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A Perfect Wife(36)

By:Reece Butler


“Could ye mayhaps put a thing or two away?”

“The laird kicked ye out of the lady’s bed, did he?”

Duff narrowed his eyes at the cackling old man. “I wish my brother hadna outlawed the use of the whip for insubordination. My arm would even now be swingin’, ye auld goat!” That made Fergus slap his leg in glee, which was Duff’s purpose. “Do ye never leave this place? Ye sit on yer wee stool and watch out the window like a corbie waitin’ for sommat to die, so ye can feast on the carcass.” He poured a mug of ale and held it out.

“I see a lot, laddie.” Fergus glowered at Duff as he took the mug. “’Tis quiet here, and I have all I wish to do my duty. Aye, and a thick pallet for me auld bones, a fireplace, and a garderobe all me own!”

“The garderobe’s for all those workin’ in the laird’s office.”

“Aye, but the laird dinna use it much, ’less he swilled too much ale the night afore.” Fergus cut himself some bread and cheese, using quick efficient motions that didn’t match his coarse speech. “Ye’ll be thankin’ me for keepin’ an eye out. ’Tis good I have my wee Trumpet of Doom to sound an alarum.”

“Trumpet of Doom?”

Fergus, a serious look on his face, pointed to a dark corner. Peering, Duff saw an ancient, well-tarnished straight horn. “Aye, for if I must use it, ’tis deep trouble we are in.”

Duff doubted the man could lift it to the window much less make a blast but one never knew what might be useful. Fergus could always drop the thing out the window on someone creeping up and knock them out.

“What have ye seen today?” he asked.

The old man had lived in Kinrowan all his life. He had keen eyes and knew everyone, by the way they moved as well as their faces. He’d told Duff how Malcolm held himself stiff like a guard dog while Duff moved with loose limbs, like a cat. Duff had practiced moving like Malcolm when alone in case the worst happened and he had to take over as laird.

He’d be free of this damned job but as becoming laird meant his brother was dead, he’d rather it not happen. MacDougals do their duty with pride, not shirking in their tasks, he reminded himself.

“’Tis nay what I’ve seen yet, laddie, ’tis the day,” said Fergus ominously. “The sea is full on Michaelmas. ’Tis a day to take yer womenfolk out in yer wee boats. A wife tosses wheat to feed the fish so St. Michael will keep her man safe for another year.”

“So there’ll be lots of boats at the shore, with people coming in and out.”

He’d not thought about that. Cromarty Strait was so narrow there’d be nothing to tell if a boat held a Ross or a MacKenzie.

“Aye, and since yer laird and lady said all could feast with ’em, and ’tis a sunny day, ye’ll have strangers stopping by to have a wee peek at the new laird and lady.”

“Aye, we kenned that would happen.”

“But did ye think yer lady would wish to traipse around the village? Ye havena let her out for any wee visits yet, aye?”

Duff cursed. “You’re right. Lady Kiera hasn’t passed through the bailey gate since we rode in. She’ll wish to explore the village, and to meet all.” He ran his hands through his hair, growling at his stupidity. Looking at life secondhand through papers had made him forget about reality. “We’ll put a guard on her.”

“Nay, lad, ye canna. They’ll think ye dinna trust them, or that their lady fears them. And afore ye say it, ye canna stick to the lady yerself. The three of ye must meet every soul, and that means ye must spread yerselves out.” He shook his finger to make his point. “A man willna fight as well for a laird he doesna ken. If the womenfolks like yer lady ’twill be far easier on all of us.”

“I’d best talk to the keeper.”

“He’s at the stables but will be off to the armory next. Then ’tis the hall to break his fast. Aye, a man of habit is our Ramsay.” Fergus cackled again. “Though his wee wife is changin’ a few things about him.”

Duff didn't know the man well, having spent most of his time with Fergus. “And what would that be?”

“He came near to a smile the other day. He ne’er did that afore Bessie.”

Duff thumped his fist against his chest as if needing to start his heart again in shock at Fergus’s words. He left the old man chortling, but he cursed as soon as he left the chamber. He hurried down the narrow stair and out into the bailey. Ramsay was just leaving the stables. Duff slipped into the armory as he didn’t want to be obvious about meeting him.