“Then find a way to quiet her,” Kinnell advised.
A smile spread slowly over his handsome face thinking of their kiss. “I just might have.”
CHAPTER5
“We must find time to talk about the Highland way of healing, but at the moment I would like to know your thoughts on the ghost in the keep,” Flora said as they entered the Great Hall, where servants were beginning to reluctantly gather.
“One thing I learned from listening to the many Highland myths from the time I was young is that somewhere within the myth is a grain of truth,” Iona said.
“That does make sense,” Flora said nodding. “Just as a grain grows and flourishes so does a tale after shared repeatedly until it becomes—”
“A myth,” Iona was quick to finish, “and one of many myths that formed the Highlands.”
Thinking that way, it was easy for Flora to understand how an extremely large man would be thought of as a giant to most people. He could have laid claim to this isle, thus the tale began, grew as it was shared, until it became a myth. However, even in her short time here in the Highlands, she understood that the people would not be receptive to such a reasonable suggestion. They preferred their myths and so she kept the thought to herself. Though, she might discuss it with her husband.
“There is a belief, though many historians refute it, that giants actually did exist at one time. Unfortunately, there is no proof. It would take finding a few large bones to prove that giants ever walked this land, but it is an interesting theory and gives one pause to think.”
Iona eyed Flora with interest. “You are knowledgeable for a woman and some men for that matter.”
Flora smiled. “My da believed differently about knowledge. He believed all men, women, and children should gain as much knowledge as possible if society was to not only survive but to mature and thrive. He taught me to read at an early age, told me to never lose my curiosity, never fear to question or debate.”
“Carpe diem,” Iona said.
“Seize the day. You know Latin and are familiar with the Roman poet Horace,” Flora said, excited. “You are the second woman here in the Highlands I have met who speaks Latin.”
“I know only a few phrases that my grandmother taught me and that was her favorite one. I wish I had had the time with her to learn more.”
“I can teach you. I learned from my da’s writings and those of his friends and, of course, the scholarly monks, not that I was permitted to read the scrolls. The monks thought me very well-mannered for a young lass when I arrived at a monastery and remained at my da’s side staring over my da’s shoulder at the scrolls the monks allowed him to read. They told him I would make a patient, obedient wife. They never once even considered that I was reading the words along with my da.”
“How exciting and adventurous that must have been for you and how boring the wife of a Highland lord will be for you.”
“Not at all,” Flora said, her smile turning brilliant. “There is adventure in every day if one chooses to look for it.”
“I believe we are going to be good friends, Lady Flora,” Iona said, with a knowing nod.
“I would very much like that, Iona. We will talk again soon. I must speak with the servants now.”
“Aye, my lady. I look forward to speaking with you again,” Iona said with a respectful bob of her head.
Flora walked over to the closely gathered group. There were far less servants than she had expected. “This is a small group to take care of such a large keep, Verena.”
“The kitchen workers are busy and there are a few who are simply too fearful to enter the keep, my lady,” Verena explained.
“Well, we will have to see about changing that,” Flora said confidently and turned to face the huddled group.
“I am the new lady of the keep… Flora, and I want to thank you for coming here,” Flora said with a generous smile and all eyes turned wide.
Verena leaned over and whispered, “You do not need to thank them, my lady.”
“I was taught differently,” Flora said and looked over the curious faces in the group. “Praise and appreciation are deserved for a job well done and I will be generous with both. Also, if you have any concerns or problems, please bring them to me and I will see them settled.” Again, eyes went wide, but Flora went right on talking. “I understand there is a problem with a ghost in the keep which makes many of you and others reluctant to work here. I intend to see the problem solved and the ghost dispatched to a restful place.” That remark got eyes spreading even wider. “Today we will see two tasks done… shutters will be opened, the broken ones repaired, and the fireplaces cleaned of their ashes and made ready to light. If anyone is reluctant to work in any room, please let me know and I will accompany you. Ghosts do not frighten me.”
Eyes could not go any wider, but mouths did drop open.
“We will start with this room, though I will also have at least two volunteers to go with me to Lord Torin’s bedchambers,” Flora announced.
No one stepped forward.
Flora turned to Verena.