Murdoch seemed to be amused, but if he had any notions about Leila, Fergus would ensure they were dismissed along with that predatory smile.
“And I am delighted to welcome you to my home,” Calum said to Leila.“How did you come to be in this party?”
“I sought the protection of this company in Jerusalem and my lord Fergus was kind enough to honor my request.”Leila’s French was quick and smooth, so much better than Calum’s that it took the older man a moment to understand her meaning.
“A damsel in distress,” his father said then with satisfaction.
Leila smiled, her gaze flicking to Fergus.“One might say as much, sir.”She was beguiling when her eyes sparkled so.Because they were so dark, Fergus thought of stars in the midnight sky when they twinkled.
“And who better to defend you than Knights of the Temple?”Calum continued.Enguerrand and Yvan said nothing, but stood a little straighter.“I am honored for your presence to grace my home, Lady Leila, for so long as you would choose to be my guest.”He gestured to the hall even as his words reminded Fergus that Leila would visit for a short time only.“Please, come and restore yourself from your journey.I warn you that I will pester you for tales of distant lands.”
“I thank you, sir, for the kindness of your hospitality.”Leila bowed again.
“The honor will be all mine, for you will help me with my French.I forget it in these hills, and the practice will be welcome.”Calum chuckled and reclaimed his cane.He winked at Fergus, then offered his arm to Leila.“Have you journeyed west before, my lady?”
“This is my first such trip, sir.”She took Calum’s arm as if she needed his support.Fergus saw the way she slipped her hand beneath his father’s elbow, letting him lean upon her a little without anyone being the wiser.She was kind and he liked that well.
“Then you knew only Outremer before that departure from Jerusalem?”
“Indeed, sir.”
“You must find Scotland vastly different from your home.”
“The weather is considerably different, sir, and so is the food, but people, it seems are much the same wherever one travels.”
“And that has long been my thinking as well,” Calum agreed, leading Leila into the great hall.Fergus and Duncan followed, the Templars behind them.The fires had been stoked to blazing and the high table was already set up.Iain, his father’s steward, was straightening a length of embroidered linen atop it and directing the placement of candles.He spared Fergus a warm smile and welcomed him home before calling to the cook that there had best be enough bread for the evening meal.
That launched a typical and friendly dispute between Iain and Xavier the cook, both of them defending their skills and domains, and taking offense at the meddling of the other.In truth, they both were similar in nature, being older, unmarried men devoted to Fergus’ father’s service and comfort.He found himself smiling at the familiarity of it all as they bickered.
“You had best mind your labor instead of mine,” Xavier concluded, indicating the arriving party.“Youhave not set enough benches in the hall for all of the company.”
“I know best how to see the hall prepared.”Iain sniffed the air delicately.“Is that burning venison I smell?”
Xavier swore with gusto and stalked back to the kitchen.Iain shook his head, then turned upon the man rolling a cask of wine into the hall.
“Not here, not here,” the steward complained.“It must be mulled, for it is the last of the wine.Take it to the kitchen and see if thatfiendwill spare you a place on his fire to ensure his laird’s pleasure.”
“If you mean to mull the wine, I have brought some spices for the kitchens,” Fergus raised his voice to interject and Iain’s eyes lit with pleasure.
“Indeed, sir?They would be most welcome.”The older man came closer, bowing before Fergus.“Do you have a list of them, sir?I would add them to the inventory of the spice box before they can be dispersed without regard for their expense—assomepeople are wont to do.”
Fergus bit back a smile, for it was easy to guess who Iain thought might be guilty of that crime.“I regret that I did not list them fully, Iain, but Hamish has been learning his sums.”He beckoned to his squire, giving that boy the means to escape the affectionate welcome of his aunt and uncle.“Hamish can record them in the ledger for you accurately, if you will lend him a scale.It will be good practice for him, and you, I know, must be too busy for such tasks on this day.”
“And excellent notion, sir.”Iain nodded at Hamish.“You can use my counting room.”
Hamish bowed and followed the older man, standing much taller than he had on their departure.Of course, he was four years older and much grown.
His aunt and uncle beamed with pride as Hamish left the hall.The boy would see them again at the board this night, for Fergus would ensure as much.
Fergus supposed he should consult with Hamish about his desire for the future.Did the boy wish to continue his training and be knighted?He had begged to accompany Fergus for the adventure and Fergus had taken him and Kerr as he had no squires before his departure.Perhaps Hamish could train at Haynesdale.
“I will need peppercorns and cloves first,” Iain said to Hamish.“Dare I hope that there is cinnamon?For that would be a fine addition as well.”
“There is, Iain, as well as star anise,” Hamish replied and Iain’s delight was clear.“I negotiated for it myself.”
“Did you?I scarce remember the taste of that spice for it has been so long.What an adventure you must have had...”
Meanwhile, boys were dispatched from the hall to bring the baggage and Calum headed for a seat set close to the fire.Leila helped him to take a seat and he granted her a smile of gratitude.She sat beside him at his invitation and visibly shivered.“You will need a man to warm you on our nights here, my lady,” Calum teased and Leila blushed again.“Have you chosen one yet?”
