Page 6 of The Beast

Once in bed, Beatrice looked up at the ceiling and considered what would happen if her mother approached Duncan about her letter. The poor man would be caught by surprise and would probably give away the fact he had no intention of courting her. Not only that, but he would probably inform her mother it was a lie as well.

Because Duncan Ross did not live at the keep, she’d not gotten to know him well. The conversation they had in the parlor prior to him leaving had been their first and only one. He’d come offering to take her back home since he was traveling to North Uist.

It had been after that conversation and a strange feeling she got from speaking with him that made her choose him as being the one courting her.

At the time, it had made sense. Her mother would come to fetch her and would probably not run into him since he lived elsewhere. The plan had merit, except for that she’d not considered that he’d be delivering the message.

Poor Duncan, he did not deserve for her to put him in such a spot. He was already a quiet man, surely her mother’s questioning would put him ill at ease.

There was an ambiguity about him. Even when his siblings referred to him, it was as if they held back a secret, something that they kept hidden within the family.

Despite his large size, muscular build, and elusiveness, she’d found herself drawn to him. It could be because he had two different colored eyes like her brother, Evander; or that despite his quiet nature, he seemed kind. Admittedly with his dark brown hair he kept pulled back and tied with a strap and the dark shadowing on his strong jaw, he was particularly handsome. He had a dangerous allure that attracted Beatrice.

So much about Duncan Ross made her curious to find out more. Perhaps she’d ask Ella questions during their ride to the village the following day.

After all, she expected there would be a conversation between her and Duncan upon his return. She would be seeking him out to apologize for misleading her mother and implicating him in her schemes.

A shiver went through her at the thought of the huge man becoming angry. What would his reaction be?

She closed her eyes and the image of his face appeared. He was handsome, his mannerisms so measured it was as if he fought for control of each movement and word he spoke. Beatrice turned to her side and listened to the sounds of the ocean until it seemed to permeate everything in the bedchamber.

The next morning, first meal was a hurried affair as Beatrice and Ella were anxious to prepare for their day and head to the festival.

Having ordered a carriage be prepared, all that was left for them to do was to fetch their shawls and ensure Gideon was ready to escort them.

“Where is my brother?” Ella exclaimed with an annoyed huff. “I hope not to have to wake him.”

Beatrice studied her friend. They decided to wear serviceable gowns, so they’d not stand out too much. Ella wore a dark brown dress, her vest just a shade lighter and her wavy hair had been brushed back and braided. A single braid hung down her back to between her shoulder blades. Beatrice wore her hair pinned into a bun at her nape, her dress was a light tan with a tartan vest and sturdy boots on her feet.

“Must I go fetch him?” Ella started to stand when Gideon strolled into the dining room.

He looked to them and yawned widely. “I could have slept much longer,” he announced.

“I am glad to see that at least ye are dressed. Do not forget ye promised to take us to the village this morning,” Ella reminded him while looking him over.

Gideon yawned again. “I wish for nothing more than to return to my bed.”

“If only we could all take such luxuries,” Caelan said as he walked in. Unlike his brother, he looked to have been up for a while. Every strand of his reddish hair perfectly in place and dressed in what she could only describe as English attire, he lowered into a chair, stretched out his legs, and crossed his booted ankles.

A maid entered, and he asked for a cup of tea. “I have already eaten,” he explained to them.

Caelan took both her and Ella in. “Good morning Miss Beatrice. Sister. What are yer plans for the day?”

“Good morning,” Beatrice replied and looked to Ella.

“We are going to the village. There is a festival and Gideon is escorting us,” Ella informed her brother. “Would ye like to come with us?”

“Ye know I cannot,” Caelan replied with a droll look. “There is nothing about a festival that interests me.”

“What does interest ye?” Beatrice asked and took a bite of bread.

Gideon huffed. “Long boring conversations with old men about the political state of the country and such.”

“Ye should take heed and pay more attention to such things.” The older brother gave Gideon a sharp look and then met Beatrice’s gaze. “I prefer pursuits such as hunting, competing, riding, and yes, I do enjoy conversations about topics that affect us.”

“Such as?” Beatrice was intrigued.

“The monarchy’s ever-changing mandates and philosophy,” Caelan replied.