Page 62 of The Beast

“I cannot wait for ye to see the dress I brought,” her mother exclaimed, and Beatrice clapped. “I just know it will be beautiful. Thank ye, Mother.”

“It is a special day and I want ye to enjoy it thoroughly.”

When Duncan and Stuart exchanged a look, Beatrice pinched Duncan’s leg under the table.

He gave her a surprised look and whispered in her ear, “That hurt.”

“Ye will live,” she replied dryly.

Evander glared at them.

Chapter Sixteen

The celebration was wonderful. Lavender sprays had been layered with greenery down the center of the long tables in the great hall. Candlelight from every space gave a magical appearance and the lively music made for a most wonderfully perfect gathering.

Her gown was a beautiful creation of cream and soft green that flowed with every movement.

When a familiar song played, everyone began singing. Some looking to her and Duncan as it was customary for the bride and groom to dance.

To her surprise, Duncan stood and took her hand. He led her down from the sideboard to the open area for dancing. His left arm circled her waist and with his right, he took her hand. Then they danced, circling the entire area. Although it was obvious he was not used to dancing and their movements were not perfect, it was like a wonderful dream to her.

When she stole a glance to where her mother sat, Lady Macdonald was wiping tears of joy. Beatrice smiled in her direction and her mother gave her a warm look.

At the next song, others joined them as they danced to a second song. However, when the tempo of the music changed to a much livelier tune, Duncan released Beatrice to join the other women who’d joined hands and danced in a circle.

It was one of the most enjoyable days of her life and Beatrice wanted the day to never end.

The room silenced when Darach stood and held up his cup. He turned first to those gathered and then to Beatrice and Duncan.

“I welcome ye, Beatrice Macdonald Ross, to our clan and family. May God grant ye and my brother happiness and long lives. That ye have healthy crops, healthy livestock, and many bairns.” The room erupted in cheers and Beatrice laughed.

The next in line by birth order was Caelan, who lifted his cup and met Duncan’s gaze. “I wish ye, my brother and closest friend, much happiness with yer beautiful bride. To ye Beatrice, we welcome ye with open arms and open hearts.”

As the rest of the brothers spoke, Beatrice had to wipe tears from her eyes. Duncan squeezed her hand when Evander stood.

“I am here as a representative of Clan Macdonald. My father sends his blessings to Beatrice and to ye, Duncan. Our clans are bound by marriage now twice and for that we are thankful; especially since the bond between our mothers has always been strong. We welcome ye, Duncan Ross, to our clan. I wish ye and my sister much happiness. Beatrice, do yer best to stay out of trouble.”

Everyone laughed at the last words.

Finally, the night was over, and Duncan carried a sleepy, happy Beatrice up the stairs to their bedchamber.

As they prepared for bed, he once again headed to the bed with his tunic on.

When he reached for a lantern to blow it out, Beatrice stopped him. “Please leave it on. I want to see ye fully bereft of clothing. I so enjoyed seeing yer face this morning when we made love.

He froze, as if unsure how to proceed. Beatrice walked to him as he considered the options.

“I must confess something to ye,” Beatrice said quietly. “By now, as ye are aware, I quite often do things without thinking them through. I did something before we married ye should know about.”

His gaze bore into hers. “What did ye do?”

“Well,” Beatrice bit her bottom lip. “Promise not to be angry”

“Beatrice. I cannot promise without knowing what ye are about to tell me.”

“Will ye at least sit then?”

When he sat down, she was surprised that he pulled her onto his lap, his arms loosely around her. “Tell me.”