Page 38 of The Beast

Good, it would be suitable for additional help.

For now, she’d have to wait on Gara to return and speak to her about it.

“Orla and I will go for a short walk to get familiar with the land. We will not go far.”

Firtha frowned. “Mister Duncan said to ensure ye remained indoors. He is going to request that several guards from the keep be assigned here, to ensure ye are safe.”

“Goodness,” Beatrice said. “What about the grounds closest to the house? Surely, it will be safe to explore those.”

Firtha led them to the doorway, and they continued outside. Next to the house was a small building that consisted of three large rooms. They peered into the first which was for washing laundry. The next two were a storeroom. The last was the largest space that had a table, chairs, and four beds where coachmen and guards that visitors brought with them slept.

“I suppose this is where our guards will live,” Beatrice said looking around the room. “We must ensure the bedding is shaken out and that the room is swept.”

Firtha nodded. “I will take care of it.”

“I will help ye,” Orla said, and they hurried off to find the needed supplies. In the meantime, Beatrice opened the windows to allow air in and peered out at the corral and stables.

There were two horses grazing and a man leaning on the fence looking off in the distance.

Firtha returned with Orla carrying brooms, rags, and buckets, Beatrice motioned out the window. “Firtha, where does he live?”

“Creagh MacDougal, takes care of the horses and lives out there in a room inside the stable. No family, just a hound. There.” Firtha pointed to a dark dog that ran up to the man from the direction of the stables. Creagh, leaned over and patted the dog’s head and then began walking around the corral, the dog on his heels.

“Would ye like some tea milady?” Firtha asked as she yanked bedding from the first bed and headed out the door.

“Nay. I do not require anything at the moment,” Beatrice replied. “Please return to yer duties. I will assist Orla.”

After a dubious look, Firtha left to see to the midday meal.

Beatrice followed Orla carrying two blankets. They went to a short fence, threw the blankets over it, and began to beat them with brooms. Once that was completed, they shook them.

“Just sweeping and dusting to do, I can finish up myself,” Orla said.

“Very well. I will see about unpacking. Ye continue here,” Beatrice replied.

The house seemed ominous in its silence when she walked back inside. It seemed so strange to her to be in an empty house. The entire time growing up, there were always people about at her home. At Keep Ross, the same. Family, servants, guards, and visitors came and went throughout the day.

Perhaps, once the chambermaid was hired and the new guards arrived, it would be a bit better. For now, it was as if she were the only person in the world.

She made her way up the stairs and walked past her bedchamber and entered Duncan’s. The bed was unmade, a tunic and breeches thrown across it.

Lying on the table was a cup, a comb, and a clan crest pin. His ceremonial tartan was folded and placed neatly next to the items.

Turning in a full circle, she couldn’t help but feel that although he slept there, the room did not seem to belong to anyone. Then again, could it be her husband was like the space. Silent. Without adornment and half-empty.

When she tugged at the adjoining door, it didn’t budge. The second time she pulled with both hands and it barely moved. Refusing to give in Beatrice took a deep breath, wrapped her hands around the long door handle, planted her feet, and yanked with all her might.

The door opened just enough for her to slip through.

As soon as she entered her own bedchamber, the ambiance was completely different. The air was perfumed from her favorite bath oils. The bed was made, her robe carefully draped over one of the front corners.

Hopefully, Gara would return before Duncan or else there would not be a presentable meal prepared. Beatrice supposed if need be, Firtha could cook something.

How had Duncan managed with only two people on his staff? It was unfathomable to her that he did not staff the house fully.

Thinking of his return, Beatrice hurried to the mirror to inspect her appearance. She hoped they would spend the evening together after eating last meal. With an uncompromising eye, she noted that her hair needed tending to. Despite helping with the bedding, her attire was more of someone planning to entertain and not for a wife home for the day.

After brushing her hair back in place, once again she peered at her reflection. She decided not to change. The low neckline of her vest showcased the top of her breasts and she hoped the view would entice Duncan into her bed.