The Beast by Hildie McQueen

Chapter Eleven

Duncan rolled over and yawned. Despite the drapes keeping his bedchamber dark, instinctively he knew it was morning. Very early morning.

Rubbing his eyes, he slid from the bed and pulled the long dark drapery apart to allow the dawn light in. There was little to do that day—like most days—he never planned for activities, other than working on the wall.

Just a short distance away, his project sat waiting for him. Creagh’s continuously gleeful dog trotted to it and began sniffing. Then without a care in the world, lifted its leg and peed on the rocks he’d stacked.

Duncan shook his head. It was interesting that what was important to one being, meant absolutely nothing to another. The dog barked and raced after something, probably a rabbit. Duncan followed the dog’s path until it stopped in its tracks and began barking, this time not friendly in the least.

Throwing open the window, he leaned out to ensure there wasn’t a deadly threat to his stableman’s pet.

A man at the edge of the woods appeared and brought his horse to a stop. The man sat very still, seeming to take in the house and its surroundings. It happened ever so often; a wayward traveler passing through, but something about this man brought an uneasy feeling.

The man didn’t seem lost, not by the stillness and the way he continued to watch the house. Duncan considered different reasons for the rider’s appearance. Someone seeking work, or perhaps one of Caelan’s friends.

His brother never had visitors without first ensuring to notify him, and with his recent marriage, Caelan was staying at his mother’s home for a short while to give them time alone.

The rider urged his mount closer, but upon the dog’s barks becoming more menacing, he stopped and once again studied the house, his head moving to one side and then the other.

Although too far for Duncan to see the rider’s features clearly, the rider seemed familiar. Instantly, he considered the fact that someone from his past would come for him. Not that they could take him away, but they would bring a reminder of things best left behind.

He whirled around, looking for his breeches, but then stopped at the sounds of hooves.

A second rider appeared, this one familiar. Creagh rode past his dog toward the man. His stableman called out a warning and asked who the man was and what he was doing there.

Silently the stranger held a hand up as if in greeting, turned his horse around, and galloped away.

The door between his and Beatrice’s creaked. There was a loud feminine grunt and then it opened just enough for the beauty to slip through. Her wide eyes met his. “Did ye see what happened outside?”

She came to stand next to him and peered out the window. Creagh had dismounted and was down on one knee praising his dog.

“Aye, I am going to gather a pair of guardsmen and go after the man. He may not pose a threat, but I would rather be sure.”

He frowned. “Where are the guardsmen that no one appeared at the stranger riding up so close to the house?”

After peering out the window for a moment longer, Beatrice shrugged. “I would venture to guess Gara and Firtha are holding court. They were very excited about having more mouths to feed and people filling the great room.”

“I will have to inform both them and the guards they are not here as guests, but to work.” He grunted his annoyance at the situation.

“I am sure once the assignments are made, the guardsmen will be responsible enough not to allow such things. Although, I do look forward to seeing their expressions when ye tell them yer stableman and his dog had to defend the house, while they were at a tea party.”

Duncan pulled on his breeches and belted his tunic, while an already dressed Beatrice watched. It was strange that she did not comment on his scarred legs. Admittedly, only from just above the knee down was all that was bare.

The worse scars were on his back, the result of many whippings. That was something he wasn’t sure he would ever be able to allow her to see.

“Come, let us see what happens.”

They walked to the end of the hall and silently down the stairs. The great room was empty, but the sounds of conversation guided them to the kitchen.

The four guards sat around a table, empty plates in front of them. They were so engrossed in a story Gara told, that no one noticed him or Beatrice at the doorway. Firtha came up behind them and Duncan held a finger up to his lips for her to be silent.

Finally, a guard caught sight of them and immediately jumped to his feet. The others followed suit, while Gara looked perturbed at her story being interrupted.

“Men,” Duncan said walking into the room. “Just outside a stranger on horseback appeared. But ye need not worry. The stableman and his dog ensured to keep ye safe.”

The men shuffled uncomfortably, the younger one’s face turning bright red.

Duncan pointed at one and then another. “Both of ye, go out and look for any sign of him. Ask Creagh for a description.”

