“I see that Duncan’s mount, Caledon, is groomed already, which is admirable.”Stephen bowed and Fergus continued.“I did want also to speak to you about the stabling.”
“Sir?”
Fergus shook his head in apparent dismay.“We have found the stallions to be most amorous in recent days.”
The ostler chuckled.“Spring is in the air, my lord.”
“Indeed.Perhaps the palfreys could be stabled in the village and temptation thus put at a distance.”
Duncan was intrigued by this tale, for he had noticed no change in the horses’ manner.He lingered to listen.
“Of course, sir.”
“Could you find accommodation for the Templars’ destriers elsewhere, as well?We have found it best of late to divide the stallions from each other and from the mares, though I hope their inclination will soon pass.”
“Of course, sir.Tempest can have the most distant stall from Caledon, and the palfreys can be stabled in the smith’s barn.I would imagine that one of the Templar’s destriers could be stabled in the plowman’s small barn and the other housed by the miller’s abode.”
“That would be excellent, Stephen.Duncan will depart in the morning, and I expect the Templars will leave shortly, as well.”
“Then all will be returned to normal soon enough, sir.It is no trouble to made a change or two to accommodate guests such as these fine steeds.”
Duncan watched as the ostler and his boys led the horses out of the stables, leaving the knight alone with the two destriers.Duncan strode into the bailey to do his part in giving Fergus the opportunity he needed to speak to Leila alone.
The warrior smiled as he approached the hall, convinced as he was that Fergus would find precisely the partner he needed if he took Leila’s hand within his own.It was all the encouragement Duncan needed to ride north with all haste and ensure that he could invite Radegunde to join him by the anniversary of their handfast.
He had but four months remaining to see his own future secured.
It waspainful to witness Fergus’ shock and dismay.
Leila wished she could console him, but feared that any gesture on her part would restore the strained silence of the past days.She watched, furious, as the boys brought in trunk after trunk, each one laden with gifts for Isobel.What kind of woman would break her vow within months of her betrothed’s departure?Certainly not one who deserved the regard ofthisman.
It seemed to her that Fergus could not even bear to look at the trunks.That only added to Leila’s sense of injustice.She remembered all too well how delighted he had been after visiting the markets in Venice, how he had clearly anticipated seeing his gifts adorn his beloved.
Faithless shrew!Had Isobel forgotten the man who held her at the forefront of his thoughts?Home was of the greatest import to Fergus and he had admitted himself that it was the prospect of his return that had given him strength in the face of adversity.It seemed Isobel had cared little for him.Leila might not have followed all of the conversation, but she had understood that.
Did Isobel ever consider that anticipation of their future, that his love for her, might have helped Fergus to survive?He and Duncan never spoke of whatever battles they had joined in Palestine, but Fergus had served with the Templars and those knights rode to battle regularly.Leila did not doubt that the two men were close because they had each saved the other’s life, and probably more than once.
Did Isobel think ofthat?Nay, it seemed that beautiful Isobel cared only for her own comfort and satisfaction.A son!Her match was not a mere formality, to be sure.
Leila’s hands balled into fists in her lap as she sat beside Calum, and she hoped that no one noticed her indignation.The older man was charming and asked questions about Outremer that showed he had journeyed there.His French was slow, but he was good-natured about it, and Leila found that she liked him well.She could see that Calum had been a warrior himself, for he shared Duncan’s alert manner and quick gaze, and there were scars upon his hands and one upon his cheek.Doubtless there were more scars she could not see.She admired that warfare had not made him bitter and suspected that he was more tolerant than many she had known.
She was well aware of Murdoch watching her, but avoided the warrior’s gaze.His interest was clear but without knowing its precise nature, Leila would not encourage him.
Even so, her thoughts were with Fergus.
When Duncan returned to the hall alone, Leila’s gaze flew to him.To her relief, he came to her side.
“I beg your pardon, Leila, but Fergus asks if you might look at the hoof of his destrier,” Duncan said.“He fears Tempest has stepped upon something this morning, for the beast favors one foot.”
Leila stood immediately, knowing the value of the destrier and the importance of prompt attention.“Of course!”
“Do I misunderstand?”Calum asked, looking between them.“Do you know much of horses, Lady Leila?”
“She would challenge the knowledge of the best ostler, my lord,” Duncan said.“We have come to rely heavily upon her counsel.”
“What a marvel,” Calum said.“The Saracens have much knowledge about medical matters, I know, and it makes good sense that such expertise extends to horses.And you did mention that your uncle was a blacksmith.Do not keep an injured destrier waiting, much less his devoted knight, Lady Leila.Not upon my account.”He winked at her.“There are males not worth the trouble of vexing, but I am no longer one of them.”
“I thank you for your courtesy,” Leila said with a smile and bowed to him.She hastened out of the hall, both concerned for the horse and glad of the opportunity to see Fergus again.
