”

Gideon entered the kitchen and Beatrice called out to him. Upon entering, Beatrice motioned to a chair. “Please tell me what is happening between my brother and Duncan.”

“Ye can see them outside through the kitchen window,” Gideon said walking back to the kitchen.

Both she and Isobel raced to the door instead.

Like two cocks preparing to fight to the death, Duncan and Evander circled each other while speaking at each other in the short hard sentences of angry men.

“Should we go and stop them?” Beatrice asked, unable to look away.

Isobel shook her head. “Darach and Stuart are there. Hopefully one of them will intercede if it comes to blows.”

“I hope not,” Beatrice said and walked out, Isobel following.