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

“I cannot be convinced it is. I think she said it to shock Isobel.”

“I am sure it worked. She looked to be in shock.”

Darach clenched his jaw. “No sooner had we walk outside, did she become sick.”

“I will speak to a midwife and have her call upon Lilia. This has to be dealt with swiftly. Yer first bairn will not be a bastard.”

When she stood, Darach spoke, “She said Cairn was present when my birth mother died. Said something about the rumors surrounding her death and said to ask ye about it.”

“That venomous snake. I should have insisted she be tossed out long ago. Ye and the others were blinded by what she gave and did not pay attention to her horrible manner.”

“I must ask Mother…”

His mother shook her head. “I heard the same things. That yer father killed yer mother. Smothered her to death while she recovered from yer birth. I tried to ask the servants, but none would talk. They were terrified of yer father. I will find the midwife, I believe she still lives in the village near Duncan and Caelan. Back then, she assured me yer mother died from losing too much blood, but I will question her again. And I will get the truth from her. For now, ye care for current matters. I will find out what I can about yer mother.”

“Ye are my mother as well, and I will never see ye as anything else,” Darach said, coming to her. “But I must know.”

When she cupped his face, Darach kissed her brow. “Do not worry son. Go on and take care of all that ye must.”

He walked out to speak to the guardsmen who’d gathered and found that no one heard or saw anything about Cairn. It was as if the man had vanished into thin air.

“I do not think he will cause any more problems,” Stuart said. “He is probably traveling far, fearful at being caught and put to his death.”

The others agreed, and like him his brothers were angry that the man got away. “We must find out who let him out,” Darach said, looking around the room. “Someone must have seen something.”

One of the men in the room motioned to speak, and Darach nodded in his direction. “A pair of us saw a man walking toward the woods last night. We called out, but he was too far to hear us. A patrol was sent after him. They found a hunter who claimed not to have seen anyone else about. That was all.”

After more discussion, everyone was dismissed. A pair of patrols had been dispatched to the northern and southern shores to search for Cairn. Hopefully, they’d arrive in time to stop the traitor from hiring a bìrlinn and escaping to a faraway destination.

He couldn’t be still, most of the people who’d stayed for the day were heading home, so he walked over to a couple from a nearby farm and wished them well.

“Darach,” Ewan crossed from the stables to him. “I believe the person who allowed Cairn to escape was one of our guardsmen. What worries me is whether the man did it for coin or because he is loyal to him.”

“Probably coin,” Darach replied and yawned. “I will bathe and seek my bed. It has been a long tiresome day.”

“Did something else happen?” His brother studied him. “Ye seem worried.”

Darach told Ewan about the interaction with Lilia and how it had affected Isobel while Ewan listened quietly.

“Lilia is probably lying. If she is not, who the bairn’s father is will not be easy to prove.”

“Aye, I am aware,” Darach replied. “What worries me is Isobel. Lilia, I can deal with.”

For a moment, he thought Ewan wouldn’t say anything, but his brother placed a hand on his shoulder. “Ye must reassure yer wife. The idea of yer first bairn coming from another woman is not something most wives can easily forgive.”

“It happened before…”

“It matters not.”

Darach raked his fingers through his tangled hair. “I have to travel in a few days. I hope to have this matter resolved by then. Mother is sending a midwife to examine Lilia.”

“Good.”

After making use of the bathing room near the guard’s quarters, he trudged up the stairs to seek his bed. The bedchamber was silent. Except for a single candle, there was no other light. The fire in the hearth had waned so he added a log to it.

Once that was done, he removed his clothing and climbed into bed.

Unlike most nights, Isobel slept on her side with her back toward him. A firm message that she was not happy with him. He considered pulling her into his arms but decided against it. He would give her time to calm down before pushing her.

Despite the exhaustion, Darach could not sleep. If Cairn went to the Uisdein, he could share many things about the clan that the laird would be able to use against them. There was a chance that despite the rift between the clans, the laird would give Cairn harbor, in hope of learning information.

It was imperative that he travel soon and come to some sort of agreement to keep his clan from harm.

When Isobel awakened, Darach was already dressed. He neared the bed and kissed her. “How do ye feel? Sore from all the riding?”

She sighed. “Not too much.”

“Ye could remain here and rest. I can send someone with food.”

“Nonsense,” she said, sitting up. “I am perfectly able to go downstairs. There is much to be done and I do not plan to spend the day dawdling about.”

By the way she slipped out of bed and crossed the room, he didn’t notice any limp or stiffness.

Darach went to her and pulled her into his arms, kissing her brow.

“I have much to do,” Isobel pulled away and went to the wardrobe. She kept her face turned away from him as she sorted through the clothes.

“Isobel?” Darach began and stopped, not sure exactly what to say.

“Hmm?”

“I am going to