She would have to watch and listen and seek her chance.
Laird Calum might provide the opportunity she sought.
It had beena fine day and one that gave Leila much hope for the future.She and Fergus had ridden the perimeter of Killairic and he had shown her the bounty of the holding he called his home.She had been much impressed by Killairic’s beauty and more so by Fergus’ affection for the people and the land.
Even better, they had talked of those in the village and she had seen his talent for taking responsibility without meddling.They discussed how best to aid the miller’s son, and he had shared his scheme to send Hamish to help.
He had told her about the midwife who had passed away in his absence and had conferred with her about seeking out a new healer for the village.They had discussed the possibility of tempting one to move from Dumfries and what inducement such a woman might find appealing.
Leila liked that Fergus was concerned not only with her own welfare, should she conceive, but with that of the other women in the village.They had agreed that Radegunde could test the knowledge of whoever they chose, for Fergus expected she would pass through Killairic either with Duncan or in search of him by the fall.
They spoke of Hamish and his future, the possibility of him training for his spurs at Haynesdale, and agreed that the boy might be glad of the opportunity.This, too, Fergus resolved to discuss with Hamish.
Their conversation was easy and companionable, and she liked the glances that Fergus cast her way.He asked for her advice on the administration of the keep itself, and they considered who should accompany them on the journey to Iona.
The sun was setting when they rode back into the village.Farquar beckoned to them to share Nellie’s progress and it appeared the mare would be well enough to pull the plow within a week or two.The priest smiled and waved at them, and Leila agreed to meet him the next morning for more lessons.
All went aright.
Calum was coming down the stairs when Leila and Fergus climbed to the solar.They were muddy from their ride and both meant to change their garb for the evening meal.Fergus changed course and accompanied his father to the hall, tactfully ensuring that the older man did not fall, while Leila continued to the solar.
She was unlocking the portal when she smelled manure.
She had crossed the threshold when she smelled Agnes.The girl was not as clean as Leila might have preferred in a maid, but she knew better than to give that one counsel.And truly, it was not all bad for Agnes to have a distinct scent, since Leila did not trust her.
Agnes smelled of perspiration, and faintly of sexual pleasure, as well as onions.Undoubtedly, she had peeled vegetables for Xavier before her change of post though Leila wondered who the girl’s lover could be.It was somewhat disgusting that she had washed so little in two days.
Leila thought at first that the girl’s scent lingered from earlier in the day, but it was stronger in the middle of the solar.
It was strongest yet by the window with the trunk beneath it.
Had Agnes been in the solar in their absence?
But how?
There were more keys, just as at Châmont-sur-Maine.
Leila felt cold.
She saw then that the soiled chemise she had left for the girl to wash was gone, though the other laundry was not.Fergus’ plaid was still stretched out to dry and his chemise from the day before had not been moved.
She was frowning at the door to the treasury when Fergus entered the solar.
“What is amiss?”he asked immediately and she indicated that he should close the door.He locked it before coming to her side, his eyes alight with curiosity.
“There is another key,” Leila said quietly.“Agnes has been in this chamber in our absence.”
“How can you tell?”
Leila touched her nose and Fergus nodded.
“Alone?”
“If not, her companion is cleaner than she.”
They both looked at the door to the treasury as one.
Fergus put out his hand even as Leila drew the cord with the keys over her neck.She handed the keys to him, fearful of what he would find yet having a curious conviction of it all the same.He opened the door to the treasury as her heart pounded in fear and she knew immediately that her suspicion had been right.His posture changed, his shoulders drooping, then he glanced back at her, his lips a hard line.
