The Beast by Hildie McQueen

Chapter Two

Dún Láidir, Keep Ross, South Uist

Beatrice Macdonald paced the parlor impatient to know what would happen upon her mother opening the letter she’d sent. It had been four days since Duncan and Stuart had gone to North Uist and they were expected to return this day. The next day at the latest.

If her mother returned with them, she wasn’t sure what would happen. Of course, she’d immediately inform her that she’d not been truthful in stating that Duncan was courting her. No sooner had he left with the letter than she’d realized what a dreadful mistake she’d made.

What if her brother read it and demanded Duncan marry her immediately? Or if her mother returned with him and insisted there be a wedding? Goodness, the things she got herself into by being so impetuous.

“I have been searching for ye everywhere,” Ella Ross said as she walked in and came to stand next to Beatrice. “Should have known ye would be here, as much as ye like the view from these windows.” Ella reminded her so much of her brothers with dark brown hair and hazel eyes. She was tall for a woman, but unlike the muscular Ross men, she was curvy.

“How can ye not?” Beatrice replied with a smile. “The waves are mesmerizing.”

“Indeed,” Ella said following her line of sight to the darkening waters as the sun had recently set. “I do love it. However, I am not here to speak of the view, but to make plans for our traveling to the village tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow?”

Ella gave her a quizzical look. “There is to be a festival at the village square, and Gideon has agreed to escort us.”

“That is wonderful,” Beatrice replied with as much enthusiasm as she could muster. “It will be a distraction from worry. I am so very anxious to hear what Mother’s reply will be. I know she will be displeased at me for extending my visit.”

“Bah!” Ella exclaimed with a wave of her hand. “I am sure she will be glad to come to fetch ye as she and Mother enjoy spending time together.”

“If she comes right away, yer mother is gone. The only ones here are ye and I.”

Laird Darach Ross, Beatrice’s sister Isobel, and Lady Mariel Ross had all gone to the Isle of Barra to visit Clan MacNeil. They were not expected to return for at least a sennight, perhaps longer.

It was best to make the most out of her time there Beatrice considered. “Tomorrow we go to the village and we stay as long as we wish because if Mother arrives, my freedom may well be over.”

“Ye fret too much. I am sure yer mother will not mind traveling here. Duncan and Stuart return soon and once they do, ye will see that all is well.”

Her friend studied her for a moment and then smiled. “I bid ye a good night.”

Once Ella left, Beatrice settled into a comfortable chair and continued her perusal of the darkening view. Her friend was right. Other than her mother possibly being annoyed with her; she’d spend a few days there and then she and her mother would return to North Uist together.

The thought of returning home made her sad. Not only would Isobel not be there, but she’d be without her new friend Ella.

Her acquaintances back in North Uist would provide a good distraction. Although in fairness, they did little more than gather for tea, needlework, and walks.

For some reason life at Keep Ross was much more entertaining. There were the morning visits from villagers, a parade of peddlers, the siblings’ interactions at dinnertime. They squabbled and always debated different topics over last meal.

In comparison, her home life was more what she would describe as peaceful. Her brothers and father kept from discussing anything of importance at the table. Usually, it was her mother who carried the conversation, which centered on what needed to be done around the keep.

At Keep Ross, the views of the sea from almost every window were enchanting. The beauty of it never waning. Beatrice could spend hours just looking out at the never-ending ebb and flow of the waves.

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.

The man was not like any highlander she’d met. The only men who seemed to enjoy topics of philosophy and such were often older men, lowlanders, or Englishmen, which she preferred not to hold company with.

“Interesting,” Beatrice replied.

“He is not a true highlander,” Ella said shaking her head. “Spent too much time studying in the lowlands and doing whatever it is his mother insisted he do.”

Caelan gave Ella a patient look and then met Beatrice’s gaze. “Mother wished for me to be educated. She believes in the expansion of one’s mind, Miss Beatrice.”

“We of small minds must prepare to go,” Gideon said standing. “Brother, I informed Ewan that I’d be gone to the village today. He will be here shortly to assist ye in whatever tasks necessary.”

