The Libertine (Taskill Witches 2)

Tamhas rose to his feet, pushing his chair back noisily. He exited the chamber without further comment, his fury building. It was shameful. Depositing his formal cloak in the adjacent chamber, he made his way down the corridor.

“I trust that I will gain a more genial acceptance from you in time.”

Tamhas froze. Turning his head, he saw that Lennox Fingal had sauntered down the corridor after him. “I doubt that very much.”

Tamhas refused even to look directly at the man, for something was there in his eyes. Witchcraft was at the back of it. Tamhas was sure the good council leader had been swayed. A favor had been granted, of that he was almost certain. The blackguard must have wheedled his way into MacDougal’s good graces by dubious means. He intended to find out what it was, too. He would soon set them all to rights, and take his rightful place as head of the council.

“That is a shame,” Fingal said, “for we are almost neighbors.”

“You are no neighbor of mine, and I’ll have you know I’ve sent your kind running from Saint Andrews before, and I’ll do it again.”

“My kind?” He raised an eyebrow. “Fair-minded members of the burgh?”

“You jest.”

“I don’t.” He smiled, seemingly at ease. “Oh,” he added, “I meant to compliment you on your taste in women. Your wife and your pretty cousin were looking most fetching when I saw them in Market Street this morning.”

Tamhas’s hands fisted at his side. “Your attempts to rile me on

ly make me more determined to obtain the evidence I need to see you and your people put to death for your evil doings.”

To his annoyance, his adversary only laughed softly. Standing his ground, he gave a shallow bow. “Farewell, Master Keavey.”

Tamhas had no choice but to leave. He stormed out of the council chambers and elbowed his way through the crowded streets outside, furious that Lennox Fingal had gained a foothold within the burgh. He would have to pay closer attention to the man’s activities. He needed evidence to oust him. The man had the ability to sway opinion, and that was dangerous. He was able to enchant people with favors and charm, but Keavey saw past that and he would make sure others did, too.

The insinuation that Fingal could get close to his womenfolk nagged at Tamhas, for Fingal was widely known as a man who could charm any woman into his bed. Had he spoken to them in the market? Had he dripped his evil charm on them?

Tamhas decided that he would have to question them on it.

CHAPTER FIVE

“Did you fare well in Saint Andrews today, ladies?” Tamhas addressed them both from the head of the table.

Chloris forced a nod when he looked at her. “It was most reviving.”

She concentrated on her food. The suckling pig was quite delicious but Chloris could eat only a small amount of the dinner. When she thought of the events of the day she could scarcely manage a morsel, fretting as she was about the illicit rendezvous she had somehow agreed to. Here in the rather splendid dining room she could hardly believe the arrangement she had made. It was one of the most sumptuous rooms in Torquil House, with a long and heavy table and bulrush chairs. The fireplace was large and expensive carpet covered the stone floor on the area from the door to the table. Tamhas lived like a laird, and at his bequest dinner was always a grand occasion. It was his way. He wore fine wigs and expensive clothing, for it was important to him that his wealth and position were visible to all.

“It was a most pleasant outing and Chloris and I enjoyed the market,” Jean replied, “until we saw that Lennox Fingal prowling about the place as if he owned it.”

Chloris reached for her wineglass, her heart tripping.

Tamhas’s expression altered, a scowl developing. “The heathen had the audacity to present himself to council.”

Chloris took a swig of claret. Her situation felt strangely dreamlike. Earlier that day she’d been compelled to question her cousin’s wife about her comments regarding Master Lennox, but now she had a sense of foreboding that made her very uncomfortable about the rendezvous that had been arranged for that night. It was not only her own misgivings that made her uneasy. Now she feared for Master Lennox, who apparently intended to secret himself inside the house where he was despised, in order to assist her. Never in her life had she been in such a strange situation, but there was no way out of it now.

Jean shifted in her seat and looked at her husband aghast. “I am most surprised that the council received him.”

Tamhas continued to observe them both closely as he spoke. “The council would not have received him if I had been in charge of proceedings.”

He pressed his lips together and looked at Chloris.

It was necessary to say something. She struggled with it. The nature of the conversation was so unsettling, given that the man they spoke of had said he would come to her that very night. “I’m afraid I did not recognize the man’s name. Is he a newcomer to Saint Andrews?”

Tamhas nodded. “He first appeared in Saint Andrews after you married and went to Edinburgh. He is a bad sort, and it ails me to know he is abiding so close by my land.”

Tamhas returned his attention to his wife, who was still looking indignant on his behalf. “Tell me, did he speak to you directly?”

“No,” she said, eyes rounding. “We crossed the street as soon as I saw him.”