Looking to the other two, he continued, “Ye two guard the house until morning, then we will switch.” He looked to the first man who’d gotten to his feet. “I leave ye to manage the assignment of tasks.”

The guards hurried out.

“It was my fault to have kept them here.” Gara sniffed and wiped at her eyes with the edge of her apron.

“Do not fash yerself,” Duncan told her in a warm tone. “Just remember they are here to work and not as company.”

“Aye,” Gara said and Firtha went to her and patted her shoulders. The younger woman gave them an apologetic look. “I will bring yer meal immediately.”

“Come let us sit,” Beatrice slipped her arm around Duncan’s right one and they walked to the adjacent dining room.

Once seated, she let out a sigh. “I wish to speak to ye about something.” Her blue gaze met his. “Will ye consider staying in my bedchamber tonight?”

“Is something wrong?” Perhaps the appearance of the stranger had scared his wife. He wasn’t used to a woman’s sensibilities and could not fathom why she’d want him in her bed all night.

Admittedly, he’d woken several times hard as a rock and had considered going back to her bed. However, he’d forced himself to remain in his bedchamber, unsure she would welcome such an intrusion.

“Nothing is wrong really,” she admitted, but then sighed. “I am lonely. I miss my sister and family. I know it’s silly, but the last two nights I wake from sleep and cry. I feel so very alone.”

Thankfully Firtha hurried in with their food, giving him additional time to come up with a good reply. He was not sure about spending the night in her bedchamber. The temptation would be too great after making love to remain without clothing. It would leave too many opportunities for bad things to happen.

What if he had a nightmare and hurt her? Or if she caught a glimpse of his back and refused him in her bed again?

Beatrice watched him, which led Firtha to do the same and Duncan realized he had remained silent and frozen in place.

“Is something wrong Mister Duncan?” Firtha asked, her worried gaze moving from him to Beatrice, who also studied him with concern.

“No, nothing.” He waved the woman away. “Thank ye.”

“So, the answer is no,” Beatrice said, anger transforming her face. Lips in a tight line and brows furrowed, she looked like an adorable angry kitten. “Fine.”

He struggled with an explanation. “Ye do not understand. I am not accustomed to sharing a bed.”

“Neither am I husband,” she replied emphasizing the word “husband”.

“I may roll over and hurt ye. I am much larger and heavier than ye…” he began.

She huffed. “It is a wonder Isobel is still alive then?” It was true, Darach was much larger than her sister.

“They share a bedchamber?”

Beatrice gave him a droll look. “Since the day they married.”

The back of his neck came to life, itching and he scratched it. “I am not sure what to say. I will consider it. The time I was in captivity has affected me in ways that ye cannot understand. I do not wish to hurt ye if I wake from a dream and am blinded by it.”

“Then I would wake ye with a sharp slap. Which, I am so very tempted to do at the moment.” Beatrice pushed from the table and rushed from the room.

Orla walked in with a tea kettle. “I was to refresh her tea…” She looked to Beatrice’s untouched plate. “Is she unwell?”

“No just angry,” Duncan replied getting up and walking out past Orla. “Tell her I’ve gone to the village to find my brother.”

The fact his wife was angry with him did not feel good. When walking past the stairwell, his chest tightened. For a moment he considered going to her, but decided he would only make her angrier when he did not change his mind about her request.

Once outside in the fresh morning air, it felt so good that instead of going to the stable to fetch his horse, he went to the wall. Stacking a few stones would help him think clearer. If nothing else, the activity would ease the tension in his shoulders.

The first stone was so heavy, his entire body shook as he lifted it up to rest on the top of his thighs. Duncan blew out breaths then heaved it up to the wall. It was much too heavy, and it proved impossible. He jumped back as the stone crashed to the ground.

“Blast it all,” he exclaimed then bent over to catch his breath.

“A two-man job, that one,” Creagh said nearing. The dog galloped towards them, its tongue hanging from its mouth.

“Did ye get a clear view of the horseman?”

“A bit,” Creagh said, his booted foot pushing at the large stone. “No one familiar to me.”

“Hope the guards catch up to him,” Duncan said and eyed the stone. “I need a few moments before trying again.”

He studied the quiet man. “Why are ye not married?”

“I was once, but my wife died. Never could find another like her.”

Duncan looked toward the house. “Mine is angry with me right now.”

