The Lion (Clan Ross of the Hebrides Book 1) by Hildie McQueen (ereader for android .TXT) 📕

“Ye need a hand, appoint someone to take yer place in the great hall at least for part of the day,” Ewan suggested, and Stuart nodded.

“Cairn is senior councilman,” Darach replied. “It would be him who would handle things. However, as of late, I grow more and more suspicious of him.”

The brothers exchanged a look and then Stuart nodded. “He has acted strangely. Perhaps nothing to do with us. However, I too have kept an eye on him.”

“The farmer who was lost and found injured. He seemed particularly against us seeing to it. When ye decided to send guardsmen to see about him, he insisted on handling it,” Ewan said. “I am going to ride out tomorrow to visit the family. If the man is recovered enough, perhaps he saw who tried to kill him.”

Although he’d grown more and more distrustful of Cairn, Darach didn’t expect it was more than just the fact that the man did not trust his rulings. After all, Cairn had been close to his father. “It would be Duncan’s place to serve as my right hand.”

Stuart chuckled. “I wish ye luck with convincing him to live here.”

“What about Stuart?” Ewan suggested. “He serves with ye daily. If Cairn takes it as a slight, so be it.”

Lilia walked in and placed a goblet of wine down for him. “My laird, ye did not attend last meal.”

“I have much to do.” He picked up the goblet. “Thank ye.” While drinking, Lilia circled the table and came to his side. “Ye have had no time for me lately. Would ye care for me to come to ye tonight?”

He considered it for a moment. There was much to do, he expected to work late into the night and would not have time for dalliances. At her delighted smile, Darach hesitated. He took her hand and met her gaze. “Forgive me, but unfortunately I will not have time. I will be working late and will need to sleep.”

“Laird, I can take care of ye…” Lilia started but stopped speaking, her gaze moving to the doorway.

“Leave us,” his mother said, giving Lilia a narrowed look. “Ye have many other duties to attend to. See that they are done.”

Lilia bent her legs and lowered. “Yes, my lady.” The woman dared another look to him before dashing through the door. He had to give her credit; she was bold.

“I wish to speak to yer brother,” she said and both Ewan and Stuart got up and left.

By the look on his mother’s face, she was not at all pleased with him. Too tired to argue at the moment, Darach sat back and waited for the tongue-lashing.

“Ye are not at last meal, and here I find ye with that strumpet. I am embarrassed at yer behavior since our guests arrived.”

It became hard to keep his temper in check, but he managed to not bark out his reply. “I am very busy, Mother. I do not have time to sit about and sip mead with yer friends.”

Despite himself, his eyes widened when Lady Ross neared. “I know yer duties, Darach. I am aware of the limited amount of time. However, they came with the expectation that ye would marry Beatrice, or at least find if ye are compatible. Ye have yet to spend even a solitary moment with the lass.”

“It is ye that demand I marry. I do not see what the urgency is.”

“Yer brothers.”

“What?” He let out an exasperated breath. “Mother, speak clearly, please. I have things to get back to.”

Her face became like stone. “Ye must marry so that yer brothers can as well. Ye being the eldest must set the precedence, ye are aware of that, are ye not? All of ye are well past marrying age.”

“Ewan is married…”

“Thank God for it,” his mother interrupted. “But ye are a laird.”

Marriage and lairdship went hand-in-hand, the people did not trust and respect a man who was not married. It was the way of things and he well knew it. However, despite it all, he had to at least like the person with whom he had to spend the rest of his life with.

“I will try Mother. I apologize.” He looked at the spread of parchments, maps, and other unopened correspondence. “I cannot promise much time.”

“It is understandable, I know that ye are very busy and do not have time for a full courtship. I do ask that ye do not give the little time ye do have to other…pursuits.” She looked to the door when saying the last word, effectively communicating who she spoke of. “I promised the lass that ye would go for a walk with her after last meal.”

Darach pushed back from the table and stood. Taking his mother’s elbow, he motioned with the other hand. “Shall we Mother?”

Upon entering the great hall, he was relieved that it was empty. He guessed his brothers had something to do with it. They continued through to the family dining room. There were only five people there.

“Lady Macdonald feels unwell and is resting,” his mother explained. That left the two Macdonald sisters, Stuart, Ewan, Catriona, and Ella.

“Where is Gideon?” Darach asked. “I have not seen him for several days now.”

His mother shook her head. “He’s gone to Duncan’s to help with something or other. I believe it has to do with a herding dispute.”

If anyone could talk disgruntled herders into an agreement it was his youngest brother. Gideon had a golden tongue and a way about him that made people instantly like him. Darach understood why he was summoned to help. It also explained why both Duncan and Caelan, had not come around.

Upon entering, Darach noted Beatrice and Isobel sat at the end, where he normally did. Beatrice to his right and Isobel to his left. The right side of course meant to be where the prominent person sat.

Next to Beatrice was Ewan, his wife on his right. On Isobel’s left was Stuart. His mother took her seat at the opposite