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“I am glad you realize that and glad you admit I was right about remaining in the keep last night.”

“When did I admit that?” he asked, wondering if she had heard his thoughts before quickly dismissing the absurd notion.

“When you remained in our bedchamber last night,” she said as if it explained it all but naturally, she continued to clarify. “You are a man of principle and if you had thought your decision right nothing would have stopped you from removing me from the keep. You would have had your way, but something warned you against it. Most likely it was the thought that you fled the keep once and would not do so again, a reasonable decision. Another wise decision on both our parts was not to attempt to couple since we were both upset with each other, and it would not have turned out well.”

She was right again. “Harsh words have a way of destroying the moment.”

Flora smiled, appearing pleased. “An easy solution… we will never fight.”

“There is not a married couple alive who do not fight, and even when dead some fight,” Kinnell said, laughing as he approached them.

“They cannot fight if they are dead,” Flora said, confused by his remark.

“Believe me, my lady, the way some of the surviving spouses curse their dead ones, I would not be surprised if they could not hear them,” Kinnell said, approaching the dais.

“A good argument can often help couples,” Iona suggested, following not far behind Kinnell.

“Aye, to kill a marriage,” Kinnell said with a laugh.

“Of course, you would think that,” Iona accused. “Men think women should hold their tongue and do as they say. How would you like it if you were forced to do that day after day?” Her hand shot up, stopping Kinnell from responding. “Do not tell me it is because men are wiser than women.”

Kinnell grinned. “It is good you already know it, now I do not have to explain it to you.”

“You are a pompous idiot,” Iona snapped.

Kinnell laughed again. “But a wise man.”

“You both remind me of a couple my parents were friends with, Lord Simon Granfield and his wife, Lady Adare,” Flora said. “They bickered endlessly before they realized they loved each other and finally wed. Unfortunately, they had wasted so much time bickering they lost years they could have spent together. She died unexpectedly after only five years of marriage, and he was devastated. He retreated from the world, spending his time in studies and talks with my da. You should not waste time. You should love each other while you can.”

Torin smiled at Kinnell. “You did say my wife was observant.”

Flora turned a smile on her husband. “My da would be pleased to hear that you recognized that and that he had succeeded in teaching me to be observant.” She looked to Kinnell and Iona. “It is good that neither of you jumped to deny that love exists between you, a sign that clearly shows you have feelings for each other.”

Kinnell and Iona both were ready to deny it, but both fell silent and stared as if not knowing what to say.

“Did something bring both of you here?” Torin asked to quell the awkward moment.

Kinnell turned to Torin. “It’s Walsh.”

Iona spoke before Kinnell could say more. “He helps as many in the village as he can.”

“And asks endless questions as he does,” Kinnell said.

“And that means he is trouble?” Iona asked with a glare at Kinnell.

“It means he’s digging for something,” Kinnell clarified.

“He is too curious?” Torin asked, concerned.

“Far too curious,” Kinnell confirmed.

“Discussing the weather, hunting, fishing, and talk of the ghost makes him far too curious?” Iona asked.

“He inquired about the ghost?” Flora asked.

“He did not need to. Talk of the ghost is a daily topic in the village,” Iona said, and her face lit with a smile. “Tongues wagged happily this morning when all learned the lord and his lady remained in the keep last night undisturbed.”

“Aye, we had a pleasant night,” Flora said.


Tags: Donna Fletcher Historical