Duncan accompanied her to the bailey, then indicated the entry to the stables.“I believe my lord Fergus would speak to you alone,” he said to Leila’s confusion.
About his horse?
Leila picked up her skirts and hurried to the stables.She had no sooner stepped inside and blinked at the relative darkness, then the door was closed behind her.She spun to find Fergus leaning against it, his arms folded across his chest and his eyes gleaming.“Marry me, Leila,” he said.
Leila blinked.She took a step back.She was certain her ears had deceived her.
But she could not have misunderstood because he had spoken in French.“I beg your pardon?”she asked all the same.
“I am asking you to marry me,” Fergus repeated, his manner more resolute.“You have need of a husband.I have need of a wife, as the woman I intended to wed has married another.If you would only consider the option, I am certain you will see that it offers much merit.”
Leila looked down the length of the stables, only to see Fergus’ dark destrier grazing contentedly in his bucket of feed.Duncan’s destrier was in a nearby stall, chewing as he regarded her.
“Your horse is not injured,” she said with relief.
“Not at all.I wanted only to speak to you and soon.”Fergus pushed a hand through his hair and looked suddenly rueful.“I have even concocted a tale about the stallions being amorous this spring to ensure that I could be alone with you here.”
Leila sat down on a bench between the stalls.She could not make sense of Fergus’ offer, as much as she yearned to accept it.She wanted to know why he would propose such an arrangement.
He could not love her, not so suddenly as this.
What detail did she not know?
“Why is the matter urgent?”
“Because you must wed to remain here, and I would not have you thought a whore.”Fergus shrugged.“In fact, I would halt such speculation before it begins.”
Leila did not tell him that it was probably too late.
He surveyed the stable, as if more concerned with his thoughts.“As Duncan reminds me, my father grows older.Indeed, I am a little surprised by the change in him in just four years.I know he would be glad to see the succession ensured before his own passing.He has but one son, so it is left to me to wed and have a son myself, for the future of Killairic.”
Leila nodded understanding.It was not a romantic confession, but it was a truthful one.Given the choice, she preferred honesty over sweet lies.
Killairic, his home, was of the greatest import to Fergus.He would see it secured, and he offered to ensure her safety with his scheme.
Leila would be glad to be part of such an agreement.
“And, as Duncan notes, Stewart is less likely to take issue with my visiting Isobel on the morrow if I arrive as a married man myself.”
Leila chose not to comment on that, for she knew naught of Stewart.
Fergus evidently took her silence as an indication that she might refuse.“You would have the protection you need to remain in Scotland,” he reminded her.“And my defense in case there are those who would be intolerant.”
It seemed too good an offer to be true.
Surely there was a chance of their match becoming one of love and passion?
Still, Leila hesitated.She wished he might have made some sweet confession, even just expressed some admiration.
Or given her a kiss.That might have reassured her of her future hope coming true.
She feared a match proposed so lightly could be put aside just as lightly, but her maidenhead would be gone all the same.
Fergus sat down beside her, his manner intent.“I had not expected you to be so surprised.Not after our kiss last Saturday at Haynesdale.”
“After which you ignored me, as if I were a harlot coming to your home,” Leila felt obliged to note.
Fergus smiled.“As if you were a temptation I dared not indulge.I fear I have been chaste too long.”
