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

a long time. I will speak to her again. If it did happen, I will not be surprised. What does surprise me is that Cairn would say something to Lilia. She may be lying.”

“Does she lie a great deal?” Isobel couldn’t bring herself to ask if Lilia may have lied about being with child.

Her husband turned to her, his expression blank. “Do not worry yerself over what she said.”

If not for the guardsmen riding so close, she would have erupted at him. Not worry. Was the man daft? Of course, she was going to worry. Not only that, but she had many questions.

It seemed it wasn’t only Darach who would be seeking out Lady Mariel. Isobel wanted to cry. Between the rotten end to a long day and the exhaustion, it took all her willpower not to begin sobbing.

And yet, she was glad to have come. Otherwise, she’d never know that the woman claimed to be carrying Darach’s child.

Chapter Fifteen

Darach was furious.

Lilia had to be aware he knew she slept with other men and not just him. The only reason she’d divulged being with child—if it were true—was because Isobel was with him. He’d wanted to shake the woman until she told the truth. But he was not one to hurt women.

Not only had she talked about being with child but had brought up the subject of his birth mother’s death.

Speculation had been whispered, but never spoken out loud for fear his father would overhear. He was about ten the first time he’d heard the rumor and had asked his mother about it. She’d told him it was lies and he’d believed her. The next time he’d asked, she’d told him that it was something that he should not think about as it did not bring her back.

Over the years, the whispers had ceased. It was only after his father’s passing that the rumors restarted. In his experience, rumors always held just enough truth to make the subject a possibility.

Isobel was exhausted. “Do ye want to stop and rest?” he asked.

She shook her head. “Nay. I will rest once we arrive home. I wish for a hot bath and our bed.”

Since first meeting her, he’d admired her. Even without speaking, he saw her inner strength and grace. His wife was beautiful and sensitive.

All that transpired affected her greatly, and Lilia’s outburst had hurt her. As much as he wanted to protect her, it was best she find her own way through it. He would be there to provide support and assurance, but in the end, it would be up to Isobel to learn to trust him.

The one thing he knew was that people either trusted ye or they did not. Either way, it came from how one acted and what one did.

“I know this is a hard day for ye.” He didn’t say anything else as a group of guardsmen rode toward them from the east.

The men remained silent at him sliding a look to Isobel. If the guards had any information, it would wait the hour until they arrived back at the keep.

Soon the keep gates came into view. In a way Darach was glad, for he needed time alone to think. First, he would see to Isobel, she looked about to drop, and he didn’t want her to get ill.

They made it through the gates and before she could dismount, he pulled her from the saddle and carried her to the house.

“I can walk,” she protested weakly. “Ye do not have to carry me. I am sure ye are tired as well.”

“I am used to long rides, ye are not. I should have brought a carriage.”

Upon entering they were greeted by his mother. “Goodness, is something wrong?” Her gaze moved from his face to Isobel’s.

Darach shook his head. “Nay, the day was too long for her. My wife requires a hot bath and a meal, and then she must go to bed.”

Annis, the woman who came as a companion to Isobel, came close and upon hearing him, rushed away to do as he instructed.

“Honestly, Darach, I am fine,” Isobel said, her cheeks pinkening when Ella and Beatrice appeared in the corridor outside their bedchamber. “Ye can put me down.”

“Allow yer husband to do it,” Beatrice called out. “I find it romantic.”

Darach could not help but feel chivalrous at the words.

Once inside their bedchamber, he helped her undress and wrapped her in her robe as maids came in with a wooden tub and pails of water. Soon she sunk into the tub and let out a sigh.

Not wishing to be away from her, but with much to do, he left her to Annis.

“What happened?” his mother said when he reached the bottom of the stairs. “Isobel looks not only exhausted but also upset.”

“She is.” He took her elbow and ushered her to his study. “Await me here, I must speak to guardsmen. I will not be long.”

In the courtyard, another set of patrols that included his brothers had arrived. When a guard approached, Darach instructed the man to wait for his brothers and then wait for him in the great hall, before discussing any findings.

Once in his study, he went directly to the sideboard and poured a glass of whiskey. “I must say, this was an exhausting day. If it were not for that damn fortnight rule, I would have insisted Isobel remain here.”

“It is a good rule and ye should have sent someone in yer stead,” his mother replied. “What happened?”

He considered which subject to broach first. Finally, he met his mother’s eyes thankful, for how she’d never wavered in her love and devotion to him. “Lilia informed me, in front of Isobel, that she is expecting a bairn. Claims it to be mine.”

“Poor Isobel. I cannot imagine hearing such a thing so soon after marrying,” his mother replied, not seeming shocked.

She let out a breath and pinned him with a stern look. Do ye think it is yers? We all know she warmed more than