There was no denying that Rory seemed extremely comfortable—no, intimate—with the woman. Isabel’s already shaky confidence crumbled. The unexpected burst of passion she’d felt in his arms tonight had confused her. She’d hoped she’d found a crack in his reserve, but now it seemed he’d only been trying to teach her a lesson. She’d embarrassed him before his clan, and that was all.
Trying to hide her disappointment, she turned away, only to watch as someone slipped from the shadows into the seat next to her. She smothered the gasp that rose involuntarily to her throat as she noticed the large black patch that covered half her face. It could only be Margaret.
She was grateful that Bessie had forewarned her of the lass’s disturbing appearance. Even so, Isabel was taken aback, but she managed to hide her consternation with a serene smile. The patch was as loud as a blaring trumpet heralding her disfigurement. She wondered whether the damage to the eye was worse to look upon than the menacing mask that was meant to hide it.
Isabel had been very nervous to meet her new sister, fearing that Margaret would attribute the sins of her uncle to her. But Isabel’s nervousness vanished at the sight of the timid creature next to her. Once she noticed Margaret’s discomfort, her heart immediately went out to her.
“You must be Margaret,” she said. “I’ve so looked forward to meeting you.”
Margaret peered shyly at her from beneath her lashes.
Without thinking, Isabel reached out and covered Margaret’s shaking fingers with her own. “I have never had a sister, but I know I should like one.”
Margaret stared at her hand in shock, but after a minute she seemed to relax. Her voice quivered when she spoke. “It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Isabel. I apologize for missing the celebration of your handfast, but my sister Christina had sent for me during her confinement.” She met Isabel’s friendly gaze with a feeble smile.
Isabel knew that Margaret’s journey to the neighboring Isle of Lewis, home to the Lewis branch of the MacLeods, had probably been conveniently arranged, but she could not blame the poor lass for wanting to avoid such proximity to Sleat. Isabel took a closer look at her new sister. Except for the patch, Rory’s sister was quite lovely. Long golden blond curls cascaded in soft ringlets down her slender back. Dainty fair features were somewhat hidden but still evident. Her one visible eye was the same transfixing deep sapphire hue of Alex’s and Rory’s eyes. Although Isabel was small of frame, Margaret was much smaller. Why, Isabel thought, grinning at the obvious similarity, she was as sprite as a wee fairy—compliments of her supposed ancestors, perhaps?
Once again, Isabel questioned her uncle’s actions. How could he have treated Margaret so harshly? She couldn’t reconcile her uncle’s handling of Margaret with the deeds of a worthy chief. It was unsettling, especially when compared with the strength and honor of the man beside her.
“I hope the birthing went well?” Isabel inquired politely.
“Yes, thank you, but I’m sorry to have missed your arrival.”
Isabel made a dismissive gesture with her free hand. “A babe is much more important. What did she have?”
Margaret smiled. “A girl.”
“I hope to meet her one day,” she remarked. “And Christina as well. How many sisters and brothers do you have?”
“Only one other. My youngest sister Flora. But she resides with her mother.” Margaret gave her a hesitant look. “Are you finding Dunvegan to your liking? I know you have just come from court,” she continued with a far-off look in her eye. “I doubt I’ll ever have the chance to travel to Edinburgh.”
“Whyever not? I would be happy to escort you to court and make the proper introductions. Queen Anne would be most happy to meet you, I’m sure. She is wonderful; I know you would like her. And of course I shall tell you all about my time at court whenever you wish. But I know you are busy with your duties, so you must tell me when it’s convenient.”
Margaret squirmed a bit in her seat, as if the fact that she was still chatelaine made her uncomfortable. “I’ve been very busy of late, but I’ll certainly find the time to hear about your stay at court. It sounds so exciting. But I could never show myself there…with the way I look and all.”
Isabel heard the deep sorrow and shame in Margaret’s softly lilting voice. She took hold of Margaret’s tiny other hand and said with complete sincerity, “You are lovely, Margaret. If you want to go to court, you should. Don’t let the unkindness of others dissuade you from living your life with purpose. There are many cruel people at court, but I think you’ll find there are many more who are good and compassionate.”
“You are kind, Isabel, but I have not the strength to bear the inevitable gossip.”
There was such sadness in her that Isabel could not resist trying to find some way to help. Her uncle was to blame for the shame that must have turned Margaret into this wounded fey creature. She sensed a kindred spirit in the young woman and thought perhaps she could right a wrong while she was here. It was the least she could do, since she would be making an enemy of Margaret’s brother.
Her mind was made up. She wanted to help Margaret find the strength that Isabel could sense was buried within her. Isabel did not wish to examine her own motives. If she did, she would probably recognize the guilt she assumed for the actions of her uncle. And for her relationship with him.
“The women who are inclined to gossip will always find something to gossip about. I don’t know if they even realize how hurtful it can be, especially to someone unfamiliar with life at court. When I first arrived at court, they laughed at my rough Highland manners. I seemed to always say the wrong thing, as I was used to speaking my mind when at home with only a father and three brothers. Not the most appropriate behavior for a woman, I assure you. Then the next new person arrived and they forgot about me.”
Margaret looked at her with a mixture of admiration and awe.
Isabel chuckled. “I don’t mean to suggest that I was immune to the gossip. I admit I was hurt initially, but that’s because I didn’t anticipate that I would be so different from the other ladies at court. I felt rejected, but I soon realized they weren’t rejecting me personally but merely finding something interesting to talk about. But you’ll know what to expect and will not be as unprepared as I was.”
“I don’t know. You make it sound so simple, yet I am not at all brave, Isabel.”
Neither am I,Isabel thought. Instead she said, “Don’t worry. If you want to go to court, we will find a way. I’m sure that with the two of us working together, we will be able to devise a plan of attack.”
Isabel’s confidence must have been contagious because Margaret smiled.
From his seat on her right, Rory observed the conversation between Isabel and Margaret. He was concerned about Margaret’s reaction to Isabel. His first instinct was to protect his sister from the pain of her memories that seeing a MacDonald was sure to evoke, but he knew they would have to meet eventually so he forced himself not to interfere.
Isabel’s kindness was immediately apparent. He noticed the way she looked Margaret directly in the eye and unconsciously touched her hand, not shying away as most did from Margaret’s injury. Not many had offered their friendship since Margaret’s return; his sister’s disfigurement made people nervous and uncomfortable. It infuriated him, but he could not force people to treat her as before. Fear and superstition were powerful forces. He felt the tightness in his shoulders dissipate, not realizing how tense he’d been while observing the two women.
