“I must tell him that the task is fulfilled,” he said.
“Indeed, you must,” Rodney agreed.“A laird must know who he can rely upon.”
“Of course, he can rely upon our Hamish,” Mhairi said, smiling he departed.“What a good boy he is,” Hamish heard her say.“Do you think Laird Fergus truly will see him trained for knighthood?”
“If the laird sees sufficient promise in our Hamish, he will do as much,” Rodney said, winking at Hamish.“I have no doubt he will ensure the boy’s future in one way or another.He is a man of merit in that way.”He gestured to Hamish.“Now, go, and prove to him that you can be relied upon.”
Hamish needed no further encouragement to do just that.
The theft had not been discovered, and Agnes grew impatient.What manner of person did not verify the safety of his prize?Especially such a treasure of such value as this one?She had been twice to her hiding place to confirm that it had not been removed.
It showed a trust in the world that Agnes did not share.
She was skeptical of all who surrounded her.She had even thought that Hamish might have been following her until mass on Sunday, but his interest had proven to be more personal.Once she had commented on his apparent infatuation and teased him about his youth, he had abandoned his pursuit.
Agnes could not understand why the Templars did not wish to see the treasure she assumed they defended, but they played chess as if there was naught else to be done.
It was time she provoked someone’s curiosity and prompted a search.
The Templars were playing chess in the hall again that afternoon, while the laird and his whore had gone to the garden with Iain and the man from Dumfries who would build the dovecote.Agnes was left to sweep the hall, which she did without enthusiasm.The old laird was watching the chess game and dozing a little by the fire.Murdoch had joined the party in the gardens.
This was her chance.
Agnes swept toward the table where the knights bent over their game.They spoke seldom and usually in French, but she knew the taller one understood Gaelic.Enguerrand was his name and he had a great hooked nose as well as a piercing stare.
He glared at her when she swept beside him.“Must you do that now?”he demanded.“We are at our leisure.”
“I have been told to do it, sir, and I must follow my lady’s commands.”
Enguerrand made a comment to his fellow, who smiled, then returned to his game.The old laird stirred himself and spoke to her.“I hope there will soon be matters of greater interest to attend than a dirty floor, Agnes.”
“Indeed, my lord?”
His smile broadened.“Perhaps Fergus will share tidings of a babe soon.”
Agnes bit her lip, thinking of the abomination of a brown son standing heir to Killairic.She also thought it best to keep from commenting upon Laird Fergus’ enthusiasm for his wife each night.“I hope the tidings are as you hope, my lord, and delivered as soon as you desire.”
His gaze landed upon her, his expression knowing.“It is not evil to be different, Agnes,” he said gently and she was startled that he had any inclination of her thoughts.“You will learn that there is good in every kind.Lady Leila has a good heart, and that is of the greatest import of all.”
“Of course, my lord.”Agnes took a breath and dared to say more.“I only hope your trust and generosity is returned in kind, sir.”She was proud that she let a little doubt color her tone.It had been perfectly uttered, to her thinking, and she knew she was right when Enguerrand turned his head slightly to listen to her.
The old laird’s gaze brightened.“What do you imply, Agnes?”he asked.
“Naught, my lord.I simply found it curious that the lady had the key to the treasury upon their arrival and not my lord Fergus.”
The old laird fingered the keys on the cord about his neck.“Indeed?”
“Indeed, my lord.Laird Fergus is your son and heir, as well, while Lady Leila is newly arrived.”She was aware that Enguerrand watched her closely, and shrugged.“I wish I had your capacity for trust, my lord.But then, it is not for me to know what is sheltered in your treasury.Perhaps there is little of value there.”She smiled and bobbed her head, turning back to her sweeping.Her heart was thundering and she hoped that her hint would be acted upon.
Agnes was not to be disappointed.
Enguerrand made a sharp demand in French, but the old laird shook his head.He closed his hand over the keys upon the cord and resolve lit his eyes.
Of course, he would defend the infidel.
But the Templars were not so inclined to trust as their host.
The second muttered something but Enguerrand snapped at him, saying something fast in French.Agnes guessed that one of them would pay if the treasure was gone, probably Enguerrand.
