Fergus smiled, obviously pleased.“You can perhaps see how the promise of returning here gave me strength and hope.”
“I can, indeed.What a dream to return to a land of abundance, a good home and a loving betrothed.”Leila swallowed.“I am certain that you and Isobel will have many happy years together.”
Fergus opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it again.After a moment, he pointed down the water.“This is the Solway Firth.The far shore is Cumbria, sworn to the English king, but this shore is Galloway and Scotland.You can see Henry II’s realm on a clear day.”His tone was cool, as if she were a visiting acquaintance, and Leila supposed that she was.
She also supposed she should not have mentioned Isobel.But was the prospect of seeing his beloved not the main reason for his pleasure?How she wished a man might wait for her with such ardor!
Nay, she wanted Fergus to speak of her with such ardor.
She was a fool, to be sure.
“And that keep ahead is Killairic,” he continued.
Leila nodded in understanding.“I should have guessed as much.”
“How so?”
“The horses have quickened their pace, at least yours and Duncan’s have done so.They recognized the road when we left Dumfries.”She smiled.“Every creature’s step is lightened at the prospect of returning home.After four years away, you must be glad to see this place again.”
“I am.”Fergus spared her another intent but quick glance.“Does that mean your step will never be lightened again?”
Leila shook her head.“No.It means I will make myself a new home.”She let Fergus see her resolve.
“You did not care so much for your own?”
“I loved it dearly.I would never have left, save that the one thing of greater import to me was at risk.”
“Your chance to choose your spouse?”
“And thus my happiness.I did not believe I needed to choose my husband before a bad one was chosen for me.I would not condemn myself to a life of woe, even to please my uncle.”She shrugged.“I had to choose.”
“You miss Outremer.”
“Of course.But the choice is made, and now my future must be made.”
Fergus studied her, his curiosity clear.“Where?”
“Here, if I am welcome to linger,” she said, holding his gaze for a long moment.
“But it is so different!”
Leila noted that he did not give her any reassurance, but refused to be insulted.The choice of welcoming a guest might not be his to make.Fergus was honest, and she admired that trait.He never promised what he could not ensure was given.
And every vow he made was kept.
“It is, and I like that difference,” she said instead.“The earth is fertile and so green that it defies belief.I like the mist and the rain, and the confidence that there will not only be water but enough of it.”Leila smiled.“And I like the wildness of the hills.It seems that I could ride away from the party and be utterly alone within moments.”
“You could be.”
“What a beguiling notion.”She shook her head, looking around herself with wonder.“I have lived in cities all my life.I have known dust and sun and crowded markets.I like that there is this tranquility and yet the town is so very close.”She smiled at him again.“This could be an earthly paradise.Do you know anyone named Adam or Eve?”
Fergus laughed.“Be warned, Leila.Scotland is much colder than your home, without olives or so many fruits.”
“Each land has its own fruit.I see that orchard within the walls of Killairic.What kind of trees are those that bloom?”
“Apples, mostly, though there are a few others.”
“A fine and versatile fruit.”She nodded approval.“And so there must be bees, and so there must be honey.”