Caelan was serving as clan laird since his older brothers were gone. As a bastard son, most families would not consider it. However, Darach Ross had insisted that Caelan be treated the same as the rest of them were. Therefore, being third born, he took the duty of laird in Darach and Duncan’s absence.

It seemed to Beatrice that Ewan and Gideon didn’t mind one bit.

“If Ewan does not appear, I have the council,” Caelan replied lifting a cup to his lips.

A proper gentleman Caelan stood when she and Ella did. He remained silent as they hurried out.

“Hurry before Caelan decides we need tutoring,” Ella exclaimed tugging her toward the great hall. It proved impossible to stifle a giggle.

Much like mostScottish villages, the one nearest to the keep had a collection of two-story buildings that faced each other around a large square. From poles on the upstairs windows, colorful streamers waved gaily in the breeze.

Shop keepers had tied ribbons to their shingles adding to the colorful display.

People hurried up the center road, some pulling small wagons overfilled with items they hoped to sell or give out.

Lively music played and a few children held hands and danced in circles. Some older people joined in the melee as well.

Too excited to wait for Gideon, Beatrice and Ella hurried to the square wanting to see everything and to take part in all the games and activities.

As they made their way from one place to another, people greeted Ella, some asking about her brothers, others about her mother. Although studying her with curiosity, no one dared to ask who Beatrice was until Ella introduced her.

“We should shop first before finding a place to sit and enjoy the entertainment,” a breathless Ella exclaimed. “Time will go by fast and we must make the most out of each minute.”

They went from one stall to another. Ella purchased something from almost everyone, even if it was only something minute.

Several men gathered on the opposite side of the square. By their clothes, it was obvious they were not villagers, but perhaps landowners or from other clans.

Both she and Ella pretended interest in their purchases while studying the men from under their lashes.

“The one who just stretched is attractive,” Ella whispered as they made their way back to the carriage to deposit their purchases.

Beatrice wrinkled her nose. “He did that on purpose to attract attention. The one next to him with light hair. He is far more fetching.”

“Hmmm,” Ella turned over her shoulder and then gasped softly. “He caught me looking. Aye, I agree. He is quite bonnie.”

Finally, after droppingoff items into the carriage, they went to find a place to sit and watch the festivities. A group of dancers performed a lively and complicated dance, their feet moving so fast, it was fascinating.

“I find it interesting that ye are so well-liked. I thought the people of the village did not fully trust yer family,” Beatrice said to Ella.

Her friend sighed. “Aye, it’s true. They do not trust my family. However, Mother and I have always spent time here in the village doing what we can for the poor and the widowed. No matter how badly Father treated the people, or perhaps because of it, we did our best to help where we could.”

“It must have been very difficult for ye,” Beatrice said.

“It was. Still is in a way. I find that without this work, I am not sure what my place in the family is.”

Beatrice believed that because she was the daughter of a powerful man and Ella the sister of one, they’d become close. Other than a future of marriage to whomever their family decided, neither she nor Ella had a true purpose.

Beatrice scanned the square, noting young women walking around the area, arms linked pretending not to notice the men who watched them with interest. Here and there a brave man would approach the women making small talk.

Most village women had a say in who they’d marry and form a family with. There was the occasional father who would orchestrate an agreement for benefit, but for the most part, it wasn’t so.

Upon noting a couple sitting together talking, the young woman blushing at something the man said, Beatrice felt a pang of sadness that she’d never experience the simple act of getting to know someone just because.

“Here comes Gideon,” Ella said looking around as if considering hiding from her brother. “I hope he does not insist we leave so soon.”

Upon reaching them, Gideon sat and looked across the square. Beatrice studied his profile. He had dark brown hair, an aristocratic nose, and a strong chin. And like his brothers, he was tall and quite handsome. Many women watched him, but he seemed oblivious.

Beatrice suspected he was fully aware that by walking across the square and sitting with her and Ella, he’d attract attention.

And not just that of the women, but also as a warning to any man who considered approaching them.

