Page 7 of The Beast

The man was not like any highlander she’d met. The only men who seemed to enjoy topics of philosophy and such were often older men, lowlanders, or Englishmen, which she preferred not to hold company with.

“Interesting,” Beatrice replied.

“He is not a true highlander,” Ella said shaking her head. “Spent too much time studying in the lowlands and doing whatever it is his mother insisted he do.”

Caelan gave Ella a patient look and then met Beatrice’s gaze. “Mother wished for me to be educated. She believes in the expansion of one’s mind, Miss Beatrice.”

“We of small minds must prepare to go,” Gideon said standing. “Brother, I informed Ewan that I’d be gone to the village today. He will be here shortly to assist ye in whatever tasks necessary.”

Caelan was serving as clan laird since his older brothers were gone. As a bastard son, most families would not consider it. However, Darach Ross had insisted that Caelan be treated the same as the rest of them were. Therefore, being third born, he took the duty of laird in Darach and Duncan’s absence.

It seemed to Beatrice that Ewan and Gideon didn’t mind one bit.

“If Ewan does not appear, I have the council,” Caelan replied lifting a cup to his lips.

A proper gentleman Caelan stood when she and Ella did. He remained silent as they hurried out.

“Hurry before Caelan decides we need tutoring,” Ella exclaimed tugging her toward the great hall. It proved impossible to stifle a giggle.

Much like most Scottish villages, the one nearest to the keep had a collection of two-story buildings that faced each other around a large square. From poles on the upstairs windows, colorful streamers waved gaily in the breeze.

Shop keepers had tied ribbons to their shingles adding to the colorful display.

People hurried up the center road, some pulling small wagons overfilled with items they hoped to sell or give out.

Lively music played and a few children held hands and danced in circles. Some older people joined in the melee as well.

Too excited to wait for Gideon, Beatrice and Ella hurried to the square wanting to see everything and to take part in all the games and activities.

As they made their way from one place to another, people greeted Ella, some asking about her brothers, others about her mother. Although studying her with curiosity, no one dared to ask who Beatrice was until Ella introduced her.

“We should shop first before finding a place to sit and enjoy the entertainment,” a breathless Ella exclaimed. “Time will go by fast and we must make the most out of each minute.”

They went from one stall to another. Ella purchased something from almost everyone, even if it was only something minute.

Several men gathered on the opposite side of the square. By their clothes, it was obvious they were not villagers, but perhaps landowners or from other clans.

Both she and Ella pretended interest in their purchases while studying the men from under their lashes.

“The one who just stretched is attractive,” Ella whispered as they made their way back to the carriage to deposit their purchases.

Beatrice wrinkled her nose. “He did that on purpose to attract attention. The one next to him with light hair. He is far more fetching.”

“Hmmm,” Ella turned over her shoulder and then gasped softly. “He caught me looking. Aye, I agree. He is quite bonnie.”

Finally, after dropping off items into the carriage, they went to find a place to sit and watch the festivities. A group of dancers performed a lively and complicated dance, their feet moving so fast, it was fascinating.

“I find it interesting that ye are so well-liked. I thought the people of the village did not fully trust yer family,” Beatrice said to Ella.

Her friend sighed. “Aye, it’s true. They do not trust my family. However, Mother and I have always spent time here in the village doing what we can for the poor and the widowed. No matter how badly Father treated the people, or perhaps because of it, we did our best to help where we could.”

“It must have been very difficult for ye,” Beatrice said.

“It was. Still is in a way. I find that without this work, I am not sure what my place in the family is.”

Beatrice believed that because she was the daughter of a powerful man and Ella the sister of one, they’d become close. Other than a future of marriage to whomever their family decided, neither she nor Ella had a true purpose.

Beatrice scanned the square, noting young women walking around the area, arms linked pretending not to notice the men who watched them with interest. Here and there a brave man would approach the women making small talk.