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

me to do. Our land is vast and each of us were assigned a portion upon our father’s death.”

Isobel wasn’t sure she would agree to them parting ways before the fortnight ended. “Would ye be gone long?”

He shrugged. “It is about a two hour ride there.”

“I will come with ye.” Isobel lifted her chin. “I am an accomplished rider. I will not hold ye back.”

In the silence that came, Isobel prepared to argue her point. “Yer mother is of the opinion that Cairn’s weapon is his tongue. She says we should not fear him.”

“I do not fear him, but I do not know if he has others convinced to do his bidding.” Darach studied her for a moment. “Very well, ye will come with me.”

It was only a few minutes later that they were mounted and headed for a village north of the keep. They didn’t ride at an overly fast pace. Darach explained that several guardsmen had already headed there to search, but since there were important families there, it was best that he be the one to speak to them.

By the time they arrived at the third home, Isobel was sorry to have insisted on coming. Her bottom was sore, and her mood was dark.

They were ushered into a large entry and immediately the man, a wealthy merchant guided them to sit and offered refreshments. Isobel was already full, from the last two houses, but etiquette prevailed, and she made sure to eat and praise the food to the merchant’s wife who fawned over her.

By the time they left, Isobel was sure her stomach would burst. “How many more stops?” she asked Darach weakly. “I cannot eat another bite.”

“We head back now.”

A guardsman neared. “She insists on speaking to ye,” the man said sliding a look to Isobel.

“Did ye ask about Cairn?”

The guard nodded. “Aye, my laird, and she said to have information but will only speak to ye.”

Darach looked to Isobel, and immediately she knew it had to do with Lilia.

“Ye should speak to her,” Isobel said with a sinking feeling.

They arrived at a newly built cottage. It was quaint and obviously no expense was spared to ensure every part had been done well. When Lilia opened the door, her gaze went directly to Darach, and then upon seeing Isobel, her eyes widened.

She moved back. “Come inside, please.”

Taking her elbow, Darach ushered Isobel inside. The interior was neat as a pin, every item in its place, the faint scent of lavender from dry flowers in a basket wafted through.

“Why could ye not speak to the guard?” Darach said without preamble. “Do ye truly have information?”

Despite Isobel not caring for Lilia, she was surprised by Darach’s brashness. Lilia, however, did not seem bothered. Her lips curved.

“I do have news, but not about Cairn.”

Darach frowned. “What is it then?”

“Thought ye should know that I am expecting yer bairn.”

The floor shifted under Isobel, but she managed not to sway. Darach on the other hand did not seem as affected. “This is a conversation for another time.”

“Another time? Like when?” Lilia snapped. “Ye send me away but ye cannot ignore this.”

Isobel was at a loss. A part of her shattered, and as much as she wished to run away, she forced herself to remain still. Would it be proper for her to say something? Was it her place to tell the woman to be quiet and not make demands of her husband?

“I want our bairn to be acknowledged. For ye to claim ’im as yer own.”

Darach’s jaw flexed, his gaze pinning Lilia. “I am fully aware of many things, Lilia. Tread with care when making demands.”

Lilia seemed to lose some bravado for a moment, but then her lips twisted into a snarl. “I have said what I wish. I will go to yer mother, to the clergy…”

“Come, let us go.” Darach took Isobel’s arm and turned away.

“I hear Cairn betrayed ye. He may know things that ye will not wish to hear. It could be best if ye do not go after him.”

When Darach whirled, Isobel gasped at how fast he crossed the room and took Lilia by the shoulders. “What do ye speak of? Tell me, woman. I do not have any patience for yer ramblings.”

Lilia had the nerve to laugh. “Yer father confided many things to Cairn. He was there ye know. The night yer mother died. Yer real mother.”

Darach shoved Lilia away and returned to Isobel.

They walked out in silence. Isobel rushed around the side of the house and lost the contents of her stomach. Whether what Lilia said was true or not, she sensed something changing between her and Darach.

What if it was true? His first child would be with a lover. Not only that, but the bairn would be born soon after he and Isobel married. Intuition told her, he would be an involved father and therefore would continue to see Lilia frequently.

“I will help ye mount.” Darach kept his voice level, but it was obvious he was furious. He motioned to the two guardsmen that waited outside for them. “Stop at the vicar’s at the end of town, ask if he saw anything last night.”

Isobel wanted to ask for a break, while at the same time, she wanted to be back at the keep. Her heart ached as much as her upset stomach quaked. The temporary escape from reality was over and much too soon, she faced the first hardship of her marriage.

For a while, they rode south, in silence. Finally, Darach spoke. “It is rumored that my father killed my birth mother in order to marry mother. I have always wondered if it is true.”

“How old were ye when she died?” Isobel asked.

“Just days, perhaps a sennight, not much more.”

The sad story was too much to bear. If it were true, it was something that would not be easy to accept. There was no doubt that Isobel would be heartbroken if it happened to her. “Have ye spoken to Lady Mariel about it?”

“Not in