Creagh’s deep chuckles seemed to bounce off the wall. “Aye, that is a common occurrence when passion is present. Treasure these moments.”

“Why would I treasure her being cross?” Duncan said preparing mentally to attempt to lift the large stone again.

“Ye will know when she gives ye a reprieve,” Creagh replied. The man waited for Duncan to lift the stone and once again rest it on his upper thighs. When he took a deep breath to lift it to the wall, Creagh only assisted when it teetered on the edge. Together, they pushed with care to ensure it didn’t tumble over the opposite side.

Duncan climbed on top of the wall and shimmied the stone into place. Despite being winded, each time a new stone was placed, satisfaction of accomplishment filled him.

Creagh’s dog barked and jumped up and down thinking him being atop the wall was a great game. Duncan jumped down and the happy dog ran in circles around him.

“Stop!” Creagh ordered, but the dog ignored him. “Go!” He ordered, this time the dog stopped and looked to see what direction Creagh pointed in. The dog took off in the direction of Creagh’s arm.

“Where is he going?” Duncan asked as the dog raced toward the stables.

“Probably to annoy the horses.” Creagh chuckled. “Donan is a good companion to me. I know he can be irritating.”

“I like him,” Duncan said. “He is a good dog.”

When Creagh walked away, Duncan remained at the wall. He lifted a smaller stone and placed it on the wall and once again climbed atop to make adjustments. Straightening, he could see far into the distance. There was no one in sight, not even on the road that traveled alongside the edge of his land.

It was a quiet day and he wondered what Beatrice was doing at the moment. If he was a normal man, he’d go inside and ensure her happiness. Perhaps with a tumble in bed. But he was not normal and despite their being together without clothing, he’d not allowed any light in the room.

Her feeling his scarred chest against her delicate, creamy skin was nothing compared to seeing it in bright daylight.

Their interlude in Caelan’s study had been quite enjoyable, but he doubted she would wish for something like that at the moment.

It was best that he go in search of his brother and find out if a friend came to visit. If the stranger was nothing more than a wayward traveler, then he would not worry about it. But for some reason, something about the man had given him pause.

After having to survive on his instincts for so many years, Duncan had learned to trust his gut reaction.

He went to the stables and saddled a horse. Upon mounting, he guided the animal to where Creagh was. “If my brother happens to come home, inform him I must speak with him and to remain. I am riding to his mother’s home.”

The day was sunny, the aroma of fresh lavender from the nearby field mixed perfectly with the scent of salty sea air. He inhaled deeply filling his lungs and looked up to the sky. Never would he take the feeling of freedom for granted. Some days the open surroundings overwhelmed Duncan. There was nothing like the choice to go as far as one wished. Not being bound to a pole, to see the sky, and to breathe fresh air was a privilege.

Caelan’s mother’s home was near a large village and when he arrived, a worker informed him that his half-brother had gone to the tavern.

Turning in the direction of the village, Duncan searched the area for the man who he’d seen that morning, but he was not among the few people he encountered along the road.

The men in the tavern turned to the doorway and watched Duncan with curiosity, only a few acknowledging him. He rarely went to the village and it was even rarer that he’d make an appearance at the only tavern.

“Oy, brother,” Caelan called from a corner table where he sat with another man. Duncan recognized him as one of the landholders that lived in the land next to theirs.

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.”

“Good,” Caelan said. “Inform her of yer mother’s invasion once a season with her army of servants.” They both drank deeply from their cups at the thought of the days they both hid away from his mother.

Duncan was enjoying time with Caelan. Since he’d moved into the house, they’d become close and there was little he did not share with his brother.

“I must ask,” Caelan said looking around to ensure not to be overheard. “How have ye dealt with intimacy? Do ye have any questions?”

He’d expected Caelan’s curiosity. Duncan told him of what Darach had instructed and of how it had gone so far. He left out the interlude in Caelan’s study while wondering if Beatrice had ordered that the room be put back in order.

“Sounds like ye have things well in hand,” Caelan affirmed. “I think ye should consider allowing her to see all of ye, little by little. Making love in other than darkness is very enjoyable.”

“I cannot,” Duncan said firmly.

“How about her family? What are yer plans?”