The Beast by Hildie McQueen

Chapter Five

The storm had made it almost impossible to ride through the night. Thankfully the rain slowed to a drizzle and Farlan Reid got out from the makeshift shelter he’d made and stretched. The fact he’d spent a horrible night only made him more determined to find Duncan Ross and make him pay dearly for it.

It may have taken him years to find his way to South Uist, but now that he was so close to finally getting revenge, he had to do his best to keep his wits.

First, he’d find a tavern, eat, get dry clothes, and purchase a horse. Then, he’d track down Duncan. The man would not expect to see him, as he probably believed him dead.

Farlan’s lips curved. “They did not kill me, Duncan Ross. Ye will wish they did.”

After walking for several hours, he made it to a small village and walked into the tavern. Probably due to the storm and because it was still early, there was no one other than one man there.

“What can I do fer ye?” the man inquired as soon as Farlan walked in.

“Ale, and some food.” Farlan took the man in. “I would pay ye for some clothes as well.”

The man nodded. “Aye, there’s some extra things upstairs in the room on the right. Help yerself to what fits.”

Moments later, feeling better in dry clothes, Farlan returned downstairs and ate the simple fare the man provided as well as a cup of ale.

When he started to pay, the tavern owner held up a hand. “No payment sir. I do what I can to help those in need. Now ye go and help someone who needs it.”

Farlan wanted to laugh. The only reason he’d traveled so far was to find and make a man pay for betraying him. “Where can I purchase a horse?”

After placing coins on a table surface, Farlan walked out to find the farmer, the tavern owner had spoken of. If the day continued to be as easy, perhaps he would find Duncan soon.

He’d not asked the tavern owner where to find his old friend, because the last thing he needed was to alert the Ross clan that someone looked for them. No, he’d have to go forward with care. He was on Ross territory and it would be too easy to be caught.

Thankfully, the rainhad stopped, giving him a clearer view of the road ahead. It was only his second time on the Isle of North Uist, and he had to admit not caring for the surroundings. As much time as he’d spent at sea, when on land he preferred not to be surrounded by it. However, the familiarity of the salty air made him feel at home as he began his trek.

One thing he remembered about Duncan Ross, was that he preferred to be alone. Especially given the years they’d been acquainted. The many days they’d spent alone, tied up in the belly of a ship, fed scraps, and whipped until half dead.

Farlan shook his head in an effort to dislodge the memories. Then he took a breath and scanned the surroundings. No, it was best to keep the picture of the time with Duncan. How he’d grown to depend on the man, who’d taken beatings for him and shared what was left of their meager food in an effort to keep him alive. They’d shared so much. And then he’d betrayed him. The day had finally come that freedom was within reach and Duncan had abandoned him. Escaped alone and never returned for him.

That he lived was a miracle. After being starved for days, the ship’s crew had taken great delight in tossing him overboard.

He’d finally found freedom, although he’d expected it was in death.

By some miracle he’d survived. Someone aboard the ship had taken mercy on him and tossed a plank of wood overboard. He’d clung to the wood for an entire night and been rescued by a group of fishermen.

Now, as he stared at the surroundings, Farlan contemplated his drive to seek revenge. He had nothing to live for. His family was gone. Upon returning to his home, he’d found an empty cottage; the villagers told him his young wife and bairn had been taken years earlier. He’d found them in a grave not far from the village. They’d been either killed or died of exposure.

Then upon seeking his sister, he found out she and their parents had succumbed to a horrible illness. Too afraid to catch what they’d had; the others had allowed them to die.

If he’d been free, if only Duncan had come for him, he would have been able to help. He would have been there to protect his family, his wife, and child.

Yes, it wasn’t directly Duncan’s fault, he was not so bitter that he didn’t realize the crew that kidnapped him were the ones directly responsible. Ultimately, Farlan had dispensed his own justice. Killing them one by one. Waiting at the docks, taking his time to hunt them down, and ensuring they suffered before dying.

Those he didn’t personally kill, were dead by other means. Now he only had one left. One person he held directly responsible for keeping him from saving his own.

A bird cawed overhead, pulling Farlan from his musings, as he spotted a young lad tugging a goat toward the village he’d come from.

The boy ignored him until Farlan called to him. “Aye, lad. I have a coin for ye, if ye help me find a friend.”

