The Beast by Hildie McQueen

Chapter Twenty

Stuart lay on a pallet in front of the fireplace in Duncan’s bedchamber. Gideon was in the bedchamber across the corridor, usually used by their mother. No one wanted to sleep in Beatrice’s.

“Why did ye not wish to reply today when the man asked to speak to our laird?” Stuart asked looking up at the ceiling.

If anyone would make an exceptional laird, it was Stuart. He had an even temperament and was a fair man; he thought decisions through. Feeling better suited for battle than leading, Duncan preferred that his brother cede lairdship duties to Stuart or Caelan over him.

“I have never aspired to be laird, nor leader other than perhaps with warriors. Even then, sometimes my judgment is clouded by my past. I do not trust it.”

The silence that stretched indicated Stuart was measuring his words. “Each of us has their own strengths. It is good for a man to recognize his strengths and limitations.”

Despite the hole in his chest left from Beatrice’s absence, Duncan chuckled at his carefully phrased reply.

The next morningwent without anything of alarm to note. As planned, they escorted the Maclean’s to where they could keep an eye on them. They were to be housed in the abandoned building that Duncan and Beatrice had sought shelter in. With the bitter cold and being disarmed, the men posed little threat.

“It would have been better if we could leave guards behind, but I am trusting that the weather will prevent them from doing too much harm,” Stuart said as they overlooked the settling of the asylum seekers.

Men arrived from the nearby village with blankets and basic food that would hold the men for several weeks.

Lennox, the muscular man who’d been appointed spokesperson came to where Duncan and Stuart stood. “My men and I have pooled our coins and would like to pay for the items ye brought.”

“Keep it,” Stuart replied. “Ye will need it to purchase more provisions. My brother, Darach, Laird Ross, will be returning and when he does, we will send word for ye to come and speak to him.”

The man nodded. “Ye have been most kind.”

“I am sure ye will be asked to repay in some way. For now, remain here. There are tools and other items that ye and yer men can use to make repairs to the structure. Ye can cut down trees for firewood or to build whatever ye need, no more.”

“May we snare rabbits?” the man asked.

“Aye,” Stuart replied. “But nothing else.”

With nothing else to be done, they mounted and began the trek to the keep. Duncan had decided to continue with his brothers hoping to get meat pies from Greer. Caelan returned to the house with an additional ten guards that would ride out to patrol the house where the Maclean’s settled.

Gideon had remained back at the abandoned building with fifty men to see about settling the newcomers and ensuring all was well. They would return once Gideon decided all was as well as it could be expected.

Upon nearing DúnLáidir, the proud gray stone structure never ceased to catch Duncan by surprise. It was a huge keep that could easily house the entire village within its walls if ever they were under siege.

Atop the walls and top of the main house, men draped in thick capes kept watch, their sharp gazes set in every direction.

The gates were closed, a precaution to the newcomers. They would remain closed for the winter. A bit of an annoyance, but it was necessary to ensure the safety of the family.

“Ewan and Catriona and their bairns have moved in for the rest of winter,” Gideon said.

“Why?” Duncan asked.

“Apparently Mother had insisted on it.”

A guard rode toward them, the man slowing his horse so he could speak to them.

“The laird and the others have returned.”

The news caught Duncan off guard. He looked past the man to the keep gates.

Sensing what he wanted to know, Stuart asked, “Who came back with him?”

“Ladies Mariel, Isobel, and Beatrice.”

Stuart turned to Duncan. “Ella must not be well enough to travel. There must be a reason why the visit was cut short. Hopefully it is not bad.”

The brothers dismounted as soon as they reached the courtyard and hurried into the house. They walked into a flurry of activity.

Trunks were being carried to bedchambers as their mother directed. Isobel spoke to maids, while Darach spoke to several men.

Next to the hearth in chairs, Catriona sat with a swaddled baby in her lap, the other bairn toddled across the floor toward Beatrice, who held her arms out.

It was the first time he’d seen her in a long time. Her golden hair was pulled away from her face into a long braid. Lips curved into a wide smile as she encouraged the child to walk. When the child took a step, the antics brightened her beautiful face.

“We must speak to Darach,” Stuart said. “Report what happened.”

“I am sure he has been informed,” Duncan replied unable to tear his eyes from his wife. There was something different about her. It was as if she’d blossomed. He couldn’t quite figure out what it was. She seemed more serene in a way.”

Seeming to sense his regard Beatrice looked up, her clear blue gaze clashing with his. Duncan did not dare close the distance between them. Instead, he gave a nod of greeting. Her eyes narrowed in thought, then she turned her attention back to the bairn.

“There must be something afoot that ye felt the need to gather so many guardsmen,” Darach said as he neared. “We must speak.”

They went to Darach’s study where Stuart filled Darach in on what happened. Their eldest brother taking in every word, nodding occasionally.

“I agree with what ye did. I do not fully trust their purpose for being here, but since it’s winter, they will have to remain put for the time being. We will have to alert the men on the southeast coast to keep an eye out for others. If more come, they are to be sent away.”

Unable to keep his curiosity at bay any longer, Duncan had to find out why they’d returned sooner. “I thought ye planned to spend the season in North Uist?”

“We did,” Darach replied. “However, with the weather remaining relatively mild. I wished to return. Also, Mother missed her grandchildren.”

“The Macdonald insisted that Beatrice return with us,” Darach said, pinning Duncan with a sharp look.

“Ye should speak to yer wife, do what ye can to reconcile.”