"I thought I did." But she cringed at the idea of eating a rabbit. "It tastes like chicken. Do you guys always eat rabbits?"
"Aye. Fairly often. Do you nay have them in the colonies?"
"Yes, but mostly we eat chicken, beef, or pork."
"We have nay fondness for pork here. We prefer grouse, venison, smoked fish, and beef on occasion."
"Good thing I'm not a vegetarian."
He gave her a quizzical look. "What is that?"
"Someone who doesn't eat meat."
"Aye, you might well starve eating only bread, carrots, and peas."
"When in Scotland, do as the Scots do."
He grinned. "'Tis a good habit."
They ate for a few more minutes in silence. Then a small animal ran across her foot beneath the table. She shrieked, jumped up, and peered beneath the table. "What was that?"
"What?" Gavin bent to look also.
"Something ran over my foot!"
"Och. 'Tis but a wee mouse."
"No. It was a huge mouse!"
He shrugged. "A rat, mayhap."
"That doesn't bother you? You allow rats and mice to run about your dining room?"
"'Tis a great hall."
"Whatever. Potato, potaahto."
He frowned. "When the maids left, they took all the cats with them."
She peered behind her. "Part of the floor is covered in hay, like a horse stall."
"'Tis rushes. Do you nay ken the difference?"
"Regardless, the rats are hiding in it! You should clean up this place." A horrible idea occurred to her. "I hope you don't expect your future wife to clean it."
"Nay. Of course not." Gavin arose. "You shall be a lady."
Right. So far, he had treated her like a prisoner. Except for that kiss. Nothing to complain about there.
"Are you finished?" He motioned at her bread bowl.
"Yes. It was good. Thank you." She retrieved her goblet and drank more of the wine.
"I'm glad you approve of our humble food. Wait here." He strode to the exit door, opened it, and yelled, "Finch!" He then returned to her side to drink more of his wine.
"Who is Finch?"
"He's a guard."