“Sir?” The lad stopped and stared up at him.

“Do ye know where Duncan Ross lives?

The lad nodded eagerly; his gaze locked on the coin Farlan held up. “In the big house next to a loch.” He pointed in the direction he’d come from.

Farlan tossed the lad a coin. “Go on now.” The boy grinned up at him. “I can tell ye where the rest of the family live.”

At the words, Farlan’s breath hitched. It could be he was thinking of his revenge in the wrong manner. Taking what mattered from Duncan Ross first could be something far better than just killing the man.

“Where?”

The lad hesitated and Farlan dug out a pair of coins and tossed them at the lad. After picking them up the boy scratched his head.

“Past the big house in the next village.” He pointed. “That way.”

“No one mustknow we were alone together, we must ensure it,” Beatrice repeated as they neared the keep. “My sister will be mortified if she were to find out that I was gone overnight.”

Despite knowing nothing happened between them, Beatrice worried about how her sister would respond to knowing she’d done something so reckless. Goodness, sometimes she was appalled at her own behavior.

Duncan was quiet as he guided the horse. It was strange how despite the long stretches where he didn’t speak, she found herself understanding what he thought by the way he held his head or how he looked at her.

“I think my sister will be most cross. Hopefully, by the time she returns, there will be enough of a time span that no one will inform her about this.”

He gave her a look and she blew out a breath. “Yes, I know, it is wishful thinking on my part.”

The gates opened and upon entering, Ella and Caelan hurried from the front of the house to them.

“What happened?” Ella looked her over, no doubt noticing her crumpled dress and mussed hair. “Where did ye go?”

Stealing a glance at Duncan, Beatrice swallowed. “I went to speak to Duncan and upon my return, alone, I ended up having to find refuge for the night when the storm hit.”

Both Ella’s and Caelan’s eyes narrowed. It was obvious they didn’t believe one word she’d uttered. Except perhaps that she’d gone to speak to Duncan.

It was more obvious when Ella spoke again, each word pronounced slowly. “Ye allowed her to return unaccompanied?”

“Then why did ye arrive together?”

Duncan gave Beatrice a droll look, giving her the opportunity to continue with her story that would surely hit upon unbelieving ears.

She slumped and let out a breath remaining silent.

The brothers seemed to have a silent communication. Caelan took his brother’s appearance in, then slid a look to her.

Finally, he motioned to the front door. “We must speak.”

The great room was empty. It was too early for villagers to come and seek an audience. Then again, since Darach was gone, there wouldn’t be as many people coming.

“Where are Stuart and Gideon?” Beatrice asked.

Ella shrugged. “Gideon has not gotten out of bed. I suspect, he was up late partaking in too much whisky. Stuart is gone to Ewan’s house to help with whatever is needed. Since Catriona is not well enough to get out of bed yet, Ewan must remain close to home.”

It was a relief that the only ones at home were Ella and Caelan. Beatrice took her friend’s hand. “My sister cannot know that I was gone all night. She will be most cross.”

“Ye cannot expect to keep it from her,” Ella said. “Too many people are aware of it. We searched the house and alerted the staff to look for ye. We learned ye had gone in the direction of the village when we questioned the guards.”

“No one came looking for me.”

“A villager told us ye arrived at Caelan and Duncan’s home. When the storm began, Caelan supposed ye were sheltered at his house.”

Beatrice sighed. “It is hard to remain secretive around these parts.”

“It is,” Ella replied with a chuckle. “People are very curious. Especially when it comes to someone they are not familiar with.”

They went through the great hall and up the stairs to Beatrice’s bedchamber. Once there, she quickly washed up and changed clothes into one of her more colorful gowns. She made a mental note to have a seamstress make her a pair of dresses in more muted tones. The light colors made her feel frivolous.

“What truly happened?” Ella asked as Beatrice brushed the tangles from her hair. “I know my brother can be somewhat… difficult.”

“It was so thoughtless of me to seek him. I had to know what exactly happened when he delivered Mother’s letter. What she’d said to him. I planned to find out and return immediately. Then that horrible storm hit.”

Ella waited for her to continue.

Beatrice relented. She had to tell someone. “We were traveling back when the storm began, and we found shelter in an abandoned building. Yer brother made a fire for us and we slept until morning.”

“Did anyone see ye go there? Alone? Together?”

