6
Fergus did indeed havea guardian angel.
She was his new wife.
When he finally joined her abed, Leila did not awaken.She turned and curled against him, her move so natural and trusting that they might have been wedded for a decade.He held her close and reflected upon his good fortune to have such a sensible woman as wife.He liked that she was concerned for him, and that they spoke so honestly to each other.And yet, the passion had risen between them with rare force—and it had not been satisfied with one meeting abed.
Fergus wanted her again.Indeed, his desire was well beyond his expectation, so fierce that he did not trust it would be sated soon.
It was an appealing notion, to have enduring desire for one’s spouse, and a marvel in a match wrought of good sense.Fergus savored it when he should have slept.It was good fortune, to his thinking, for a child to be conceived in affection.
He was surprised to feel his own contentment.
Ultimately, Fergus did sleep, for he awakened when the shadows were just beginning to dissipate.He left the warmth of the great bed with reluctance, knowing he had to depart soon to return by the evening meal, as he had promised.He was tempted to awaken Leila with a kiss, or a greater seduction, but feared his departure would be delayed too much.He rose in the shadows and dressed in haste, returning repeatedly to the bed to look down upon her.
Even as the sky lightened in the east, Leila slept, her lashes dark against her cheek, the sound of her breathing soft in the solar.Fergus watched the first rays of sunlight touch her features and his heart clenched in admiration.She was so delicate yet so fierce.He liked when she created a plan for them both.He admired her honesty and her clear thinking.He respected her determination to create a new home for herself and the future she wanted.
And that must lie at the root of his persistent desire.Fergus did not doubt that a glimpse of Isobel would be like a dagger plunged into his heart.He prepared himself for the sight of his beloved with another, knowing full well that he would find it wrenching, even more devastating that the news had been.
Perhaps it was wiser to feel admiration and affection for one’s wife, instead of love.
Fergus bent and touched his lips to Leila’s brow, savoring the softness of her skin and the little sigh of contentment that she made.He tucked the furs protectively around her, then unlocked the door of the solar.He stared at the key, then returned to Leila, sliding his hand beneath the covers to put the key to the solar in her hand.She did not awaken but her fingers closed around it instinctively.He could see the cord for the key to the treasury around her neck and imagined she would put them together when she awakened.
He knew, without doubt, that all of his treasures were safe in her care.
In the kitchens, Fergus found Agnes, sleeping on a pallet before the glowing coals on the hearth.She had to be shaken awake after her day of labor, but sat up with a jolt when she realized it was him.“My lord!”
“Shhh,” Fergus said.“Do not awaken the others.I would simply ask you to take hot water to my lady wife when the sun has risen.”
Agnes blinked.“She bathed last night, my lord.”
“She did, but it is her custom to bathe twice daily.A bucket of hot water will suffice in the morning, then the tub at night.”
Agnes wrinkled her nose but did not speak.
“Tell me what you are thinking, Agnes,” Fergus said.
“But you will think me impertinent.”
“Honesty is the best choice, Agnes.You should always tell the truth at Killairic.”
The girl nodded and lifted her chin.“I only wonder that she would bathe twice a day, my lord.I hope such excess does not make your lady ill.”
Fergus smiled, well aware that many of his fellows thought a weekly bath excessive.“I doubt it will.It has been her practice for years, and that of her people for centuries, if not more.”
Agnes, it seemed, could not hide her doubt.“If you say as much, my lord.”
“I will be back this evening and perhaps as glad of a bath as she.”He nodded and straightened but before he could take a step toward the stables, Agnes stood up.
“Is it true, my lord, that you ride to visit Lady Isobel at Dunnisbrae?”
“It is.I will return by the evening meal, to be sure.”
“Would you take a message to my brother for me, my lord?He serves the ostler at Dunnisbrae and I have not seen him for over a year.”
“Of course,” Fergus said.
She curtsied, her gratitude clear.“His name is Nolan, my lord, and it is said that we look alike.”
