Page 57 of The Beast

Gideon came and stood next to them. “Do not interfere. This is something they must work out between them. Evander said something offensive to Duncan, my brother has to decide how to proceed.”

“It looks as if they have decided to proceed in the worst way,” Isobel said in a low angry tone. “Violence does not solve anything.”

Beatrice tugged at Gideon’s arm. “Duncan is injured. I am not sure his wound has healed properly.”

“Duncan outweighs yer brother and is taller.”

“That does not make me feel better in the least,” Beatrice snapped.

Thankfully Darach walked between the men and said something in low tones. Both Duncan and Evander looked to the doorway where their mothers stood. Each one with a furious expression.

“If anything will ruin a good fight, it is our mother’s watching,” Gideon grumbled and walked away.

While Ella took Evander to show him his room, Beatrice went to Duncan. “Let us rest before last meal,” she said peering up at him. “It has been a long day already.”

He nodded. “First, ye and Isobel need to divide yer belongings so the driver can take yers to our house.”

While she went to the wagons and instructed the men on which would go to her home and which would stay, Duncan stood nearby. He was silent, his arms crossed and attention toward the stables. Inside the sounds of conversations rose as people gathered for last meal.

With all that had happened, along with her mother’s arrival and Evander’s reaction, she’d not considered that Duncan had a hard time with large gatherings. His own sister planned the festivities, had Ella not taken Duncan into consideration?

She’d have to ask. When all the items that were for their home were loaded onto a single wagon, Duncan instructed the driver along with a guard to return to their home with the items and to ask Gara to oversee where they were to be placed.

When he came to her and turned toward the house, Beatrice stopped him by placing her hand on his forearm. “If ye wish to return to the house for now and return later for the celebration I understand. I know ye do not like large gatherings.”

The muscle in his jaw flexed, a sign she recognized that showed he was annoyed. “It is not that I do not like gatherings. It is that…” He stopped talking because Ella emerged from the house and hurried over.

“Darach has Evander in the study and wishes for ye to join them.” She gave him a knowing look. “He said to take yer time.”

Again, the muscle flexed, and Ella caught sight of it. “Come, Beatrice, let us give Duncan a few moments.”

“He is angry,” Beatrice said not expecting a reply. “Do ye think it may be best for him to return to the house for a day?”

“No,” Ella replied. “He will be fine. Duncan is slow to anger and slow to calm as well.”

“I am beginning to understand him.” When they walked into the great room, the women were in the dining room away from the noise.

From the smile on her mother’s face, Lady Mariel had helped calm her. However, upon seeing Beatrice, she bristled. “I have yet to speak to ye about yer rash actions.”

“Isobel was quite thorough in giving me a tongue thrashing. I am so embarrassed by my actions and the position that I forced Duncan, Darach, and both of ye into,” Beatrice said to the table. “It was not my intention at all and for it, I am truly sorry.” She blinked back tears. “It had always been my dream to marry with ye, Father, and Padraig present and that Evander give me away.”

To her horror, her mother wiped tears away. “That is what hurt me the most. I know we cannot always control what fate brings. I should have sent one of yer brothers to fetch ye immediately.”

“Are they suited?” her mother asked Lady Mariel who shrugged in return. “They went to the other house upon marrying and I have not had occasion to see them interact yet. I suppose we will learn together.”

The mothers turned to Beatrice and she felt her cheeks redden.

Before she could answer, Duncan entered the room. He’d obviously come straight from outside. He went to the head of the table and lowered over her mother’s hand placing a kiss to the back of it. “Lady Aileen, I am glad that ye arrived without incident and that ye are here to spend time with us and with my family. Please do us the pleasure of coming to stay at our home for a few days.”

Her mother blushed at Duncan’s attentions. “I suppose it would be good for me to see how ye live.”

“We get along very well Mother,” Beatrice said smiling at Duncan. “We are well suited.”

Duncan came to where Beatrice sat and placed a kiss on her temple. “I will be at Darach’s study if ye require anything.”

Her mother followed his movement as he walked out of the house. “He is such a large man.”

“My son is a good man, who was dealt a horrible hand. Yet despite it, he is fair, kind, and gentle. The most innocent of the lot.”