“So, you finally admit you love your wife,” Kinnell said with a broad smile.
“And have you finally admitted you love Iona?” Flora asked, turning to face Kinnell.
Torin grinned, his wife’s question asked without an ounce of judgment or teasing, only curiosity.
Kinnell grimaced. “I cannot believe how I feel about such a demanding woman.”
Flora shook her head. “Iona does not demand… she is a wise and confident woman who speaks her mind which intimidates people. It is also the very reason why people seek her skill when needed. They trust in her because of her confidence.”
Kinnell stared at her, looking as if he was about to say something then changed his mind, then decided to speak only to have Flora continue talking.
“You have the same bewildered look most men do when I give my opinion on something. My da was considered a knowledgeable man and his opinion and advice frequently sought and followed. I listened often to his conversations with other men while dutifully serving them refreshments. Naturally, I was ignored, but it did not matter to me since I was gaining knowledge. If my da was the one, here now, offering you his opinion you would have no trouble considering and trusting it. So, know that I heard my da give similar advice one day to a man who was beside himself with a woman who he favored but had strong opinions and little patience for men who dictated to her.”
Kinnell appeared even more bewildered. “You confuse me and yet you still make sense.”
Flora laughed. “My mum advised my da to simplify it for the man when my da reiterated the conversation to her. Simply put… the man was in love and love never makes sense. I would think more on a portion of what you said—cannot believe how I feel. I think that says it all.”
Kinnell shook his head. “Love is madness.”
“It most certainly is not, though it can cause some men to do insane things, women as well,” Iona said, joining them. “And why do you talk of love?”
Panic widened Kinnell’s eyes, not ready to admit anything to Iona, let alone himself, and Torin was quick to come to his rescue.
“I was saying how much I love my wife,” Torin said, giving Flora a hug.
“I am glad you admit what everyone else can see,” Iona said. “I would stay and talk but it is my day to visit with Philip.”
“Is he ill?” Flora asked anxiously, having grown to like the elderly man.
“Nay, I visit with him regular to see how he does, and truthfully, I enjoy visiting with him. He seems to know more of what goes on in the clan than anyone.” Iona looked to Torin. “Pay heed to the people, my lord. Worried whispers circulate over the drowned men found last night and the one who died.”
“Worry not, Iona. I am aware and I am seeing to it,” Torin said, taking no offense to her cautionary words.
“She need not caution you,” Kinnell whispered after Iona was a distance away.
“Iona speaks not only her concern but others as well since many confide in her. I would be foolish not to pay heed to her warning,” Torin said.
“A wise perception,” Flora praised.
Kinnell tilted his head as he continued to stare at Iona. “Perhaps it would be wise of me to speak with her and learn what people are saying.” He glanced quickly at Torin. “Unless you have need of me, my lord.”
“Not at the moment. We will talk later in my solar,” Torin said and with a nod Kinnell hurried off.
“We should see to our task since I am eager to return to the keep and show you the crumbling stone on the sealed door,” Flora said.
“And I am eager to see it,” Torin admitted. What happened to his wife last night while he was not there continuing to puzzle him.
Flora stood looking around the area when they reached it. “He made it a good distance in from the water before collapsing.”
“I am surprised that he did. The water is frigid this time of the year. I do not know how he survived as long as he did. Or why he even attempted it. He had to know how cold the water would be, so why take the chance?” Torin shook his head. “Coins. It had to be a sizeable amount for the men to have taken such a deadly chance.”
He watched as his wife studied the ground around her.
“There were many men here last night?” she asked.
“Several warriors and Kinnell.”
She continued to scan the ground, then suddenly turned and walked off.