“I am sure that if they did, the news will reach the keep soon enough. After all, ye did say the people about here are curious.”

Ella wringed her hands. “Hopefully the rain kept the curious away.”

“What do ye think will happen when Darach finds out?” Beatrice asked. “I am most fearful of his reaction.”

By Ella’s surprised expression, her friend had not considered it. “I honestly do not know. He has been laird for such a short time. He is being careful about every decision. We should go speak to Caelan and Duncan. I am sure they are having the very same conversation we are.”

They went back down to the main floor of the keep. People had begun to trickle in, mostly it seemed to get a meal and sit about in the warmth of the indoor space. Many people, especially those who traveled, did not make accommodations and hoped to garner the favor of a place to rest there at the keep.

As they made their way to the family dining room to look for Caelan and Duncan, a boy hurried to Ella. He handed her a message and waited, his gaze darting to the tables.

“Go get something to eat. I will find ye later to give ye a coin.” Ella smiled as the boy scampered off.

“Who sends ye notes via a child?” Beatrice asked, intrigued.

Ella shook her head. “Usually, it’s my aunt who lives not too far. She often sends a boy to invite me for a visit.”

“They have not visited since I’ve been here. Why?”

“Because she is my father’s sister and like him is not kind to anyone. For whatever reason, she seems to enjoy my company. She and her spinster daughter are always eager for news of what happens with the family and the clan.”

Upon entering the dining room, Caelan and Duncan looked up. When Duncan’s gaze clashed with hers, Beatrice felt a flutter in her stomach, her hand moving over the area.

“We must discuss what we will say to Darach and Isobel about this incident,” Ella began immediately. “Someone may have seen them riding here and seeking shelter.”

“It was storming,” Duncan said. “I did not see anyone.”

“That does not mean no one saw ye and Beatrice leaving this morning,” Ella insisted.

Caelan motioned for them to sit. “Ye should eat. The food grows cold.”

Once seated, Beatrice took a piece of bread and waited for Ella to pour the tea. She then slathered butter on her bread, lifted a thinly sliced piece of meat, and placed it atop the butter. When taking a healthy bite, she noted that Duncan watched her with a frown.

“Ye should try it. Very tasty,” Beatrice said and took a second bite.

Ella emulated her and took a bite of her slice of bread. “It is indeed,” she said between dainty bites.

“We will tell them the truth,” Duncan said, with a challenging gaze at Beatrice. “There is nothing to hide from. We sought shelter and nothing untoward happened.”

“It is not that simple and ye both know it,” Caelan informed them. “Just the chance someone will report what happened and word gets to the Macdonald, could make things very complicated.”

Beatrice was growing tired of the ramifications of her actions. She didn’t mind having to deal with the consequences, but she didn’t want Duncan to have to be embroiled in her mess. “I will ensure my parents are informed and that they understand nothing happened. It was a matter of necessity that we found ourselves alone.”

When no one spoke, she continued. “My father is very understanding. He values honesty and will know that what I say is true.”

While they ate, Ella told her brothers of the summons by her aunt before turning the discussion to the birth of Ewan and Catriona’s second child. Though, truthfully, it was Caelan and Ella who did the speaking, with an occasional nod from Duncan.

While the Ross siblings discussed the situations of having to handle things until Darach returned, Beatrice noted how in sync they seemed to be. Most striking was that Caelan included Ella in the decision-making, listening to her opinions.

Her father and brothers never included her mother, Isobel, or her in any conversation dealing with clan matters. Most of the time, they found out things through what was overheard. She found it refreshing that the Ross men seemed to respect and not undervalue a woman’s worth and intelligence.

As soon as she ate her fill, her eyes began drooping. “I will speak to my sister upon her arrival. For now, I must get some rest. I barely slept a wink last night.” Beatrice pushed back from the table.

As soon as she stepped out into the corridor, Duncan walked out. “I will be returning to my home. If ye need anything, ye can send a guard.”

“I am sure not to need ye for anything,” Beatrice replied. “Thank ye for escorting me back. I should have told the truth from the moment we returned.” She let out a sigh. “It always comes out in the end, does it not?”

There was a slight twitch to the corners of his mouth and for a moment, she thought he’d smile. “It does indeed.”