The hours flew by. They’d danced and laughed and strolled around the square. One man had actually spoken to Ella, which made them both giddy with excitement.

By the time they decided to head back to Keep Ross, the sun was setting and most of the revelers had headed to their homes. The only ones who remained were people who had enbibed too much ale.

“It was quite an enjoyable way to spend the day,” Beatrice said to Ella as they settled into the carriage. “I do not believe I’ve ever spent so much time at a festival before.”

Ella grinned. “We always spend the entire day. Gideon and I. Sometimes we drag Mother along.”

“What of Duncan? Do ye and he do anything together?”

There was an instant change to Ella’s expression. Something akin to sadness. “No, Duncan does not like crowds or large gatherings for that matter.”

“What does he do with all his time?”

Her friend met Beatrice’s gaze for a moment. “My brother is a kind and noble man… he is a loner, and it is something we have all come to accept.”

It was obvious that Ella changed midsentence what she was going to say. If Duncan had secrets that only his family knew, then Beatrice accepted they needed no reason not to share them with her.

She was anxious to ask what the man in the village had said to Ella, but she dared not ask in front of Gideon. The topic would have to wait until they were alone.

Upon returning to the keep, Beatrice realized that the Ross men had not returned yet from North Uist. She was both disappointed and glad.

One more night of not knowing what her mother’s response to her letter was a bit of an annoyance; however, it was best she get a good night’s rest because the next day, Duncan and Stuart would surely return.

The screams ofgulls woke Beatrice. She sat up in the bed and blinked at the bright sunlight entering through the window. She must have slept in quite late by the tray of food that was set on a table by the fireplace.

After a long day at the festival, she’d been exhausted. Slipping from the bed, she hurried to the window. Although it was a distance away, it would be possible to spot if the Ross men had returned.

There was activity at the seashore. Horses and men meandered. There was a line of bìrlinns that had not been there the day before.

Duncan and Stuart must have returned.

Leaning forward and squinting, Beatrice did her best to see who mounted on horses, but it was hard to tell. However, it was obvious her mother did not travel with them as there was no carriage and her mother would not ride astride.

Beatrice let out a long sigh and turned away. She dressed hurriedly, wishing to head downstairs in order to find out what news they brought back.

A maid, Orla, hurried in and looked first to her and then the tray. “Ye did not eat yet miss. The food will be cold.”

“I just now woke. Thank ye for bringing it. I will eat a bit later. For now, I must dress.”

Orla had been assigned to her since Annis, her former maid now concentrated exclusively on Isobel. Her sister had taken Annis to Barra with her, so it left Beatrice to do for herself.

“Which dress would ye like?”

Beatrice eyed all the pastel gowns, they felt so out of place there at Keep Ross, where Ella and her mother, Lady Mariel, preferred earth tones.

“The green,” she said and removed her nightdress.

Moments later, she waited impatiently for Orla to finish braiding her hair. When the maid was finally done, Beatrice smiled widely. “I love it.”

The tray was cleared, and Beatrice took a deep breath before leaving her bedchamber. Hoping to find Ella, she hurried down the corridor.

To her chagrin, Ella was nowhere to be found. Not in her bedchamber, the great hall, or the family dining room. Finally, Beatrice walked into the kitchen. “Has anyone seen Miss Ella?”

The cook, Greer, and the helpers all shook their heads.

“I believe she may have gone to greet her brothers,” a chambermaid said.

Beatrice hurried back through the great hall and out to the front door to keep watch. They would be arriving any moment and she had to know what would happen to her.

A thought struck. Perhaps they’d sent one of her brothers to fetch her. Beatrice lifted her skirts, ran through the great hall and back up to her bedchamber. She was not ready to return. Not yet.

As the party got closer, Beatrice took in each person. Stuart rode ahead, Ella beside him. There were several guardsmen who rode behind them, everyone riding at a slow leisurely pace.

Neither Duncan nor her brothers were with the arriving party. Beatrice let out a slow breath. Perhaps all was well. No one came for her and therefore her mother must have decided to let her remain for a while longer.

