Page 58 of The Beast

Ella laughed. “He is indeed. The only one that was rarely scolded by Mother as a lad.”

When Greer and several servants appeared with something to hold them until last meal, her mother informed them of all the happenings in North Uist. She told them of the MacNeil’s visit and of how bothersome Lady MacNeil was.

As Beatrice listened to her talk about her father, she asked many questions. “As soon as we can, Duncan and I must go see Father. I miss him dearly.”

“He sent a missive to Darach about it. Yer father expects that ye and Duncan will travel to North Uist to spend the winter season with us. The only reason Isobel and Darach are not included in this is because of his duties as laird.”

Isobel sighed. “I would not mind going. I will discuss it with Darach. Perhaps he can hand the reins of lairdship to Stuart for winter.”

Their mother clapped with glee. “That would be delightful. It would make yer father very happy.”

Ella and her mother exchanged concerned glances and Beatrice wondered if it had to do with Darach or Duncan leaving for so long.

Once they finished eating, Beatrice went to the stairs and stopped. Would she and Duncan be staying in the same room?

Perhaps it was time to admit to him that she’d seen his body and knew every scar on it. The last thing she needed at that moment was for him to demand separate bedchambers when being scrutinized by both her mother and Evander.

Chapter Fifteen

“It is a gesture of goodwill that Laird Macdonald invites ye and Beatrice go to North Uist,” Darach said. “Of course, ye must go.”

They sat around a table in Darach’s study. The room was cavernous and without a window and despite preferring the same for his own bedchamber, Duncan found this room oppressive. Perhaps it was because it had been his father’s prior to Darach’s. With the attention on him now, he had a strong urge to get up and leave.

Duncan remained silent, not wishing to say anything else to anger Beatrice’s brother, whose narrowed gaze was locked on him.

They would expect him to share a bedchamber with her. His needing time away from her and everyone else could prove to be a great insult. Yet Duncan knew he could not turn the invitation down, not unless he could come up with a good reason for it. In that moment nothing came to mind.

“I wish to speak to ye in private,” Evander said. “Just talk,” he said when Darach began to say something. “No fists or swords involved.”

With a nod, Darach met his gaze. A firm message to remain calm in the look his brother gave him.

Very well, Duncan stood and walked across the hall to the parlor where he and Beatrice had their first conversation. The irony was not lost on him. Evander followed at a distance. Finally, both went to stand by the windows that overlooked the seashore.

“What do ye wish to talk about?” Duncan said, not wanting to prolong things longer than necessary.

Evander looked out to the view, much like his sister had. Duncan studied the man’s profile. The fact his nose looked to be broken fit the description Beatrice gave him: hot-tempered. And when young—brash and headstrong.

“I know quite a bit about ye,” Evander began, the words surprising him. “That ye were a captive for many years.”

Releasing a long breath, Duncan remained silent waiting to hear what Evander had to say.

The man’s bi-colored gaze locked with his. “Will yer past affect how ye treat my sister?”

The question was valid and yet it angered Duncan. How long would he carry the past on his back like a heavy stone? Forever he guessed. “I would never allow my past to affect my marriage. I have never nor will I ever mistreat a woman. I care for Beatrice, her well-being is the most important thing in the world to me. I would lay down my life for her.”

“What ye feel and what could happen are very different things. I know men who have had experiences like yers and are harmful. Not all intentionally.”

A person would believe what they wished, and he had no intention of trying to change Evander’s mind. So, he shrugged. “I can only speak to the years since my release.”

“Does Beatrice know everything?”

“That I was whipped so many times, there isn’t an inch of my body without a scar? Or that I was forced to kill men with my bare hands? Should I inform her of the times I begged for death to claim me? I am sure she needs to know that there are men who pay to watch grown men suffer. To be raped and to be broken down until they cry like children.”

Evander looked to the floor. “I am sorry. I did not mean…”

“She knows that I was held captive. I keep the scars hidden, as much as I can. There is no need for her to know the extent of the depravity of some men.”

“I agree,” Evander replied. There was respect in his eyes when looking at him and he held out his hand. “All I wish is for both of my sisters to be treated well and protected.”