Torin was glad she kept what happened last night between them or tongues would be wagging with alarm.
“Aye, a very pleasant night and more to come,” Torin said to make it known the lord and his lady now occupied the keep permanently.
“The news will be received with great relief,” Kinnell said. “Some matters have been brought to my attention to discuss with you, my lord. Do you have time now to see to them?”
Flora turned to her husband. “Your solar was finished yesterday and is ready for use.”
“You truly have brought the keep back to life, wife, and I thank you for it,” Torin said and kissed his wife’s cheek. “You will be working in the keep today?”
“Aye, there is still much to do,” she said.
“Until later,” Torin said and kissed her cheek again.
Flora turned to Iona as the two men walked off. “I often speak the obvious, at least what is obvious to me, and unfortunately, at times without thinking. I did not mean to offend you by suggesting that you and Kinnell care for each other.”
“You only saw what is there, my lady,” Iona admitted. “I have favored Kinnell since I first laid eyes on him, but I have a bold nature and an even bolder tongue that most men dislike. He is a fine-looking man and favored by many women. He argued with me from the start, a sure sign of disfavor, or so I thought.”
Flora chuckled. “Lord Simon and his wife Adare did the same. It was my da who pointed out that Adare’s beauty intimidated Simon since he was a plain-featured man and thought Adare would never be interested in him. So, he argued with her out of frustration and disappointment instead of taking a chance with her. It was what got Simon to stop arguing and talk with her. They were wed shortly after that.”
“I do not know if we could ever stop arguing. It seems to be the way between us,” Iona said.
“Then perhaps you should tell him how you feel and see what he says.”
“While I have a bold nature and tongue, it terrifies me to think of doing that,” Iona admitted. “If he does not feel the same as I do what then?”
“You will waste no more time thinking about him,” Flora advised.
“Aye, it might be worth it just for that since he is forever on my mind.” Iona shook her head. “Excuse me, my lady, but I must take my leave. There may be people at my cottage who need me. Unfortunately, I got caught up arguing with Kinnell and followed him here without thinking. Thank you for your truthful and kind words, and I am at your service whenever needed.”
Flora jumped up. “I could use a walk before starting my day here in the keep. I will go with you.” She did not reveal to Iona the true reason she walked with her… to visit Philip and see what he knew, being the eldest in the clan, of the tower room.
A cold wind nipped at Flora’s face as she stepped outside with Iona, and she quickly drew her hood up over her head. They chatted as they walked and stopped to chat with other women along the way.
“You have not been here that long, my lady, but it is obvious to see that the clan favors you and are relieved you are approachable and that you show such interest in the Highlands,” Iona said as they approached her cottage to see a couple of people waiting for her.
“I am glad to hear that, Iona, now you must go and see to those in need,” Flora said and thought over Iona’s remark as she walked away.
She never had many friends, her interests far different from other young woman. While they focused on making good marriages, she focused on gaining knowledge, something she continued to do here. She wanted to learn all she could about life in the Highlands and asked questions of everyone she talked with, and all were only too pleased to talk with her. Strangely enough, she was beginning to feel a part of the clan, a part of a family, and that truly pleased her.
She tapped on Philip’s door and the elderly man opened it, his eyes turning wide surprised to see her there.
“My lady, how may I help you?” Philip asked.
“I have a question I was hoping you could help me with. Would it be all right if I came in and we talked a bit?”
Philip stepped back, opening the door wide. “Of course, my lady. How rude of me not to invite you in.”
“Nonsense, Philip. I surprised you with my visit,” Flora said as she stepped inside.
His cottage was small, sufficient for only one person, but it was warm and smelled quite pleasant.
“Please sit, my lady,” Philip said, pointing to the only bench in the room.
Flora spotted a small stool near the hearth and went to it. “You sit on the bench, Philip, while I warm myself by the fire.”
He stood where he was for a moment, a bit stunned, but once she sat on the stool, he leaned his hand on the table to help lower himself to the bench.
“How may I help you, my lady?”