Page 13 of In Bed with a Scot

“I am certain that Keelin and Madden would like tae wash the road from their skin afore the evening meal. I was on me way tae settle Keelin in tae our maither’s auld room, if ye are nae opposed,” Arran informed his sister.

“I will take her,” Isabelle offered, smiling at her cousin warmly. “Our maither would have been pleased tae see her bedchamber put tae such good use.”

Arran smiled, nodding his head in approval. “Lorcan, would ye show Madden tae yer quarters?”

“Aye, me laird,” Lorcan agreed. “Kinnaird,” he motioned for Madden to follow him.

Still in a daze caused by the unfortunate situation that he had found himself in, Madden turned and followed Lorcan out of the hall. Pausing at the door, he took one last look behind him at Isabelle and Keelin as they disappeared from sight.

I cannae believe that it happened again.

Isabelle could not believe what she was seeing as she watched Madden leave the hall out of the corner of her eye.

How is he here? How does he ken Keelin? What am I going tae dae if he tells Bain about what we did?

Her mind swirled with a myriad of questions, none of them reassuring.

“Are ye well, Isabelle? Ye seem distracted,” Keelin’s voice broke into her thoughts.

Isabelle looked at her cousin and nodded. “I am well,” she lied.

“I am so happy that ye are here,” Keelin thrilled with a smile. “How long will ye be allowed tae stay?”

Isabelle shook her head. “I dinnae ken. Bain came tae ask a favor of me braither. Once he has obtained what he came fer, I dinnae believe that we will remain fer very long.”

“Then let us pray that he does nae get what he is asking fer,” Keelin replied, looping her arm through Isabelle’s.

“If he does nae get what he wants, he will be intolerable tae live with and the Clan Sutherland will suffer.”

Keelin looked at Isabelle. “How bad is it?”

Isabelle met her cousin’s eyes but said nothing.

“That bad,” Keelin answered her own question with a sigh of concern.

Isabelle attempted to change the subject. “Tell me about this Madden Kinnaird that ye rode in with. Who is he?”

“He serves as an advisor and warrior tae the Laird Hamilton.”

At the mention of the Laird Hamilton, Isabelle smiled. “How is Edith and the new bairn?”

“Edith is blissfully happy and the bairn is braw,” Keelin answered with a wide smile of pride. “I will miss them now that I am returning home.”

“I am certain that yer faither and maither will be pleased tae see ye again.”

“Aye, it has been months since I was last home.”

They had reached the doorway to her mother Ella’s old bedchamber. Isabelle had not stepped foot inside since her mother’s death. “It has been years fer me,” Isabelle sighed, stepping over the threshold. She looked all about her, taking in what remained of her mother’s all too short life.

“I am sorry, Isabelle. I didnae think. I was careless with me words.” Keelin squeezed her cousin’s hand in sympathy.

Isabelle shook her head. “There is nae need tae apologize. I am responsible fer me own choices. I chose tae marry me husband and I must live with the consequences of that choice.”

Keelin studied Isabelle’s face. “Does he beat ye?”

Isabelle did not wish to answer truthfully. “Dinnae pay me words any heed. It is being home after so long a time away that has me heart and mind in turmoil.”

Keelin gave her a look that said she knew there was more to it than Isabelle was willing to say, but she did not pressure her into answering. Keelin knew what Isabelle had been through as a child with her father. She had learned a long time ago not to ask certain questions and expect an answer. Isabelle was grateful for Keelin’ discretion. “Ye could always stay in yer mother’s room with me.”