Leila straightened.“In my experience, men who fight to gain their desires are quick to assume that others covet their prizes.”
Fergus shook his head.“I have known Stewart at a distance for a long time.He will be glad of any gift that shows his wife’s beauty to advantage.He will be glad of tidings from the east, as well.You will see.I will be greeted warmly.”
“Even though you tell them of Kerr’s death.”
Fergus winced.“I expect Isobel will be dismayed.Her brother was killed, you know, and his wife wed another.Kerr was her only nephew and reminder of her brother.”He knew that Isobel would be devastated by the loss of Kerr and resolved again to keep the truth of the boy’s nature from her.
Leila studied him for a long moment, her eyes seeming even more dark than usual.“Do not be such a fool as to console her, at least not when her husband might see you.”
“Leila!You make much of naught.”
“Do I?”
“It is but the visit of a neighbor and the deliverance of news.”
She eyed him, her expression inscrutable.Fergus was certain she discerned his hope that Isobel had been compelled to wed Stewart against her own will.
When Leila’s lips tightened and she turned away from him, he felt her disappointment keenly.But they had agreed to honesty, and he would not deceive her about his surrendered heart.
“I trust you are right, my lord,” she said, her tone temperate once more.She worked steadily and in silence, the line of her shoulders telling him that she was yet annoyed.
The next day would prove him right about Stewart and Fergus knew it.
But in this moment, he had to regain Leila’s goodwill.They were to be handfasted, after all.He turned to survey the chamber and the angle of the sun.“When you and Agnes have restored the solar to rights, would you like to bathe before the ceremony?”
Leila spun to face him and her lips parted.“I should, indeed.”
“There is a wooden tub in the kitchens,” Fergus said, savoring the sight of her pleasure.“I will have it brought here and ensure that all know the new lady will bathe daily in hot water.”
“But Iain has much to manage this day.”
Fergus smiled at her for he could clearly read her hope.“I believe he might be convinced to ensure the pleasure of the new lady of the hall.If not, I shall help to ensure that the bride has her desire.”
Leila’s eyes twinkled as she smiled and Fergus felt triumphant.“You are a thoughtful man.I thank you for this, Fergus.”She flicked a glance at the girl, then licked her lips.“I hope you are right about this visit,” she whispered.“I will pray for your safe return.”
Fergus looked down at her, touched by her concern, and had to tease her a little.“I did not know that prayer was your inclination.”
The corner of Leila’s mouth lifted into a smile.“I was taught that Allah aids those who aid themselves, and I prefer to do what I can to ensure the goal I desire.In this case, though, my counsel has been declined.I will pray, for that is the sole course left to me, as I would prefer not to lose a spouse immediately after I gain one.”
“I promise you that I will return in time for the evening meal, and that all will be as I say.”
“And I will pray that you are right, my lord.”Before Fergus could reply, Leila closed the distance between them with a step and stretched to kiss his cheek.He caught his breath then, unable to deny temptation, turned his face slightly so that their lips met.
Leila leaned against him, her hands landing upon his shoulders, and Fergus found himself catching her around the waist to draw her close.She was so enticing and her kiss grew more potent each time.Heat raced through Fergus as she surrendered to his kiss and he was glad that his bout of chastity would end this night.
Satisfaction would clear his thinking and ensure that he was temperate when he met Isobel again.
Though Fergus was sufficiently honest to admit that it was not Isobel who reigned in his thoughts when Leila slipped her fingers into his hair and pulled him closer.
“Gifts, gifts,” Calum declared from the portal, and Leila blushed as Fergus reluctantly ended their kiss.The older man smiled as he entered the solar, and she saw that there was a length of fabric over his arm.“For you, Lady Leila, as my wife always said a bride needs a new kirtle for her nuptials.”
The garment was a rich purple and gleamed with the luster of silk.There was gold embroidery upon the hem and the cuffs of the sleeves, as well as around the neckline.
Leila was surprised to be offered such a splendid garment.“Sir, I could not accept such a gift...”
“Of course, you can,” Calum said, interrupting her.“I brought it from the east, almost twenty years ago, as a gift for my wife.The hue was wrong for her, or so she insisted, and has been folded away ever since.”He shrugged.“I liked the purple with her hair, but she did not and ladies are always right about such matters.”
Leila smiled at Fergus.“I see that you come honestly by your generosity.”