This would give her time to write another letter to let her know there was no courtship, and all would end well.

With a wide smile, she made her way down the stairs to greet Stuart and get information about her family.

Stuart entered, his hazel gaze meeting hers with a curious look. “My brother wishes to speak to ye. He had to go to his home, but will return in a day or two.”

“Oh,” Beatrice pretended to be surprised. “Why would yer brother wish to speak to me?”

Stuart shrugged. “From yer mother.” He handed her a wrinkled letter that he pulled from a sack he carried.

“Ye must see what yer mother wrote,” Ella said tugging her to the parlor. “I wonder if she is cross?”

“In all probability she is furious. I feel a bit guilty for not returning home,” Beatrice replied and meant it.

Before tearing the letter open, she let out a deep breath. “I hate to disappoint my parents.”

“Read it,” Ella prodded.

The letter was short. The words were troubling.

“She will come to fetch me shortly. She waits until after a visit from the MacLeod.”

Ella waited quietly, so Beatrice continued. “She is angry and points out that my overextended visit is very rude.”

“I am sure all will be well once she sees that we wished for ye to remain,” Ella said with a bright smile. “Do not worry yerself.”

When Ella left to see about a meal for her brothers, Beatrice continued reading the letter.

Yer father and I think it best that ye marry a MacLeod. Ye must put off any plans between ye and Duncan Ross.

For now, we will not discuss a marriage agreement while the MacLeod’s visit. However, once ye return it will be the first thing to be dealt with.

End things immediately and do not give Duncan Ross any reason to think ye and he will marry.

Beatrice stared at the words and pondered at marriage to a MacLeod. Which one did her parents plan to marry her to? She couldn’t picture what the MacLeod’s sons looked like. When younger, they’d been unremarkable.

The alliance between her clan and the MacLeod’s had become stronger since they’d united to fight against northern aggression. As expected, since Isobel had married a Ross, it was she that would be offered up to a MacLeod.

Like a form of payment, she would be offered as a token.

She’d speak to Duncan as soon as possible. Perhaps convince Ella to take her to his home the following day. It was best to clear things up and ensure there were no misunderstandings. Already she’d acted like a spoiled child by remaining at Keep Ross much longer than necessary. Now it was time to act like an adult and face the consequences of her actions.

Marriage in the coming months meant she’d be busy through the fall and winter as her parents would probably plan a spring wedding.

She let out a long sigh and stared out the window. When Duncan had come to inform her that he was to escort her home, why hadn’t she just accepted?

Now it felt as if she could not stand to think about returning. As much as she missed her parents and her home, the idea that she’d only be there for a few months prior to marrying was too finite.

A tear trickled down her cheek, sliding all the way to the edge of her face.

If only there was a way to be free. To live her life in North Uist at home, helping her mother, and spending the days doing as she wished.

Of course, once Evander married, it would be his wife who would work closely with her mother and be the one in charge of the staff duties. There would be no place for her.

Depending on who Beatrice married would determine what her place in a home would be. The thought of not knowing anything about her future was daunting.

Moments later, Beatrice found Ella sitting in the great room at a table surrounded by several servants.

“Ye should ensure the beds are made and bedchambers swept,” Ella instructed an older woman, who hurried off. “And ye, let the laundresses know that new linens should be placed on the laird’s bed as well as Mother’s.”

As the servants got their orders, they went off to do as told. Beatrice looked to the open book in front of Ella. It was a ledger of sorts.

“Hello friend,” Ella said greeting her. “I am afraid, to be very much behind in my duties because of yesterday.”

Beatrice sat across the table from her. “I understand. Sometimes I help Mother run the household because missing just one day will ruin an entire week.”

While Ella worked, Beatrice ate a light meal, in her mind formulating ways to escape the mundane life that awaited her in North Uist, or further north on the Isle of Lewis if her parents had their way.

It was time to take matters in hand. First, she had to speak to Duncan and find out exactly what was said between him and her mother.

“Ella? Where does Duncan live?”