“Ask him to recommend a maid for me,” Leila advised.“It would be fitting to seek his counsel in such a matter.Ensure that he is not insulted by my desire to clean the chamber, if you please.”
Fergus nodded agreement.“Iain, Lady Leila will have need of a maid.Is there a young woman in the hall or village you would recommend for such service?”
Iain considered the matter for only a moment.“We have a young girl assisting in the kitchens, my lord, but she has a fine eye for women’s garb.Her skills might be better put to use in the service of Lady Leila.”
Fergus smiled, for Leila had been right.He was amused that she already gave him good advice in his own home.“I knew you would have a recommendation.There is no one who understands the nature of each soul at Killairic better, Iain.”
The steward bowed.“I thank you, my lord, though truly, this is simply my responsibility.”
Fergus grimaced and lowered his voice, flicking a glance at Leila where she stood at the window, seemingly oblivious to their conversation.“My intended is most fastidious, Iain, as many Saracens are known to be.”
“Indeed, sir.”The steward cast a disapproving eye over the solar.“Then perhaps she might be more inclined to see the chamber cleaned than your father has been.It is past due for a scrub, but I have not wanted to disturb your father’s comfort.”The steward sniffed.“He insists that helikesolder rushes.”
Fergus guessed that his father had been trying to save the steward from extra labor.“I assure you that Lady Leila does not share that view.”
“Excellent, my lord.”Iain bowed to Leila, his approval clear.“I shall send Agnes to her immediately, although she is the only one who can be spared from the kitchens on this day.Perhaps some of the cleaning could wait until tomorrow.”
“Perhaps.I will suggest as much.”Fergus cleared his throat.“She may insist upon helping with the task herself to see it done more promptly.”
“I would not wish to give offense...”
“Nay, Iain,” Fergus protested.“It is my lady who does not wish to give offense.She told me already that you must be nigh overwhelmed with duties this day, and that she seeks to contribute.”
Iain considered Leila who smiled at him warmly.
He blushed and bowed, so clearly pleased by her attention that Fergus found his own smile.“Of course, sir.Please give the lady my regrets that we have so few staff to serve her will.”
“Of course.”
“Tell her that I look forward to a woman’s administering hand.And please tell her, sir, that I, like your father, will be glad of the opportunity to improve my French.”
“Then let us do as much now,” Fergus said, recalling Leila’s desire to make alliances.The steward would be a good place to begin.He beckoned to her and introduced the pair, standing back to watch as Iain made his greetings in careful French.Leila was patient and listened to him completely before replying, giving no sign that she noticed two errors.
She was diplomatic and gracious, as a laird’s wife should be, and he watched with pride as she put the older man quickly at ease.They agreed that one maid’s services would be sufficient on this day and disagreed politely upon Leila’s determination to help in the cleaning.Leila laughed at Iain’s protests and teased him just a little, just enough to charm the steward completely.
“You have made a quick conquest,” Fergus commented when Iain left the solar, his step filled with purpose.
“I expect he misses having a lady to consult about the administration of the household,” Leila said.A smile played over her lips.“I like him very much.He reminds me of a man who spent most of his life in my uncle’s service.Karayan might have been one of the family after such long association.”
Fergus glanced around, noting that they were alone in the solar.“And what were you thinking earlier, that you said you would only confide in private?”
Leila sobered.“It is not for me to grant you advice...”
“But it is, for you are to be my wife.”
“So, the role is perceived to be the same?”
Fergus nodded.“In these lands, yes.”
“Then, you must think about the appearance of all you do, Fergus.There will be those who assume you wed your whore as a matter of simplicity because your betrothed has chosen another.Those people will think me a second choice, and not unfairly so.But if you would have me treated as wife and not as courtesan, then your regard for me must be clear.Even if I am not first in your esteem, you should make it appear so.”
“This seems reasonable.”
“Your sole gifts to me cannot be what was intended first for Isobel,” Leila said with quiet heat.“This is not greed on my part or any criticism of what you have brought, but to grant your new bride the leavings from your betrothed is...”
“A poor choice,” Fergus concluded.He spread his hands and raised his voice, just as Duncan and the boys returned.“Tell me, Leila, what nuptial gift would make your heart sing?”
She smiled, so well pleased that his heart thundered.“Two mating pairs of pigeons,” she said, to his surprise, but speaking with such resolve that he could not doubt the honesty of her reply.
