Fergus leaned against a stall, his expression grim.“You noticed his frailty as well.I hoped I was the only one.”
“He is much less vigorous than when we departed,” Duncan said and Fergus nodded agreement.He was relieved that Fergus had noticed the change in Calum so they could discuss it.“I suspect he feared for you, for he of all men knew the challenge before us, and that may have aged him more quickly.At any rate, there is a chance to make good of your situation.”
“How so?”
Duncan took a breath, wondering how the younger man would respond to his suggestion.“If I were Stewart MacEwan, I would be much more welcoming to another married man at my portal than to a spurned suitor, even if both came to give tidings to my wife.”
Fergus shook his head.“But I am not married and will not be by the morrow.”
“You could be,” Duncan said.“Here is an opportunity to see your father reassured as well as Leila’s situation improved.”
“Leila?”Fergus blinked.“What has Leila to do with this?”
“She has need of a husband to remain in Scotland.You have need of a wife, because Killairic has need of a son.Your father would be much encouraged to see you settled and the next heir born, and it is clear that he admires Leila already.Stewart, as I noted, would likely be more welcoming if you came to Isobel as a married man yourself.”
“Leila!”Fergus repeated and turned to pace the width of the stables.
“There is friendship between you,” Duncan noted.“Successful marriages have begun on less promise than this.”
“But she wishes to wed for love.A marriage of convenience would be too much like the arranged marriage she abandoned.”
“Would it?I understood the chosen man was violent, as you are not.”
Fergus shook his head.“She must have the opportunity to find the love she seeks above all else.I will defend her right to choose.A marriage will not do.”
“Then a handfast,” Duncan suggested.“A year and a day together.It will give her security and you companionship, perhaps even a son.Your father will be pleased, as well.”
“A handfast,” Fergus echoed.“It is an excellent notion and a good compromise.”He straightened with purpose.“But she must know all of the truth.It can be a match of convenience and no more.”
Duncan hid his approval, guessing that his preference for Leila as Fergus’ bride would not be welcome.“Then wed her on this day, without delay, the better to ensure that your motives are not doubted when you ride to Dunnisbrae, and that Leila herself is safe from those who might prey upon her.”
Fergus’ eyes narrowed.“Murdoch,” he said with a bitterness that Duncan found encouraging.
“He eyes her, to be sure, and you know as well as me that Murdoch will bed a woman but not wed her.If she is unwed in this hall, he might take advantage of her.”
Fergus fairly growled at that notion, a most welcome sign to Duncan.
He continued.“If Leila is your wife, though, he will defend her to his dying breath.I have always said that Murdoch made a better ally than foe.”
“It must be today, though.”Fergus glanced toward the ostler and his boys.“But I need to speak to Leila alone first, in case the suggestion is not pleasing.”He indicated the ostler and his helpers, then arched a brow, inviting Duncan to create a tale.
Duncan cleared his throat and raised his voice a little, knowing that those men had taken note of their arrival.“All the same, sir, I am sorry that you arrived home to such news of your betrothed.”
“If she did not wish to wait, perhaps it is better that she wed another,” Fergus said with a sigh.“Indeed, I will send her congratulations and a nuptial gift.”
“Of course, sir.”
“Will you see all my purchases and belongings placed in the solar, Duncan?I will come to make a choice shortly.”Fergus dropped his voice to a whisper, his gaze locking with Duncan’s.“Send Leila to me, please.I do not care what excuse you use.”
“Of course,” Duncan had time to say before Fergus strode the length of the stables.He admired, as ever, that once the younger man had resolved upon a course, he did not delay in fulfilling it.
“You have a gift with steeds, Stephen, it is most clear,” Fergus said and that man smiled at this praise.“And such speed with brushing them down.It must be because you have such enthusiastic assistance.”
“Aye, sir, the boys do very well.”
“I would complete the grooming of Tempest myself, Stephen.”Fergus patted the rump of his dark destrier.“We have become quite accustomed to each other these past years.”
“Aye, sir.”
