Duncan was not surprisedby Isobel’s choice.
He was more concerned by Fergus’ reaction to the news of her faithlessness.The younger man was distraught, and rightly so, but Duncan was troubled on his behalf.He hoped that Fergus would not act on impulse and put himself in peril.
Duncan was glad that Calum had released him from service to Killairic and yearned to ride north immediately.The matter of his family had to be resolved before he could offer Radegunde a future.He would speak to his father and end their dispute somehow, rather than risk having his father send another assassin after him.At the same time, Duncan did not want to leave Fergus in such a mood.They had been companions too long for him to dismiss concern for the man who had become his friend.
To Duncan’s surprise, they had scarce stepped into the shadow of the stables when Fergus turned upon him.“Where shall we secure it?”he demanded in an undertone.
Duncan flicked a glance down the length of the stables.The ostler was at the far end, several boys helping him to remove the saddles from the horses that had recently arrived.That man gave instruction in a booming voice that would disguise the sound of their own conversation.
Duncan kept his voice low.“Would your father’s treasury be too obvious?”
“It has the stoutest lock, though it is also the first place any soul would seek it,” Fergus acknowledged.“I will need to find a better sanctuary for it in time, but the treasury will have to suffice for the moment.”
Duncan nodded agreement.“Perhaps the Templars will demand its return shortly.”
“I can only hope as much,” Fergus agreed.“I fear it will be difficult to keep it safe for a long period of time.”
“And your repute is at risk if it disappears.”
Fergus nodded and frowned.“It could be easily moved to the treasury today along with the gifts intended for Isobel.I will say that I am concerned about the cloth, for it was expensive.”
“Will you tell your father?”
“I would prefer to tell no one,” Fergus admitted with a grimace.“I suppose at some point I will confide in him.But not yet.Let us secure it first.”
“A fine notion.”
“Perhaps you would supervise the delivery of the gifts to the solar,” Fergus suggested.
“Of course.”Duncan hesitated before following the suggestion, wanting to say something of encouragement to the younger man about his broken betrothal.“Every end is a beginning, lad.Remember that.”
Fergus smiled but there was no joy in his eyes.“That is one way to consider the matter, Duncan.I cannot make sense of it.”He shook his head.“I must see her and soon.”
“Why soon?If you hasten then, others will think you smitten yet.”
“I do not care what others think!”
“But you should.You sound smitten yet.Give it time, lad.”
“You do not understand, Duncan.I mustknowwhy she did it.”
Duncan snorted.“And you believe a woman who did not keep her word to you will confess the truth of her choice?You had best remain at Killairic and find a new beginning first.”
“It matters!”
“It does not.She is wed now—by the bishop, no less!—whatever her reasons for so doing.She will remain thus so long as Stewart draws breath.”Duncan tapped Fergus on the shoulder.“Do not even think of shortening that man’s days, lad.”
“Nay, nay, I would never do that!”Fergus was horrified, as Duncan had hoped.The younger man frowned.“But I must see her and hear her explanation.I must go on the morrow.”Duncan made to argue but Fergus held up a hand.“I do not care what others think, Duncan.”
“You might give a care as to what Stewart MacEwan thinks,” he retorted.“I would not be in haste to convince him that I coveted his wife.”
“And so I will not.”Fergus’ expression set.“But I must look her in the eye.”He sighed.“And I must give her the tidings of Kerr, of course.”
Duncan grimaced, for he knew an excuse when he heard it.“You might seize the moment and make your beginning before you depart,” he said, not surprised that his words claimed Fergus’ attention so quickly.
“How?”
“Your father falters in his strength and another winter may see him stumble.I would not wish for it, but I would see you prepare for the moment that comes to us all.”
