Amelia glared up at him, saying nothing else. She remained quiet as Flora and Lucas walked past them. Then, after giving them enough time to clear from the foyer, Amelia marched inside without looking at him again.
It seems Flora’s already made a dent. Amelia cannae hold that bad mood forever though I’m certain she’ll try.
* * *
Amelia hadn’t seen the table so laden with elaborate food since the first night she’d dined in the great hall. Her gut churned in almost the same way. Though the sensation was no longer fear, it felt more like apprehension.
Across from her, Flora tucked a napkin on her lap as the staff made their rounds, pouring mead and wine. Her eyes hungrily took in the surroundings, almost as if she had only seenherlaird’s great hall. Amelia couldn’t help but follow her gaze, looking at the wallpaper and details in the wooden accents.
I suppose this place is amongst the more impressive keeps and castles I’ve visited. Nae quite as nice as me grandfather on me mother’s side, though.
“Are ye enjoyin’ livin’ in Fraser Keep?” Flora asked when everyone’s goblets were filled.
Amelia paused, searching the other woman’s face for signs that she was being facetious. Everything about her was genuine, though. She lacked the signs of refinement that Amelia was used to seeing. Her grip on her utensil was slightly too heavy, and she sat too far back in her chair.
This may be the second time she’s ever been a guest in a castle.
“Aye,” Amelia said, picking up her own fork. “I’ve been keepin’ meself busy around the place.”
Next to her, Darragh made a sound that sounded suspiciously like a huff of amusement. Instead of finding it irritating, she nearly smiled at his reaction. It unsettled her, and she stiffened for a moment before Flora began speaking again.
“Busy?” Flora asked, glancing at Lucas before she gave Darragh a skeptical look. “Like readin’?”
“Nay,” Amelia admitted. Part of her was embarrassed as she said, “I’ve been doin’ different tasks to help the staff. I spend most of me time in the kitchens.”
“Do ye?” Flora replied, relief palpable. “What are ye helpin’ with? It’s always so busy inside the kitchen at Castle McGowan when I walk by.”
“I’m helpin’ with everythin’,” Amelia said. Her shoulders relaxed a bit, a soft smile spreading across her face. “This mornin’ I helped make the bread, and I chopped some potatoes as well. And two days ago, the cook showed me the strangest thing. Did ye ken if ye add lemon to sugared cream, it makes the entire thing tastesweeter?”
“But lemon is sour, is it nae?” Flora asked, leaning forward as though they were discussing a great secret. “That shouldnae make it sweeter.”
“I thought the same thing,” Amelia replied, dropping her voice lower and leaning in as well. Something about the other woman, either her interest or her lack of refinement, made her feel safe. “But Nigell insisted I try it. I’m quite sure it’ll be served as dessert.”
“I cannae wait to try it,” Flora said, the grin on her face erasing all suspicions Amelia initially had.
“Ye’re tellin’ me ye have desserts that change flavors here?” Lucas asked, looking satisfied with himself.
I’m still nae sure how I feel about him.
“Aye,” Darragh said, wiping his mouth with his napkin. “I’ve been hearin’ me staff talkin’ about it incessantly. I’m the one that requested we have it when me cook was makin’ the menu. If it’s as good as they say, then we all must try it.”
It was surprising to Amelia how easy it was to fall into normal conversation. She didn’t have to force it, and she felt neither compelled nor cornered into participating. What was strangest to her, though, was the way she didn’t want to fight it. This sense of normalcy waspleasant. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d felt like this.
It may have been before me braither was born.
“What else have ye been doin’?” Flora asked softly, snapping Amelia out of the negative thought. There was a knowing lookon her face, but she didn’t make any mention of what she’d seen. “Anythin’ outside of the kitchen?”
“Aye,” Amelia replied, her tone softer than normal. She didn’t feel the need to defend herself or lash out to hide away. “I’ve been takin’ inventory of the storage rooms and watchin’ how disputes are settled in the courtyard.”
She could feel Darragh’s eyes on her as she spoke. As much as she was trying to keep her guard up, she knew that he was observing far more than she wanted him to. It wasn’t as if she could do anything about it. She’d promised to mind her manners.
Ach, but when did I start carin’ about the requests Darragh makes of me?
“Ye certainly werenae lyin’ when ye told us that ye were keepin’ busy,” Flora said, delighted. She seemed completely unbothered by Amelia’s distraction, carrying the conversation with an ease that spoke of understanding rather than pity. “I’ve only spent most of me time in the library. Me niece, Elizabeth, she insists I read her at least one story a day.”
“She’d have ye readin’ to her or playin’ with her all hours of the day if ye allowed it,” Lucas said, seemingly amused by the prospect.
“Ye ken, the healer’s daughter recently convinced me that I needed to play a game of hide and seek for me health,” Amelia said with a chuckle. “And she was so serious when she made herassertion. When I first arrived, I thought she might actually be the one in charge.”
