Page 55 of The Beast

Isobel hugged her again. “The preparations for the festivities are all in place. Ye will love what we have prepared.”

“I cannot believe that I wasn’t part of the planning,” Beatrice replied with a pout. “I would have enjoyed it tremendously.

“Aye, I know,” Isobel said, her eyes bright with excitement. “I chose every detail with yer tastes in mind.”

“I know ye made it perfect,” Beatrice said. “I almost came to see what was being done, but I spent the last week caring for Duncan.”

Ella shook her head. “My brothers certainly know how to ruin the first days of marriage.”

“It was not his fault,” Beatrice said.

“My brothers seem to attract conflict at times. If not because they caused it, then because of circumstances they find themselves in.”

The Macdonald bìrlinns came into view and they stopped speaking to watch.

“Evander’s temperament causes many a conflict,” Isobel said tracking the movements of the bìrlinns. “I wonder at times if he enjoys it.”

Once the bìrlinns were pulled ashore, the three women hurried forward to greet Lady Macdonald.

Their mother’s sharp gaze went immediately to Beatrice, taking her in fully before moving to Isobel. Her I am not happy with either of ye look was sent out to encompass them both.

Isobel greeted her mother first, kissing her cheeks. “I have missed ye so.” Honey dripped from each word and Beatrice fought not to giggle.

Goodness, her nerves were making it hard to figure out what to say. She neared and did what Isobel had just done, kissing her cheeks. “Mother… I am glad ye are here.”

“Are ye?” Lady Macdonald’s right eyebrow rose high. “I am doubtful.”

“Welcome Lady Macdonald,” Ella said with a curtsy just as Darach neared. The laird greeted her mother warmly and asked who’d traveled with her.

It was then the entire group turned to the bìrlinn. After helping drag the vessel to shore and speaking to the men who were to remain with it, Evander Macdonald lifted a huge trunk and carried it to a wagon where he placed it. He then returned to gather a second one.

“Yer belongings,” Lady Macdonald said sliding a glance to Beatrice. “Ye have too many things.”

Astonished, Beatrice remained silent as trunk after trunk was loaded, then another wagon was brought to be loaded as well.

“That is all mine?” she asked wide-eyed.

“Oh, Beatrice,” her mother snapped. “Of course not, some things belong to Isobel. It is not all about ye.”

Isobel slid Beatrice a look, and she didn’t dare say another word.

“We should go to the carriage. We shall ride together so we can chat about the upcoming festivities.” Poor Ella did her best to pretend there wasn’t any tension in the air.

Her mother turned to Ella and kissed her cheek. “Ye are a dear girl.”

As they made their way to the carriage, Beatrice wondered if she should go with Duncan to keep him from arguing with her brother.

However, they were quickly pushed into the carriage and were headed to Keep Ross before she could think coherently.

“What festivities?” Her mother asked Ella, whom she decided was the only one worthy of her attention at the moment.

Ella smiled warmly. “We were waiting for ye to celebrate Beatrice and Duncan’s marriage.”

Instantly her mother’s icy glare slid to Beatrice, who sat across from her. “I see.”

“We have invited minstrels, and a poet . . .” Isobel began only to stop speaking when their mother turned to Ella.

“Am I right to assume vows have been exchanged and not just a handfasting?”