It would have been interesting to see Greer’s face when the laird brought in the basket of food for preparing.
He reappeared with Albie on his heels. “Would ye like to walk with us?”
Knowing the women looked on, she nodded. “Of course.”
Taking her elbow, Darach guided her across the courtyard and through the front gates. As per usual, the dog shot off toward the forest, while they continued walking.
“The messenger is from Laird MacNeil. An invitation for me to come there to discuss clan relations.”
Her stomach clenched at the thought he’d be leaving once again and perhaps another incident like the one before would occur.
“When do ye plan to leave?”
“I am not sure. There are things I must see to first. A dispute between two prominent landowners. There was a report that Cairn may be heading toward North Uist.”
Isobel remained silent. As much as she hoped to not feel betrayed, she could not get past it. If only there was a way to know for sure that he did not have feelings for Lilia still.
“Isobel,” Darach said and waited for her to look up. “Remember the first fortnight after our marriage? That we were to remain near to each other for all those days?”
“Of course.”
“I wish to do it again. Not force ye to more than my presence. I wish to convey my loyalty but am at a loss other than to say again and again that I regret my actions and wish there was a way to undo them.”
“It cannot be undone.”
Darach let out a long breath. “I did not have relations with her. Nor do I care for her in the way I do for ye. Because honesty is important, I will admit to caring for her well-being, as she was my companion—of sorts—for a long time.”
“Ye and I are husband and wife,” Isobel began. “We will remain so. Whatever else may be, that is not to change.”
“I wish for more than just a marriage. I wish for a relationship with ye.”
Albie reappeared, dragging a large branch, and Isobel had to smile at the dog’s antics. Darach ran to meet his dog and broke off a smaller branch throwing it for Albie to run after. They walked and took turns throwing the branch for a bit as Darach told her about the Ross clan’s history when it came to the MacNeil’s.
It seemed they were allies based on Lady Mariel’s marriage to the late laird. However, through Darach’s father’s inability to keep to his promises and dealings with mutual enemies, like the Uisdein, relations were now strained.
It was an enjoyable afternoon, although, as soon as they returned, Isobel rushed inside, needing time away from him, and the pain being near him caused.
She paced in the parlor, unable to keep still.
Lady Mariel entered a few moments later and upon seeing her, sat down with a book, giving Isobel time to settle.
“Tell me what to do,” Isobel said, lowering to a chair. “I feel so very conflicted.”
Her mother-in-law’s face softened. “Take yer time. Trust yer heart and ask God that he allow ye to forgive yer husband.”
Isobel woke from a deep slumber to soft snores and realized Darach was asleep next to her. He’d obviously had to work late because of all his duties he’d pushed aside to spend time with her.
Unable to move because he held her hand to his chest again, she listened to his breathing.
She finally gave up the idea of moving away from him and snuggled closer as sleep lulled her back.
Like the day before and the one before that, he was gone from the bed when she woke, but upon opening the door, he waited for her outside in the hallway.
“Darach, ye have many duties to attend to. I cannot allow ye to spend so much time coddling me.”
Instead of a reply, he placed his hand at the small of her back. “Are we going to the great hall or Mother’s sitting room?”
“The great hall,” she said, knowing that it was time the people who came early to speak to Darach see them together.
Surprisingly, most of those there did not take much notice of them as they went to the high board and sat. Darach served her before taking his own plate, seeming to be content to remain in silent companionship with her.
Deciding it would be interesting to hear the people’s issues and grievances, Isobel remained next to Darach as he and Stuart dealt with those that came forward. It was surprising how many people were still there by late morning.
It was exhausting to watch and listen to as Darach spoke with the people to work out their differences. If things became complicated, then he would seek counsel from either Stuart or another council member and dole out decisions.
He took his time with each situation, never belittling the people, even those with petty grievances, and in her opinion, gave fair decisions.
Murmuring began from the back of the room.
Darach stiffened as Lilia walked in through the main entrance. She was not alone; beside her was a man who looked to be a bit older, and Isobel wondered if perhaps the man was Lilia’s relative.
Did he come to demand her child’s father marry her?
Darach motioned for Lilia and the man to come forward, ahead of others who waited. No one seemed to mind, curiosity taking precedence over it being their turn.
The woman weaved her arm through the man’s as they made their way forward. The way she held her head up was admirable as she neared and lowered to a curtsy before Darach. Upon straightening, her pride-filled gaze lifted.
“Laird,” the man began. “I am Tavish Robertson, from the eastern shore of yer lands. I have a good home and plenty of livestock. Lilia has agreed to my proposal of marriage. I can provide a good life for her if ye
