“What is on yer mind, Tormod.”
“There are several pressing matters concerning disputes among the villagers and the farmers that need resolving. As ye’re well versed in Highland law having been Laird Torr’s advisor… I thought…”
Edmund smiled at this. “Ye wish me tae act as laird and adjudicate these disputes? Are ye nae the man of clan law?
“Aye. I am versed in the law, yet I havenae the authority. Some matters can wait, but some need urgent settlement, and we’ve been without a laird fer nigh on two months.”
Edmund took his time, mulling this over. He had frequently advised Torr at Dùn Ara, and he trusted his own judgment when it came to resolving the many issue that caused bad blood between folk. Whether that might be issues of kinship and inheritance, conflicts within marriage or families, or arguments over territory, Torr had always valued his opinion. Finally, he spoke.
“If this is a way I can repay the hospitality ye’ve shown me, I am happy tae help. But only on the condition that ye will give final approval, or nae, tae me decisions.
“Aye, I am happy tae assist,” Tormod said, looking relieved. “I wish ye goodnight, lad and I will look to see ye in the meeting room tomorrow morning after ye break yer fast.” He hastened out the door without another word, as if he fearful of Edmund changing his mind.
Edmund remained alone in the study for several minutes after Tormod had taken his leave. He looked around the large room that would be his if he were to accept his birthright. One wall was lined with leather-bound books and he took down one which seemed familiar. He glanced over the familiar tales contemplating his father reading from the same tome. Did they share a love of reading? Were there likenesses to his father that went beyond the physical.
He felt a pang of loss, fully realizing that many questions he had would never be answered.
After replacing the book, he found Annora in the solar. Together with Tyra, she was examining the lengths of fabric which had been sent from the weavers’ cottage. Both looked up smiling when he walked in. It seemed Annora may have gone some way to melting Tyra’s icy demeanor where he was concerned.
Annora held up the indigo-dyed wool and draped it over herself for him to admire. “Lady Tyra has promised tae take me tae the seamstress tomorrow. I’ve chosen this blue as the first gown fer her tae make. What d’ye think?”
He couldn’t resist a smile at the way her eyes lit up as she preened in front of a tall looking glass on the table. Tyra was nodding enthusiastically.
“Why it suits ye and the color of yer eyes well, lass.”
He noted with some satisfaction the rush of pink to her cheeks. She was like a rosebud, still with the bloom to come. He turned to Tyra and dipped his head.
“I am most grateful tae ye fer yer kindness, Lady Tyra.”
Tyra gave a small huff, but her lips quirked in a smile. “I am pleased tae help the Lady Annora.”
Annora re-folded the fabric and placed it with the other lengths on the table.
“Would tomorrow morning be a suitable time fer meself and Lady Tyra tae meet with Mistress Elyne?” Annora asked hopefully, adding hastily. “That is, if ye’ve nay other plans fer us tae travel away from the castle.”
“Aye lass. That will be convenient. I will be busy here meself tomorrow.”
At that, Tyra looked up. “May I ask what ye’ll be daeing tomorrow?”
He thought her question was oddly impertinent. After all, it was none of Tyra’s business what he would be doing while she and Annora were busy with the seamstress. He answered as briefly as he could.
“I’ll be carrying out some tasks wi’ Chief Tormod.”
Tyra gave a reluctant nod, pursing her lips. He smiled to himself at the look of frustration that crossed her face. He had no doubt she would report back to Harris, but he had no intention of giving her more details.
Later, when he and Annora were at last alone in their bedchamber, she rounded on him with a grin “What are these tasks ye’ll be daeing wi’ Tormod tomorrow that had poor Tyra turning in knots fer wanting tae ken?”
“I’ll be playing the part of laird, helping tae settle a handful of pressing disputes that cannae wait any longer fer resolution.”
She placed a finger beneath her chin and slanted him a knowing look. “Hm. Playing a part, is it?”
“Aye. Tormod hasnae the authority, whereas, as me faither anointed me heir tae the lairdship, I dae.” He sighed. “I ken what ye’re thinking. Mayhap this is a test, fer them tae judge me as able or nae to take on the lairdship.”
“And if it they judge ye able, what then?”
“I still dinnae ken that I wish tae take on the lairdship, although wi’ each day that passes that seems more possible. Yet I am mindful that, should I stake me claim, I may find strong opposition in Harris MacDonald.”
“Aye. I have nay doubt. Since talking more wi’ Tyra, I ken she lives only fer his approval. Although she didnae say it outright, she would willingly hand him the clan tae rule once they are wed.”
