The Lion (Clan Ross of the Hebrides Book 1) - Hildie McQueen (best novels to read in english .TXT) 📗

“What did he do?” Isobel asked sitting down and began running her fingers through her hair.

“I am not sure. After noting he’s been absent, Stuart informed me that he’d be thrown in the dungeon for plotting against our family.”

“Goodness,” both Beatrice and Isobel stated in unison.

“Let me help ye,” Beatrice pulled a small comb from her pocket and began untangling Isobel’s hair. “We cannot have ye going down to first meal looking like this. Honestly Isobel, ye must do something about yer clothing.”

Lady Mariel laughed. “I will send for a seamstress from the village to come. She is very quick and quite talented.”

“Thank ye,” Isobel replied. “However, on the days when I plan to go for walks, I will be wearing my serviceable gowns.”

Despite herself, she became excited at the thought of new more colorful dresses. Isobel let out a sigh. “Lady Mariel, I find myself growing quite close to Darach. Is it normal? I am fearful of when the fortnight ends and how it will change our relationship.”

“I do not think things will change between ye and my son. He is a very loyal man. Believe what he tells ye. Darach is a man of his word. It will be different of course as time passes. He has many duties to see to, and ye will be busy with yer own.”

Beatrice hugged Isobel. “It makes me happy that ye’ve grown close to the terrifying man.”

“Do ye still find him so, sister?” Isobel asked with a chuckle.

“Not so much, I suppose. However, I would not care to be left alone with him in a dark corridor.” Beatrice shivered melodramatically, making both Lady Mariel and Isobel laugh.

Annis appeared in the doorway, her large eyes pinning her. “Lady Isobel, I’ve been up and down every stairwell searching for ye. I thought ye disappeared. Heard someone escaped.”

This made them giggle harder.

Isobel wiped tears of mirth from her face. “Did ye think I ran away?”

The maid rolled her eyes. “One never knows with ye.”

“I am sorry to have worried ye, Annis. I too heard of the escape and hurried to ensure Beatrice was well. Come sit, ye look about to faint.”

That Annis was treated equally from time to time did not seem to distress Lady Mariel, who began telling them of her plans for the day. They were to begin the collecting and putting together baskets for the needy.

It was only a bit later that they went down the stairs to first meal. Isobel went to the high board and lowered next to Darach, who looked to her. “Yer hair is different.”

Without pins, Beatrice had braided it but left it down her back.

“I will pin it up once the meal ends,” Isobel replied, feeling awkward. “I was in a hurry.”

“Do not change it. It suits ye, I like it.” He nudged her shoulder with his and then turned away to hear what his brother Ewan was saying.

Isobel fought the urge to lean into him. How had she been so fortunate to find such an attentive husband?

“Is everything well? Why did the men come to say someone escaped?” Isobel whispered when Darach turned to his food and began eating.

“Tis nothing ye need to concern yerself with. However, I will have to ask that ye and the women remain here. I might also suggest that Beatrice remain a bit longer. I do not want to spare guardsmen right now to send to North Uist.”

Not all bad news, Isobel considered, especially if it meant her sister remaining longer. “I am sure she will not be too disappointed.”

After the meal, Isobel and the women gathered in the room by the kitchen to begin the basket preparation. A guardsman came to inform them of what Darach had already told Isobel. Lady Mariel blew out an annoyed breath.

“They best hope I am not the one to find Cairn first. I will box his ears for all these troubles. Now we cannot travel to the village to collect wool to make blankets.”

Ella called the guard back, “Who is going to the village? Can they purchase wool for us while there?”

The guard frowned. “I am not sure our laird will allow us to make purchases while searching out a fugitive Miss Ella.”

Lady Mariel stalked to the guard, who at this point was becoming nervous. “I will see about this.”

“It is one man, who is probably gone far by now,” Ella said. “I do not see why all this is necessary.” She motioned in circles with her arms.

“It’s better to be safe, is what I say,” Beatrice exclaimed with a wide smile. “And now I get to stay longer, which makes me glad.”

“Me as well.” Isobel hugged her sister. “Darach is going away in a few days, and I will be glad for yer company.”

Ella eyed them. “Don’t forget ye have me as well. And I finally have sisters.”

“Aye, of course,” Isobel said with a smile. “I am thankful for ye.”

Lady Mariel returned. “Darach wishes to see ye, Isobel. He is in his study.” She looked to the others. “Lads have been dispatched to the village to fetch wool and other items on our list.”

On her way through the great hall, Isobel noted that the elderly couple had set up residence, in a matter of speaking, in front of one of the hearths. They sat in opposite chairs with a table between them. There was a tankard at the man’s elbow and a cup beside the woman. While the man napped contently, the woman mended from a basket on the floor. Her lips curved as she leaned forward to pet Albie, who lay at her feet on the floor.

Darach looked up when she entered and stood. He went to the doorway and closed the door. By his stern expression, she wasn’t sure what to expect.

“I want to travel to the village. I must go to several homes of prominent families. My brothers are all patrolling different areas, leaving just one that falls to