“I am sure my sister will convince Darach to the lack of impropriety and nothing will come of this entire thing.” She placed a hand on his forearm. “Thank ye for everything. I am not sure what would have happened if I had been caught in the storm alone. I apologize once again for the taking of yer time my impetuous nature caused.”

His gaze met hers. It was as if he was going to say something but was not sure of the words. Then he nodded and returned into the dining room.

“He is the most interesting man,” Beatrice said out loud as she made her way back to her bedchamber.

The same lad who’d given Ella the note sat alone at a table. Too engrossed in the platter laden with food that sat before him, he didn’t notice her walking past. Beatrice smiled widely as she hurried up the stairs.

She’d have to ask Ella about the young lad’s parents. He seemed very young to be walking from the village to the keep alone.

Once inside the bedchamber, sleep evaded, and she went to the window to look out to the scenery below. The day was shaping up to be sunny, which was good since Duncan would be riding home.

In the distance, more than the usual number of bìrlinns arrived at the shore and her heart quickened. Did it mean visitors had arrived? Or perhaps her sister and the laird returned. She leaned forward squinting while attempting to see clearer.

Her breath caught. Why had no messenger arrived with news? Or perhaps they were downstairs now.

Worst case, it would be her mother visiting. But as only two days had passed since Duncan’s return from North Uist, it wasn’t her. It couldn’t be.

Frozen to the spot, she continued watching as several bìrlinns were brought to the shore. People began climbing down and soon a man on horseback galloped toward the keep.

She let out a long breath and squeezed her eyes shut. The laird and her sister had returned.

If the messenger arrived before Duncan left, then he would remain to await their arrival. Of course, even if he had ridden off, surely, he would see the bìrlinns arriving and turn around.

Why hadn’t she stayed at the keep and waited for Duncan to come as he’d planned? If only she’d waited until then to speak to him about the interchange with her mother.

She prayed that the travelers would need rest and not have the energy to speak to her or the others right away.

Her maid, Orla, hurried in. “Do ye require anything? It seems yer sister and her husband have returned.”

“How do ye know?”

Orla pointed to the ceiling. “Guards saw them arriving, several men and a carriage were immediately dispatched. It was just announced to the household. It is quite mad downstairs; everyone is ensuring the home is perfect for their entrance.”

Beatrice looked down at her dress. It was nice and looked to be in good order. She lowered to a stool in front of a mirror. “Would ye please brush out my hair and braid it?”

As the maid began doing her hair, Beatrice formulated what to say to her sister. No doubt as soon as Darach arrived, he, Caelan, and Duncan would steal away to the study to discuss clan matters.

She and Ella would greet the women with food and something to drink.

Moments later, she hurried to the kitchen where she found Ella directing that food be taken to the family dining room and also to the study.

“Ye must have heard the news.” Ella barely spared her a glance before turning to a maid. “Hurry go out and find some flowers for the dining table.”

Ella returned her attention to Beatrice. “We should go to the front and wait. They will be arriving within moments.

Together they went through the great hall to the front entrance.

“Where is Caelan?” Beatrice asked looking around.

“I am sure he rode off to greet Darach and ensure protection was provided if it was needed.”

It was not much longer before the first of the guards rode through the gates, followed by a carriage and then finally the Ross men on horseback.

As soon as the carriage stopped, the door was opened by a guardsman. Isobel, followed by Lady Mariel and lastly Annis, Isobel’s maid, exited.

Beatrice rushed to her sister genuinely excited to see her. “I am so happy ye are back,” she exclaimed and hugged Isobel who grinned widely.

“I am glad to find ye well, sister,” Isobel replied looking her over. “I was afraid of harm befalling ye and having to explain to Mother that I left ye alone.”

A reassuring smile took effort, but Beatrice managed it, and once again hugged her sister as it wavered. “Ye look well. I expected to find ye tired.”

“Nonsense,” Lady Mariel said. “We slept most of the trip here. The only thing we are right now is very hungry.”

As they went inside, Beatrice looked over her shoulder to find that the Ross men were not talking to each other, but each of them doing other things. Darach was instructing servants to see about the luggage, Caelan spoke to a man who’d hurried to him as if seeking some sort of information, while Duncan, who’d obviously turned around, stood with his arms crossed watching his brothers.

He glanced over at her and met her gaze with his own unwavering one. The message seemed clear to her. She was not to worry.

Easy for him to say.

“What?” Isobel asked and Beatrice realized she’d muttered out loud.

