Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89331 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
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.
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.