“Nothing important. Food should be set out. Ye will enjoy what cook made. It smelled delicious when I was in the kitchen just moments ago.”

Once they were settled in the dining room, Isobel ate with gusto, oblivious to the suddenly heavy air.

Lady Mariel ate but kept looking at Ella with a curious expression.

“What happened?” Lady Mariel asked, looking from Beatrice to Ella. “Caelan and Duncan seemed to find interest in every surrounding, not meeting my gaze. I know when they are hiding something.”

“Nothing horrible,” Ella said and looked at Beatrice who sat across the table from her. “Ye should tell them.”

“What did ye do?” Isobel asked, her eyes wide. “If ye got into trouble while I was gone, Mother and Father will be even more displeased than they are now. Ye were supposed to have returned home by now.”

The best way to formulate it would be to point out the good things first. “I went to Duncan and Caelan’s home to speak to Duncan about that very subject. I wished to ascertain how Mother was after receiving my letter asking to remain here for an additional time.”

Isobel lifted an eyebrow but remained silent.

Lady Mariel was not as patient. “Please continue, lass.”

“The storm hit when I was heading back. I had to find refuge from it and was gone until this very morning. But as ye can see, I am uninjured and have not sneezed once.”

“Ye rode there and back alone?” Isobel gawked at her, her spoon in midair as an incredulous expression spread across her pretty face. “Oh my goodness, Beatrice, how could ye?”

“She rode there alone, but Duncan escorted her back,” Ella, ever helpful, added. “Thank goodness, she may have caught her death out there. The storm was horrible…”

“We are aware Ella,” Lady Mariel snapped. “We had to delay our departure because of it.”

There was a long moment of silence as both Isobel and Lady Mariel absorbed the information. For a moment, Beatrice felt relief. Other than a strong scolding, it would be the end of it.

“Ye must marry,” Isobel proclaimed. “Quickly before news of this spreads.”

“I am sure no one will know.” Beatrice mentally calculated how many people did know.

Lady Mariel frowned. “Ella, who all knows?”

“The staff here all searched for her. Guards reported she rode out towards the village. Two were sent out, but the storm caused them to return. The entire household saw her and Duncan arrive together this morning.”

With slow deliberate moves, Lady Mariel lifted a cup to her lips and took a drink. Beatrice didn’t dare point out it was her cup that she drank from. Instead, she did her best to keep her galloping heart from bursting out of her chest.

“I am sure there is another solution. Marriage is extreme,” Beatrice said to the room at large. “Nothing happened. He was a gentleman.”

“Ye should be quiet and let us think,” Isobel scolded. “I cannot believe ye would do something so rash. Even for ye, I cannot fathom why ye would consider it a good idea to ride out alone to a man’s home.”

“My son cannot marry. He is not going to marry ye, Beatrice.” Lady Mariel met Ella’s gaze. “We must find another solution.”

Isobel shook her head. “There is no other solution. Ye do not know my brothers. Upon hearing of what happened, it is not my father who will be enraged. Evander and Padraig will not accept any other solution than marriage.

“I understand,” Lady Mariel said. “If it were another of my sons, I would not hesitate to demand they marry.”

“What are ye saying?” Beatrice asked more out of curiosity than feeling slighted. She had no desire to marry. Admittedly, if she did have to marry a Ross, Duncan would be her first choice. That said, she wondered why Lady Mariel was so against it.

Ella bit her bottom lip in thought. “What if she marries Stuart? He would agree when presented with… the situation.”

“Would ye please explain to me, why he will not do it?” Isobel demanded, her expression stern. “If anyone marries Beatrice, it will have to be Duncan.”

Just then Darach walked into the room. The large blond man made Beatrice shudder. Something about her sister’s husband gave her pause. Perhaps it was the air of authority that made her cautious.

Despite the fact Isobel loved him dearly and he treated her sister well, Beatrice had yet to warm up to the man. Perhaps it was that he eyed her with the expression of someone who thought her daft.

To be fair her current actions did not exactly paint the picture of someone who thought things through.

“Everyone to my study. There is much to discuss.”

With a nod, Lady Mariel stood, and seeing Beatrice’s bottom lip quiver, she took her arm. “There, there, dear. All will be well. Do not fret.”

Her sister was not as kind.

“She should definitely fret.”